Accurate Chronograph

[geraldhawaii]

Hello All,

I reload for my hunting rifles, and would like opinions on what is the most accurate chronograph. Is the Labraradar hype true? I will be using it to chronograph reloads while developing new loads for the 338 RUM and 7mm Rem Mag. Will be using it primarily for velocity ladder testing.

I currently own an old pro chrono that is over 15 years old, and want to upgrade.

 

[nt7332]

U got two options brother. Labradar or Magnetospeed. Both are very close in accuracy. The decision is do u want to strap something to your barrel or not. I had both and I got rid of the labradar simply because of the setup and missing shots on suppressed rifles. Ever had one issue with the magneto. Yes your poi shifts but from what I have seen thru lots of shooting is it does not in anyway affect group size. Good luck on your decision.

 

[Buster Hemlock]

I've used a magnetospeed and own a labradar. The magnetospeed gives accurate data but POI shift and having to switch the pads for different barrels got annoying and took some time making sure it was aligned properly just below the muzzle. The Labradar has a bit of a learning curve with adjusting sensitivity for suppressed rifles and where to position the muzzle of the suppressor (12" behind and 12" left is what I do for suppressed). Getting the App on your phone to arm and disarm it at the range will help not catch other shooters shots and getting an error message. If you shoot it will still pick up your shot if the error message was triggered by someone else's shot so not a big deal but can be annoying to see and it throws off the shot count until you delete it out. Learning to aim the Labradar is also a bit of a learning thing, I taped a straw to the sighting port and aim through that and haven't had any issues since. I'd absolutely go with the Labradar again personally, just get a rechargeable power pack to go with it as they eat batteries.

 

[snox801]

I use the magneto speed and it works great

 

[Greyfox]

I own both a Magnetospeed and s Lab Radar. They produce velocities that are within a few FPS of each other and function well. For load development, I prefer the LR since I can tie accurate POI to my velocities. There is a POI shift with the MS. If I'm just checking velocity, the MS is convenient and always kept in my range bag. Both are very good products.

 

[Jud96]

We use a Magnetospeed Sporter. They're just as accurate as the V3 model, but about half the price. It lacks some features, but I am really happy with it. It does change POI and has affected group sizes on some of my Sporter weight barrels.

 

[milo-2]

I have both LR and Magneeto, the magneto stays in my PU, awesome tool. POI-POA is a barrel contour issue with it. I have had it act like a tuner, but it is rare once I pull it that results are too much different.
With the LR, I find myself wasting rds finding the sweet spot, it is cool for shooting groups at distance, but it is still a tool, and missing pickups because I waited too long to arm the thing, just a pain.

 

[shphtr]

Always seems like the best tools have a learning curve associated with their use but once learned produce the most satisfying results. After reading the owner's manual for the LR my "learning curve" only took about 15 to 20 min. I do not own a Mag. If for some reason I lost my LR I would have another ordered before the sun set. Do get the battery pack. If set up correctly the performance/results are stellar. In this instance you definitely "get what you pay for". As you might surmise I am totally satisfied with my LR. I owned an Ohler (? sp.) for the prior 20 years.

 

[pburton]

I love my Magnetospeed. It has work great for me for the last three years. There is a chance that it does change POI with lighter weight barrel. But, for my purposes that does not mean much. I do all of my load development with the Magnetospeed and then once I have found my load and do some fine adjustments without the chronograph to get it where I want it.

 

[jasonco]

I'v 2 Magneto Speed Sporter, with one mounted on the Wiser Precision carbon fiber chrono mount, if you're so concerned about POI. Fully adjustable and light.

 

[waveslayer]

I have used both and prefer the ease of the Labradar. Much faster to set up, I 3D printed on a sight for it. Then I do not worry about POI at all. My Magnetospeed sits in the garage, I should sell it

 

[Barrelnut]

Will be using it primarily for velocity ladder testing.

Get the Magnetospeed Sporter then and spend the extra $420 dollars you will still have in your pocket on something else. The LR will make absolutely no difference in your results.

 

[johnnyk]

I have had the Lab for a little over a month now and I really enjoy using the thing. Very easy to setup and get going. I read the instructions and have had positive results from the first shot on, both with and without muzzle brakes.
I don't go to public ranges so I can't address interference on it from others shooting.
Love being able to arm/disarm and start another series (different load) from the phone app.
For aiming it, best to increase your sight radius just like on firearms. The straw mentioned above is a good idea. I have a long nail taped to mine but I thought of getting a retractable pointer to mount in the groove. When I need to aim it, extend the pointer, when I'm done, collapse it.
I have not had to use batteries yet as I had a battery pack on my work truck and it has easily lasted all day several times. I have it attached to the tripod leg with a stout rubber band. I pick the whole thing up and carry it outside as one unit.
I have not used the MS so I can't speak for or against it. I initially thought that the POI shift would be bothersome but the more I think about it, it really wouldn't be. After I'm done with load development for a rifle or specific bullet, I fine tune/check my scope's POI for hunting and targets anyway.
As my drunk, jovial uncle would say, "Choice is yours, make it light on yourself".

 

[Steve Lowe]

Lab Radar with a recoil trigger. Zero missed shots and no POI shift or extra brackets to buy or rig.

The new tripod Lab Radar has is a worthy addition.