Chronograph

[Rudolph Ferdinand]

I have a pro chronograph I use to check my bow speed I'm looking for one to check my rifle any suggestions?

Mag

I have a pro chronograph I use to check my bow speed I'm looking for one to check my rifle any suggestions?

Magnetospeed chronograph IS THE WAY TO GO! It's under two hundred dollars, the pro chronographs they but are a pain in the butt if the lighting outside isn't right. I have had three different types were all have the same old problem, the lighting. Cloudy days are the best time to use them, here's the models that I have had: shooting Chrony, Pact Chronograph, and a Pro Chronograph. They all worked but all had the same problem, the lighting. Magnetspeed!

 

[BallisticsGuy]

Isnt a big negative of the magnetospeed is that it changes the harmonics of the barrel so any grouping information you are getting does not necessarily hold true? Basically, if you are running a OCW test, then you cant use the megnetospeeds?

That's variable where it does apply and it doesn't apply to all rifles. Most will experience a POI shift but it's repeatable and it just shifts the group position. Almost every rifle I've ever tried it on (that's somewhere north of 500 now) has behaved like that with Magenetospeed. The exceptions I could count on my fingers. I always get a zero without the MS and then shoot a group with it so I know the offset and that just ends up in the gun's data book. I use LabRadars too but IMHO the UI is a PITA, it drinks batteries and it's big and relatively heavy and I'm always losing the straw out of the sighting notch so the irritation of using it is pretty big. Then again, I also have a number of optical chronos from Chrony and ProChrono. I just don't use them much.

Like someone above said, there are benefits and costs to everything.

 

[Rudolph Ferdinand]

I thought has crossed my mind about getting a Radar Lab but I have talked with guys who have them (2 guys) at the range I go to, but the one big problem both said the battery thing. For me, I never shoot any groups with it on but I have never shoot when I chronograph any shooting for accuracy, I separate the two activities. But if a guy reloads, get a chronograph. Magnetospeed is the way to go because it will give you the SD/ED readings. I have gotten into the precision side of reloading; when I first started reloading I would meter out a charge into the case it would go. I stopped doing that, now I was the best load I can produce even for hunting. Doing the .2/.3 increments until I find that best load.

 

[Toolhand]

I used an oehler 35P for years with great results but can be a pain to set up. Recently built a big awning with shooting benches underneath on my home range which made the oehler unusable for muzzle velocities. Due to this I made the switch to a lab radar. Great unit; It's Easier to set up, and works in any lighting conditions.

 

[planetwaves]

That's variable where it does apply and it doesn't apply to all rifles. Most will experience a POI shift but it's repeatable and it just shifts the group position. Almost every rifle I've ever tried it on (that's somewhere north of 500 now) has behaved like that with Magenetospeed. The exceptions I could count on my fingers. I always get a zero without the MS and then shoot a group with it so I know the offset and that just ends up in the gun's data book. I use LabRadars too but IMHO the UI is a PITA, it drinks batteries and it's big and relatively heavy and I'm always losing the straw out of the sighting notch so the irritation of using it is pretty big. Then again, I also have a number of optical chronos from Chrony and ProChrono. I just don't use them much.

Like someone above said, there are benefits and costs to everything.

I bought the Magnetospeed Sporter a couple of years ago. It is very convenient and quite accurate for measuring fps. But on the three rifles I own (a 300 WM and two 270s), at 100 yards, it shifts the point of impact about 6 inches high and significantly widens groups. So I only use it once I have worked up an accurate load. I used to use an older Chrony (beta model I think), but could get quite different results on the same load on different days, depending on sun or clouds, position of sun, etc. Not an issue with the magnetospeed. I also found it frustrating to deal with the rods and shades on the chrony. It was inconvenient to set up when the range was busy and I had to make others wait while I called for an extended cold range to set it up and get it aligned with the rifle. I would also get interference if the shooter next to me was shooting a magnum or had a muzzle brake. Again, no such issues with the magnetospeed. When I first got the magnetospeed, I used it together with the chrony for comparison. The sd and es would be similar, but depending on the lighting, sometimes the average fps would differ by as much as 60 fps. Not good for ordering a CDS dial or compiling a range card for accurate longer range shooting. I have had very good results relying on the magnetospeed for that. In retrospect, I would probably be better off with the lab radar, and I'll probably make that leap at some point.

 

[gator378]

For those looking for LabRadar level accuracy without the price tag, Magnetospeed. Labradar are cool but you don't need a $550 chronograph. Your prochrono will do fine but Magnetospeed are a ton easier to use and are more accurate. They're also small and light weight.

I like my old Crony. Only 2 purple hearts. It matches factory ammo specs pretty good..

 

[dok7mm]

A battery pack will solve the issues of battery drain on the LabRadar unit. I get 20+ hours out of mine, before it requires recharging and it's going on 3 years of service, far cheaper than regular batteries.

The MagnetoSpeed is a decent unit and I have one for a backup. In addition to POI variation, the strap adjustment must be continually tightened to same tension for consistent readings of MV.

I fire every shot over my LR, when at the range. It gives me vast amounts of data on how consistent my loads are, in varying conditions. I've found it to be one of my best investments.

 

[Rudolph Ferdinand]

I solved that retightening strap problem, by placing two 11" cable ties around the barrel.

 

[patrick021]

How does the magnetospeed work on tapered barrels?

 

[Rudolph Ferdinand]

How does the magnetospeed work on tapered barrels?

Like any other barrel. If you have any problem with the unit, call the company for advice, but barrel isn't going to be tapered that much to interfere with mounting the unit.

 

[Barrelnut]

How does the magnetospeed work on tapered barrels?

Works fine. I have used it on a few different ones.
The way I do away with the issue of the sensor strap issue is to use one of the rubber spacers on top of the barrel before cinching the strap down. It will absolutely stop any tendency for the strap to slip. I like the zip tie idea above too.

Doc7mm's use above is the perfect example of why to use the Labradar. If your needs are just to gather some velocities during load workup and see the SD/ES easily. The Magnetospeed is the way to go.
I use the Magnetospeed Sporter. It is much cheaper than the Magnetospeed V3.
IMO the price point between the Magnetospeed V3 and Labradar is such that I would go ahead and buy a Labradar before a Magnetospeed V3.
The Magnetospeed Sporter is a deal though.

 

[Rudolph Ferdinand]

Works fine. I have used it on a few different ones.
The way I do away with the issue of the sensor strap issue is to use one of the rubber spacers on top of the barrel before cinching the strap down. It will absolutely stop any tendency for the strap to slip. I like the zip tie idea above too.

Doc7mm's use above is the perfect example of why to use the Labradar. If your needs are just to gather some velocities during load workup and see the SD/ES easily. The Magnetospeed is the way to go.
I use the Magnetospeed Sporter. It is much cheaper than the Magnetospeed V3.
IMO the price point between the Magnetospeed V3 and Labradar is such that I would go ahead and buy a Labradar before a Magnetospeed V3.
The Magnetospeed Sporter is a deal though.

Thank you for the information! My next range session three months from now, school, no time for any shooting.

 

[jasonco]

Magneto Speed. There's 2 flavors, V3 or Sporter. I own 2 Sporter's and the XFR dongle.

 

[Tortoise]

Before Christmas the lowest price I could find the Labradar for was right here in the Long Range Hunters Store... Just checked and the price hasn't changed.. Just a heads up if your interested..