Magneto or labrador

[25WSM]

Nice of you to share the love on that mag-speed. I'm sure they are keeping it nice for you.
Shep

 

[Jbyrd]

I have a magneto speed but been thinking about a labradar. Is it worth the money and is the readings more accurate enough to justify the $.

I've got a V3 magnetospeed. And have checked my match rifle on Labradar as well and the accuracy appears to be the same. The only advantage of Labradar in my opinion is you don't attach it to your barrel. The only disadvantage is sometimes nearby muzzle reports are recorded.

 

[ajkellerusmc]

I just purchased a LR and have finally got through the learning curve with it as frustrating as it was. Once in a while I will still get a bad reading around 1000fps lower that the rest of the string which has to then be deleted. I have run suppressed, brakes and bare barrels, with that said I intended to also use it indoors where I have a bullet trap in my garage, The unit will not pickup inside the garage although LR says it will work at an indoor range but there has to be at least a 15yd area clear in front of the unit so there is no interference.

one downside I do not like is the unit is heavy and can blow over on a tripod very easily at about 20fps velocity !!! which makes you cringe as you watch it go over! Weight the tripod down if its windy.

So now I went and picked up a magnetospeed V3 for use in the garage, cannot have to many gadgets I suppose.

 

[RD57]

If you have a speed demon like my 220 Swift that is capable of sending 55 grain pills over 3900 fps then you can't use a Labradar. The Labradar has difficulty acquiring the 224 bullet going over 3906 fps, my 35P doesn't even bat an eye ... except from mid October - March, no good sunlight angles during that time of year. I should install some type of LED lighting for the Oehler. Labradar is easy to set up (some do have problems), Oehler takes more time and a cold range period.

 

[Jack C Patterson]

I found for developing loads for consistency in speed the the Magnetospeed to be very accurate. That said on both my 6.5x55 and my 7RM shot 7 inches higher than after it was removed

 

[25WSM]

Mag speeds are very accurate but adding weight to the end of your barrel will definitely move your poi.
Shep

 

[Deviant]

My shooting buddy has one and it's broke down 4 times in a yr. Lab radar that is. Don't even think of using a muzzle brake with it. The last time it broke was recording a pistol. I'll stick to my 30 yr old 33. That's what he uses Everytime his is broke.
Shep

That seems odd I have had a Lab Radar for 2 years and shoot everything from a suppressed 204 ruger to a 300 Norma Imp with a brake and I have never had a problem with mine.

 

[Pro2A]

I have a magneto speed but been thinking about a labradar. Is it worth the money and is the readings more accurate enough to justify the $.

Interesting comparison of Oehler 35, Magneto Speed, and Labradar units in current issue of Precision Rifle Shooter. I have had good success with Labradar unit. Easy to set up; speeds seem on the upper end compared to others. Despise setting up the screen style. Won't mess with them any more. Magneto Speed always seems to be a McGwyver set up for every rifle, and does affect groups. (Don't care what every one else's experience. Mine is ALWAYS adverse group impact. So, it is only for velocity measurements.) I prefer the Labradar for my heartbeats. Good success with muzzle brakes....even Barrett M107A1. Use "deflector" screen to shield muzzle blast between brake and Labradar unit as suggested by Labradar Customer Service. Always true ballistics to actual impact experience anyway.
Guess that's why there were always Fords, Chevys, and MoPars at the track. As they say, "Your Mileage May Vary."

 

[25WSM]

I'm testing rifles on a weekly basis so I need reliable use. For me that will always be the 35p. I broke mine one time in 30 yrs and it's because they are not waterproof. My fault completely. It has been left in the rain about a dozen times without failing thou probably not ideal.
Shep

 

[Blackhawk]

I have a Oehler 35 p and also a magneto speed and use both of them. The Oehler is the final word if I question any other chronograph velocity. I personally like the ease of setting up the Magneto speed and use it the most. Nothing seems to bother it and the velocity accuracy is spot on.

I use it on rifle, pistol, shotgun and bow, so it is very versatile. cant say anything about some other brands of chronographs due to lack of first hand use, but the times I have been with others with other brands, I was very happy with the two I have.

I don't think that others can be more accurate than the two I have and so far neither has given any problems. I personally don't want/need anything else.

Just my opinion

J E CUSTOM

I also use the Magneto Speed V-3 Chronograph and find it very easy to use especially so on overcast or hazy days. (Sunshine goes without saying) About the only time that I will not put it to use is in a drizzle, or rainy environment. However you really would not want to run any chronograph under those conditions. As far as problems go, I've not had any issiues ,but mounting it while stacking spacers can be a little problematic especially while synching up on the retainer strap using only one hand and supporting the muzzle with the other.( as for the spring loaded connector cable, well it can be a P.I.A. to properly close)

 

[jimbires]

Maybe this ...

I tracked these Fellas down . that stand is no longer made . I did get a phone number from the one guy , for a guy that is making something similar . I didn't follow up on this . I'll probably make my own copy of the one you linked to .


EDIT to add ; FEENIX has recently contacted these guys . now they are supposed to be in production again . this is good news

 

[jimbires]

so, how do you protect from blast?

the stand that FEENIX linked to would be a perfect setup . the labradar is up over the rifle barrel away from the blast of a side port brake . I've used a cement block . it doesn't have to be anything special , just so it keeps the blast of the unit . heat and vibration is hard on electronics .

 

[jimbires]

Don't know why they could not have used a better connector for the external battery pack: the mini USB connector is subject to breakage. I have finally just decided to stick with internal AA batteries, and recharge them after every range session.

I deleted some of his post to get to this one point he was making . he was talking about the labradar unit . I had this problem too with the mini USB port getting loose . I sent it back and had it repaired for $50 or $60 . I thought I was careful with it , now I treat it like a dozen of eggs . I couldn't agree more , there should be a more durable style plug .

 

[FEENIX]

I tracked these Fellas down . that stand is no longer made . I did get a phone number from the one guy , for a guy that is making something similar . I didn't follow up on this . I'll probably make my own copy of the one you linked to .

Bummer! I PMd Ryan, we'll see if he respond. Also found this ...

I asked Ryan if he is still making them and below is his response ...