School me on chronographs...

[coldboreshot]

https://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/chronograph.4097324/
https://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/chronograph.4097324/#post-38696769

And just to add to the agony of chrono choices....
Around the corner comes a new radar chrony.
The FX True Ballistic is showing some promise but it is early in the game. Not to mention the price tag.

Not 100% positive but isn't the FX specifically for air guns?

 

[coldboreshot]

Not 100% positive but isn't the FX specifically for air guns?

My mistake. 400-4000+ fps measurement.

 

[Rsadams]

I forgot to add, when you get your LR, consider ordering an external trigger for long gun instances where triggering is difficult, and also remember when running your pistols to change the settings to those values. Also, you will want to run an external battery pack instead of using the internal ones. Those AA batteries don't last long so most of us use a cell phone charging battery. You will also want a fast SD card to be able to pull the data files more easily.

I use LR for handgun load development both at the clubs outdoors, but I have also run it indoors at the local public ranges. It will do the job with handguns.

I have also run it for airgun, and archery, where that external trigger comes in handy again.

The only fly in the ointment of the LR, is their app connects via a very unreliable BlueTooth connection, so you will inevitably learn how to re-establish communication between the unit and your device.

Most of the latest competitors for the LR are not cheap alternatives, so I expect the LR will still be around for some time to come because it is easy to use, and it works.

After a little research on the lab I did order the jkl external trigger and magnetic mount... Thanks for the reply... I also use a crono for everything.... Archery , rifle , pistol , air rifle...

 

[Rsadams]

OP, besides your existing and similar, isn't LR your only option? I don't think MS works on pistols.

Yes I think so...

 

[Rsadams]

I forgot to add, when you get your LR, consider ordering an external trigger for long gun instances where triggering is difficult, and also remember when running your pistols to change the settings to those values. Also, you will want to run an external battery pack instead of using the internal ones. Those AA batteries don't last long so most of us use a cell phone charging battery. You will also want a fast SD card to be able to pull the data files more easily.

I use LR for handgun load development both at the clubs outdoors, but I have also run it indoors at the local public ranges. It will do the job with handguns.

I have also run it for airgun, and archery, where that external trigger comes in handy again.

The only fly in the ointment of the LR, is their app connects via a very unreliable BlueTooth connection, so you will inevitably learn how to re-establish communication between the unit and your device.

Most of the latest competitors for the LR are not cheap alternatives, so I expect the LR will still be around for some time to come because it is easy to use, and it wo

In about a month or so they are putting out a new firmware update I hope it addresses their blue tooth issues..

 

[Rsadams]

FWIW, really doubt this is an issue with your chrono.


I currently have 2. I do have a Labradar and use it most of the time. Probably got it just to see if it was everything that folks raved about. It is Ok, but you aren't going to be hearing me go on and on about it. It is just Ok.

My second chrono is a Competition Electronics Prochrono DLX. I'm more likely to rave about it. It will pickup bullets beyond the ability of the Labradar to pickup (picks up .172 and .204 just fine and over 4,000 no problem). But I'm also the guy that used a Shooting Chrony for 15 years and never shot it. Just got tired of stringing the cable to the unit. But any optical unit has the potential for lighting to be an issue. I was able to deal with challenges and solve them.

And how I use a chrono in my load development, you will never find me strapping a weight to the end of my barrel. But I realize the range conditions I shoot at (private range no heavily used) are probably different than some have to deal with.

Here is when I was comparing the accuracy of the two chrono's.

View attachment 1459147

I went ahead and ordered the lab radar but it will be replacing a competition electronics pro crono that I have had since I started reloading... I used their stuff in large scale RC car racing and really liked it... I would still have their battery chargers if it wasn't for the fire.... I will either stay working on it or send it back for repairs , It got blown over once and they fixed it for like $10 , super nice company to work with or at least it was 10 years ago.... I will still use it for shotgun testing.... I have a feeling I am fixing to be pissed off after spending $1000 on the lab radar and all the things you need for it... I hope not... I sure like my pro crono over the years hopefully it will be a nice upgrade...

 

[Rsadams]

This is what a Hot Rod 44 Mag looks like.

View attachment 1459200

That's some serious info , thanks for posting... Do you work for a crono company..???

 

[jepp2]

I have a feeling I am fixing to be pissed off after spending $1000 on the lab radar and all the things you need for it... I hope not.

Hopefully you will have far less than that in it total. If I shot at a range where setup is a larger issue, I can certainly see the benefits of both the LabRadar and Magnetospeed chrono's. For a while have the Mv was a benefit for me, but since I switched to GRT, now I just input the distance my chrono is from the muzzle and it corrects the recorded velocity to muzzle.

I ass-u-me the Labradar claimed accuracy of 0.1% error is correct. So I was able to compare my other shoot through chronos vs it. The ProChrono was running about 0.3% vs the LabRadar. Close enough in my book.

For aiming, I just had a 10" section of 5/32" tubing I used for another reason. I lay that in the V notch, and for me it works better than anything else I have tried.

 

[Rsadams]

Hopefully you will have far less than that in it total. If I shot at a range where setup is a larger issue, I can certainly see the benefits of both the LabRadar and Magnetospeed chrono's. For a while have the Mv was a benefit for me, but since I switched to GRT, now I just input the distance my chrono is from the muzzle and it corrects the recorded velocity to muzzle.

I ass-u-me the Labradar claimed accuracy of 0.1% error is correct. So I was able to compare my other shoot through chronos vs it. The ProChrono was running about 0.3% vs the LabRadar. Close enough in my book.

For aiming, I just had a 10" section of 5/32" tubing I used for another reason. I lay that in the V notch, and for me it works better than anything else I have tried.

Thanks I will definitely try the tubing trick... Unfortunately everything has skyrocketed in price ... The lab radar used to be $500 I believe and now it's $625.... It's crazy how much things have gone up especially since I just saw a tweet from the white house which said the economy is better know than before covid.... Rofl.... I btw do not use Twitter so don't hold that previous statement against me... Add in a new tripod , external trigger a few battery packs etc etc and it adds up quickly.... I am not giving up on my pro crono just yet I use it for shotshell testing also.... I don't think the lab radar will work for that.... Thanks for the reply I can always use all the help I can get....

 

[searcher]

I have been very pleased with the Magneto sporter. Fits in your range bag and no need for any serious setup or going down range. Simply strap it on and shoot. Velocities have been spot on and its been one of those pieces of equipment that I will always have. If anything ever happens to the one I have a new one will be on the way post haste. I don't bother getting it out of the bag until the target tells me I need to.

He is shooting pistols....

 

[kneedtospeed]

ProChrono DLX has served me very well, with handguns and rifles.
I would replace it with the same if need be, regardless of the low price point.
It’s just Good.

 

[dave7mm]

My old crono is starting to get some irregular readings... It's probably 12-13 years old and it's a pro crono from competition electronics.... It's served me well I guess but it's time I think for a new one... Yesterday it lost 50 fps over five consecutive shots of 10mm which were loaded exactly the same each charge weighed on two scales , started at 1201fps and ended at 1155 fps , seems strange.... I use a crone for pistol , rifle and shotgun.. What are you using..???? Lab radar has come to mind but I am not sure it's worth it.. $624 from Midway....

PS.. the load was 10.8gr of blue dot @1.255 , 185gr xtp in sig brass with a Remington LPP... The 1210 fps seems right but the 1155fps seems way wrong... Data from powder manufacturer who states 11gr.... Not a load I shoot daily but working up a hunting / self defense load...

What crono are you using...??? Just keep in mind I need to use it for pistol also....

A Big Thank You, Oehler Research

As near as I can figure it. I bought my Oehler Model 33 one year after I had my first custom woodchuck rifle built by Nelson Berger.1986.... 27 years ...

www.24hourcampfire.com

It's still going strong.

dave

 

[Rsadams]

ProChrono DLX has served me very well, with handguns and rifles.
I would replace it with the same if need be, regardless of the low price point.
It’s just Good.

I have had one for 12 years now , it doesn't have blue tooth etc but it has been a good crono... It's been giving me some weird readings lately but I think it's still in the ballpark... Even though I went ahead and ordered the lab radar I plan on using the pro crono for testing my shotgun loads so I will keep working on it or maybe go ahead and send it back to be checked.... I used their stuff when they made battery chargers for RC cars a few decades ago and they were top of the line in that field on my opinion....

 

[kneedtospeed]

@Rsadams , ask about a Bluetooth unit upgrade, if you send it in, vs a repair.
They will likely work with you.

 

[centershot]

I used my 33 until about 5 years ago. I sure don't miss sky screens.
The Lab will spoil you in that respect.

I still use my 33. I have become better at setting it up and made sky screens for it. I use it so infrequently that I can not justify $625. It has to be 40 years old.

 

[Goodcat]

I love Labradar. I’ve had a magnetospeed sporter, and v3 in the past. Both were excellent and performed so well.

But the Labradar is just another level and easier to access data.

 

[Ccrider]

LabRadar pays for itself in setup time saved. I is also more versatile.

I use a carpenter square to aim it. The Jlk trigger is a a must.

 

[Rsadams]

Used the lab radar today and have to say yes it's expensive but it worked with every shot I fired.... First was a .22 pistol ( g44 ) fired five shots and it picked up and worked the data for all five.... Next was something a little bigger a 10mm with full power handloads or pretty darn close to full power and it did give me an error but read the speed on the first shot... Pretty sure the error was from having a loose tripod mount combined with the fact I forgot to move a little further away than with the .22 resulting in the severe muzzle blast rocking the unit... After moving it away a little bit , no more errors....I can't blame that on the unit... I did buy the jkl trigger and magnetic mount which is very nice but so far I haven't used it , only tested it and it worked.... I really like the magnetic mount.... Nice and strong but in a soft cover to hold the trigger...

It's soooo hot here in central Texas right now my time was very limited with the lab radar because I wanted to be at the skeet range as soon as it opened... I rushed the setup and testing but hey everything has a learning curve.... I look forward to testing with a rifle next and many more pistols.... All that said the old pro crono was pretty close , close enough for safety and speed data.... Hard to beat it for $120.... But hey my new lab radar worked as described and so far I am happy.... It does btw have the newest firmware on it and maybe that helped with the .22 because it heard it load and clear.... The newest firmware is on their webpage for download if anybody is interested but they told me a newer version is expected in a few months that should help also with the blue tooth stuff I fortunately don't use it but have read it may not be the greatest right now... On to figure out how to tighten the quick release plate on the tripod , I am scared to get to crazy but a pair of plyers may be necessary...

Thank you everyone who took the time to leave a post , much appreciated....
Shawn

 

[Rsadams]

@Rsadams , ask about a Bluetooth unit upgrade, if you send it in, vs a repair.
They will likely work with you.

Ok I sure will , I think it's still working ok it may just need some tlc I plan on keeping it no matter if it has to be repaired because I test my shotgun loads over it and I don't think the lab radar can handle that.. I to have been very pleased with my pro crono it has served me well over the last 12 years and would definitely recommend it.... This last time out I cleaned the eyes as suggested , replaced the battery and it helped next I will try the packing tape trick as suggested in this thread because I think the light here maybe doing something... It's so bright and hot here in central Texas right now.... I will keep working with it because it's been like an old friend that stays in my backseat....