Chronograph now the time

W

want to be

Sergeant of the Hide
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Minuteman
Aug 3, 2018
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Bluff City TN
#1
I hope I am in the correct forum for this question. The time has come for me to purchase a chronograph to aid in my reloading and shooting.
I am on somewhat of a budget, been reading all the reviews on the Caldwell and they are mixed, most of the reviews on the MagnetoSpeed look good. My concern is I shoot with a suppressor (1.5"x7.5"). Would I have any issues with the Magneto on the suppressor and would I have a problem with POI change? This would be primarily used on a RPR 223. I sure am open to all your suggestions. Thanks.
 
#2
If you can swing it, get a LabRadar. Otherwise, a Magnetospeed V3 will work just fine. Yes, you will see a POI shift. That's unavoidable since you're technically changing the harmonics of the barrel by adding weight to the end of it.

I would avoid anything with the words Caldwell attached to it.
 
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#6
MS V3. There are two main causes of POI shift, barrel harmonics and shock wave bouncing off the bayo and tipping the bullet. See this thread, starting at Post 28:

www.snipershide.com

New Magnetospeed Mounting option

Looks sturdy and is cheaper than MK Machine mount and easier to set up as well.
www.snipershide.com www.snipershide.com

I've got the Wiser mount, but haven't had a chance to play with it yet. My plan is to drop the bayo away from the bore by 2x caliber (I'll just use 0.5" for 6.5) and increase the sensitivity as needed to register the shot. I'm gonna compare POI and groups with/without, hoping the shift away from the bore eliminates the POI shift.

Labradars have a well-earned reputation for difficulty, and it's pretty dang frustrating to lose multiple shots during load development. Couldn't tell you the last time my MS V3 dropped a shot; it happens, but basically never more than once a session, and even that's rare. Plus, they cost more, even after the Wiser mount for the MS, and gobble batteries, so you gotta price in an external battery too, plus potentially an aftermarket trigger when shooting suppressed (although the Doppler scan mode is supposed to fix this, but gobbles batteries even faster).
 
#7
The Caldwell chronos work but they are a tee-total gold-plated witch - mainly if anyone else is sharing the firing line as you want to go forward every one or two or three shots to dink with the thing. And there are two kinds of those optical chronos: the ones which have been shot and the ones that will be. I can tell you that mine still worked after a 9mm bullet entered it high on its LCD screen.

But a Caldwell is far better than nothing.

I have a LabRadar and love it. I have no experience with MagnetoSpeed but several people I shoot with have them and love them.
 
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#9
I have a Caldwell that I recently found during my reloading room move. I hadn't seen it in like 3 years. If you asked me where it is now, I don't know that I could easily find it again. That should tell you everything you need to know about how I feel about traditional chronos.

Both the Magneto Speed and Labradar are excellent. I have used both and own the Labradar. The MS costs less. The Labradar is easier to set up and minimal changes when you switch rifles.

The ease of use is worth the extra $ for me, but you really can't go wrong with either.
 
#12
Caldwell has a Doppler chrono that’s cheaper than the LabRadar coming.

www.snipershide.com

Precision Rifle Gear - New Caldwell Radar Chronograph "VelociRadar" (LabRadar competitor?)

Hey guys, Saw this pop up from a distributor data feed and though it was interesting; looks to be a LabRadar competitor \ tabletop Radar chronograph: Will update further when there's specs or pricing released, but there's no other info about it floating around that I can find.
www.snipershide.com www.snipershide.com
 
#13
want to be said:
Steel Head Can you help with the rail mount, have not seen those or the Wiser mount. Does this keep from mounting to the barrel?
Click to expand...
www.wiserprecision.com

Original Chrono Mount

This product has been replaced by the Chrono Mount PRO The Wiser Precision Chrono Mount is the most advanced system for mounting your MagnetoSpeed v3 and Sporter chronographs. The Chrono Mount isolates the chronograph from the muzzle of your firearm and supplies ample adjustability to work...
www.wiserprecision.com www.wiserprecision.com
 
#14
Nrdon said:
Caldwell has a Doppler chrono that’s cheaper than the LabRadar coming.

www.snipershide.com

Precision Rifle Gear - New Caldwell Radar Chronograph "VelociRadar" (LabRadar competitor?)

Hey guys, Saw this pop up from a distributor data feed and though it was interesting; looks to be a LabRadar competitor \ tabletop Radar chronograph: Will update further when there's specs or pricing released, but there's no other info about it floating around that I can find.
www.snipershide.com www.snipershide.com
Click to expand...
Yea, but it's still... A Caldwell.😝
 
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#16
Watched a few good reviews on youtube of the Wiser Mount, also an MK Machining Mt. Has anyone got first-hand use with the Wiser Mt. and the MS sporter working well with a large suppressor (1.5"x7.5")? As I said I am on a budget or should just spring for the V3 or would it work with a suppressor?
Thanks
 
#17
Another vote for looking at the optical chronograph if that's more in your price range. I'll probably always have one even after I upgrade to the LabRadar or the MagnetoSpeed, since I use it for shotgun, arrows, pistol, and the kids' airsoft and pellet guns. It's helped me for 20 years, before these neat, newer options were available, and it's really versatile.
 
#18
want to be said:
Watched a few good reviews on youtube of the Wiser Mount, also an MK Machining Mt. Has anyone got first-hand use with the Wiser Mt. and the MS sporter working well with a large suppressor (1.5"x7.5")? As I said I am on a budget or should just spring for the V3 or would it work with a suppressor?
Thanks
Click to expand...
The V3 will definitely work with a suppressor, you can mount it on the suppressor no problem. I'll report back here in a week or two with my Wiser mount experience if I can get my next load development cycle in before you get your answer, but the main concern with running the mount with a suppressor is getting it far enough out there. But, the CF rod is 30" long, with maybe 5" dedicated to the mounting end. If you have a Pic or ARCA rail near the front of your forend, I can't imagine it wouldn't reach, esp since the bayo adds its own stretch to the overall length.
 
#19
MS and don't worry about the POI. After all, you are looking for FPS not POI. I use my MS basically twice during load development. The first time is during the first bunch of rounds down the tube, I find just where I will run into pressure with a given combination of components. Then I take it off and start working up an accurate load and don't worry much about FPS. Once I have a real accurate load figured out, I strap the MS back on and do a velocity check, note the SD, ES and write that down for posterity. I've used mine with and sans cans (Gemtech Outback, TBAC Ultra 7, TBAC Ultra 9) with zero issue, ever.
My buddy had a Labradar but he kept getting readings from shooters nearby or it wouldn't trigger when it should. I'm sure there was some settings or tweaking he could have done but in the end he just sold it and bought a Magneto Speed because of his experiences with mine while right next to his Labradar. I like the idea of nothing on the barrel. If you are lucky enough to be able to shoot alone, I think they are the way to go. I have LOTS of country where I can go shoot with no one within miles but the range I go to most often for load development and such always has other shooters and sometimes every table has at least one shooter or 2 taking turns. The MS never picks up a shot taken by the guys next to me. Mine is the V3.
 
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#20
I use an earlier version of this and have had no problems with it for about 5 years now. I only have to make sure to set it up about 20 feet away to eliminate the influence of the muzzle blast. But I'm a poor so take my opinion with a grain or two of salt.

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Competition Electronics ProChrono DLX Bluetooth Chronograph

The next generation of the ProChrono model based on a time proven design that has been measuring “almost anything that shoots” since 1985!...
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#21
If customer service is important as well, Labradar is fantastic. I recently had to send mine in for repair (4 years old), and it was fixed and sent back on their dime. They even updated the software/programming while it was there.
Really like the ease of setup at the range as well. It's the old adage, buy once cry once.
 
#22
aftermath, Do you have the V3 or the Sporter? All my shooting is done with a suppressor> Glad to hear you have no issues. I think I may go with the MS now and maybe the mount later down the road if I have any problems. But just not sure on the Sporter or the V3.

Mtrmn, Most of my use would be at home, I am lucky, I have a good 100 yd shooting range that I do my load testing and scope mounting. The Grandchildren love it.

KnowNothing256 , Please keep me updated on your progress.
 
#23
I use a magnetospeed v3 with a wiser mount and it does deflect slightly on my 6 dasher. I was disappointed because that was my whole reason for buying the mount. However I don't have to take it apart anymore, I just pull it off my arca rail and stick it in my cabinet. Takes me about 10 sec to slap it on and go shoot.

With all that being said I recently sold a Digital ProChrono that helped my develope some sweet ass loads for several years. I wouldn't hesitate to use one again.
 
#24
want to be said:
Steel Head Can you help with the rail mount, have not seen those or the Wiser mount. Does this keep from mounting to the barrel?
Click to expand...
Yes
Off barrel mounting and super easy to install even at a busy firing line.
E9EF2C96-9416-493A-AEC6-F6E30F12E969.jpeg

MKM and Tubb also make mounts.
 
#25
want to be said:
aftermath, Do you have the V3 or the Sporter? All my shooting is done with a suppressor> Glad to hear you have no issues. I think I may go with the MS now and maybe the mount later down the road if I have any problems. But just not sure on the Sporter or the V3.

Mtrmn, Most of my use would be at home, I am lucky, I have a good 100 yd shooting range that I do my load testing and scope mounting. The Grandchildren love it.

KnowNothing256 , Please keep me updated on your progress.
Click to expand...
Mine is the V3. I have never looked at their other models to be able to tell you if they will work with a suppressor or not.
 
#26
want to be said:
aftermath, Do you have the V3 or the Sporter? All my shooting is done with a suppressor> Glad to hear you have no issues. I think I may go with the MS now and maybe the mount later down the road if I have any problems. But just not sure on the Sporter or the V3.

Mtrmn, Most of my use would be at home, I am lucky, I have a good 100 yd shooting range that I do my load testing and scope mounting. The Grandchildren love it.

KnowNothing256 , Please keep me updated on your progress.
Click to expand...
Why are you considering the Sporter? MS’s site specifically calls out no suppressors for that model, due to the barrel diameter limitation (1”).

@jsimonh Have you tried moving the bayo away from the bullet path and bumping sensitivity as needed to still see the shot?
 
#27
KnowNothing256 said:
Why are you considering the Sporter? MS’s site specifically calls out no suppressors for that model, due to the barrel diameter limitation (1”).

@jsimonh Have you tried moving the bayo away from the bullet path and bumping sensitivity as needed to still see the shot?
Click to expand...

No I haven't, I will try that though. It's pretty repeatable up and to the right about a tenth. My bayonet isn't directly under the barrel, kinda off to the left in the 8 o'clock position.
 
#28
jsimonh said:
No I haven't, I will try that though. It's pretty repeatable up and to the right about a tenth. My bayonet isn't directly under the barrel, kinda off to the left in the 8 o'clock position.
Click to expand...
That jives with the thread I posted above, there folks were observing bullet deflection away from the bayo. The main recommendation from the thread seemed to be ensuring at least 1.75x the diameter of the bullet between the bayo and the closest surface of the bullet; seems easy enough, esp with the Wiser mount, which makes it super easy to change the spacing from bore.
 
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#30
Lucreau said:
I use a competition electronics ProChrono. Great because I use it for my rifle and pistol loads
Click to expand...
Are those worth the money? I'm looking at getting the DLX. I see they have a PC App for it and wonder how good it is.
I am a first time reloader and am making up a bunch of loads in .2 increments.
My goal is to find a load via POI group and see what their FPS is at the same time.
Thanks.
 
#31
Noidly1 said:
Are those worth the money? I'm looking at getting the DLX. I see they have a PC App for it and wonder how good it is.
I am a first time reloader and am making up a bunch of loads in .2 increments.
My goal is to find a load via POI group and see what their FPS is at the same time.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
No. Get a LabRadar.
 
#32
Noidly1 said:
Are those worth the money? I'm looking at getting the DLX. I see they have a PC App for it and wonder how good it is.
I am a first time reloader and am making up a bunch of loads in .2 increments.
My goal is to find a load via POI group and see what their FPS is at the same time.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
If you have solo access to a range area and can take your time setting it up, are aware of the limitations and willing to live with the inconsistencies inherent to a photocell chronograph it will work. I wouldn't recommend it for precision load developement though, handgun or blasting ammo no problem.
 
#33
Noidly1 said:
Are those worth the money? I'm looking at getting the DLX. I see they have a PC App for it and wonder how good it is.
I am a first time reloader and am making up a bunch of loads in .2 increments.
My goal is to find a load via POI group and see what their FPS is at the same time.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
For me it’s perfect. Don’t need anything more than to know my bullets speed. I like the Bluetooth bc once I fire a round and I have the app open, it says the velocity and stores it. And I load pistol so it’s all around exactly what I need.
With that being said if I had the money for a labradar then that is what I would get
 
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#38
Noidly1 said:
What are the limitations and how inconsistent are they?
Click to expand...
They can be very finicky about lighting. I always tried to put mine in the shade on sunny days. Never tried it indoors.

I never had any issues with accurate velocities. Either the thing gave an accurate reading or no reading at all. And it gave no reading at all A LOT (gave error code that one or the other sensor didn't pick up the bullet). On very very rare occasions, it would give an obviously bizarre reading. But so does my LabRadar.

If you do not have a range where you can go walk in front of the line at pretty much any time, I would recommend that you save your money and get a Magnetospeed Sporter for $180. Please do not inflict a Caldwell or similar on a crowded firing line or yourself if you have to share the line. You WILL be going forward way more than you want to and it WILL disrupt people's trip.
 
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#39
Noidly1 said:
Are those worth the money? I'm looking at getting the DLX. I see they have a PC App for it and wonder how good it is.
I am a first time reloader and am making up a bunch of loads in .2 increments.
My goal is to find a load via POI group and see what their FPS is at the same time.
Thanks.
Click to expand...

I ended up pulling a catch and release with the Labradar because it was a pain in the ass for me... I started to spend more time messing with aiming the Labrador than aiming my rifle, then I'd get it right and forget to arm it, or bump in to it and have to start over with aiming it.

I replaced the Labradar with a ProchronoDLX and am now a much happier person. It is nothing like the shitty Caldwells. It's bluetooth so there are no cords, and Competition Electronics' Digital Link app kicks the shit out of both Labradar's and Magnetospeed's apps.

Seems some optical chronographs actually work (looking at you Caldwell). I've only had my DLX for a few weeks, but I haven't missed a single shot (knock on wood), but the conditions matter: if it's sunny, use the diffusers, if it's cloudy or you're in the shade, don't use the diffusers, if you're indoors, what's wrong with you? go outside before you go deaf, that's about it.

Pretty easy to live with, the only time you touch it is to switch it on (the rest is done in the idiot-proof app), takes less than a minute to set up, fits in 2 small bags about the same size as a Labradar, and was only ~$150 all-in including $23 Amazon tripod (spring the extra $5 over the cheaper $18 one as it gets you a QD attachment you can leave on the chrono and a hook on the bottom to hang a bag off if it's windy). The app easily lets you export your data in a bunch of ways that make you look smart, and it "talks" too, it tells you your speeds as you're shooting, so you don't even have to break your firing position or get out of the scope if you don't want to.

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