Which Chronograph do you recommend and why ?

[JP Harley Rider]

Hello,

My main purpose for a Chronograph is for tuning handloads for PRS style precision rifle shooting. I am just starting to research the various options. I thought I would ask Experts on this Forum and maybe save myself some time and money and be able to get the right Chrono. Thanks.

 

[rustyinbend]

Started with the low-end MagnetoSpeed. It was crap ... I returned it.
Next was the MagnetoSpeed V3. It was great.
My wife got me a LabRadar Christmas 2019. Haven't used the MagnetoSpeed since. (I should probably sell it.)
If you go with the LabRadar, get the right accessories:

• Bag/Case
• Tripod
• Recoil Trigger from JKL Precision
• Supplemental sight
• SD Card
• External USB power supply

That's my take on this. If you're not cost-constrained, get the LabRadar.

If you decide on the MS-V3, message me and I'll sell you mine.

 

[JP Harley Rider]

Started with the low-end MagnetoSpeed. It was crap ... I returned it.
Next was the MagnetoSpeed V3. It was great.
My wife got me a LabRadar Christmas 2019. Haven't used the MagnetoSpeed since. (I should probably sell it.)
If you go with the LabRadar, get the right accessories:

• Bag/Case
• Tripod
• Recoil Trigger from JKL Precision
• Supplemental sight
• SD Card
• External USB power supply

That's my take on this. If you're not cost-constrained, get the LabRadar.

If you decide on the MS-V3, message me and I'll sell you mine.

Thank you for the quick response. Do you feel the LabRadar is more accurate than the V3 ? I found both online and saw the price difference. I am leaning towards the more expensive LabRadar but want to understand the main differences and benefits

 

[Newbie2020]

I borrowed a friend’s magnetospeed sporter and it was awesome. I will get one soon. Low price and super easy to use.

 

[rustyinbend]

Thank you for the quick response. Do you feel the LabRadar is more accurate than the V3 ? I found both online and saw the price difference. I am leaning towards the more expensive LabRadar but want to understand the main differences and benefits

I think they're equally accurate, and online tests bear that out. I just love the "unattached" form-factor, and that I don't have something hanging off my barrel to affect harmonics. Switching between rifles is way easier too. Just change the bullet weight on the LabRadar, and you're ready to shoot. This matters, since I usually bring multiple rifles on my range trips.

 

[JLP.Payette]

Started with the low-end MagnetoSpeed. It was crap ... I returned it.
Next was the MagnetoSpeed V3. It was great.
My wife got me a LabRadar Christmas 2019. Haven't used the MagnetoSpeed since. (I should probably sell it.)
If you go with the LabRadar, get the right accessories:

• Bag/Case
• Tripod
• Recoil Trigger from JKL Precision
• Supplemental sight
• SD Card
• External USB power supply

That's my take on this. If you're not cost-constrained, get the LabRadar.

If you decide on the MS-V3, message me and I'll sell you mine.

Exact same here. Started with a sporter, sold it.
Moved to a V3- great other than the fact its hanging off your barrel.
Picked up a Labradar and havent used the V3 since.

 

[BuLLet]

Started with the low-end MagnetoSpeed. It was crap ... I returned it.
Next was the MagnetoSpeed V3. It was great.
My wife got me a LabRadar Christmas 2019. Haven't used the MagnetoSpeed since. (I should probably sell it.)
If you go with the LabRadar, get the right accessories:

• Bag/Case
• Tripod
• Recoil Trigger from JKL Precision
• Supplemental sight
• SD Card
• External USB power supply

That's my take on this. If you're not cost-constrained, get the LabRadar.

If you decide on the MS-V3, message me and I'll sell you mine.

I got a labradar last year as well, I've yet to take it out. These accessories look right up my alley... thanks

 

[whatsupdoc]

Normally I dont reload pistol ammo but now I do. Wanted to test some pistol loads took the Labradar put it on a tripod
Walked outside bang bang bang done.

Cant do that with Magnetospeed.

 

[Powder_Burns]

I’ve had the magnetospeed v3 for about a year, wishing I just ponied up for the labradar setup. The pros/cons of the magnetospeed is the barrel mount system. Its cool to attach the bayonet to your barrel, but thats also why it sucks. For pistols or gas guns with a full length handguard, there’s no perfect way to position the bayonet at the right spacing to get accurate readings without buying additional accessories. If you are one of those types that chronos and shoots for group accuracy at the same time, having the bayonet attached can affect barrel harmonics. I tried the pic rail adapter but my spacing is too far with it and haven’t gotten accurate readings once. There are a few aftermarket solutions that work, but I’ve already soured myself with the money spent and no results. Should have stuck to my beta master.

 

[Huskydriver]

Labradar with a piet recoil trigger

 

[TheOfficeT-Rex]

I had a magnetospeed, and it gives good readings, but POI shifted on all rifles, group size was affected on one of my rifles, and it wasn't consistent shifts - likely user error from inconsistent mounting positions.

I got a labradar a couple months ago because of the above, and that I couldn't mount the MS on a mannlicher stock, or with a barrel tuner and brake. I also got an arkomachine stand instead of the orange tripod, and a usb battery pack from amazon. I've had no setup issues, and I've only failed to track a handful of shots.

I'm also interested to see if caldwell delivers with the velociradar - mostly because it's a cool name and the labradar is a bit pricy for the whole package.

 

[StopMakingSense]

As far as the supplemental sight goes, MKM Machining has been what I've been using.

Pro Series Improved Labradar Sight

Pro Series Improved Labradar Sight The grooved "aiming groove" on the Labradar leaves much to be desired. This Improved Labradar Sight changes that. Simply remove the bolt just below the groove, and slide the sight into place, and install the included longer bolt for a semi-permanent installation.

www.mkmachining.com

If you decide to buy one MKM sells the LabRadar with the sight for no extra charge, plus they don't charge tax. Best deal I could find anyways when I purchased it outside of Black Friday.

My only word of caution is just to be careful with the trigger and USB ports. I've knocked my LabRadar over twice and both the USB and 3.5mm jack are a bit loose already, not the most bomber piece of equipment.

What I've also enjoyed with the LabRader is the ability to track the velocity of my shots (max to 300 yards) to verify my velocities. I also do this with my bow out to 100 yards which has the external trigger to track the shot.

 

[Baron23]

Thank you for the quick response. Do you feel the LabRadar is more accurate than the V3 ? I found both online and saw the price difference. I am leaning towards the more expensive LabRadar but want to understand the main differences and benefits

They are both very accurate, they both have advantages and disadvantages, there must be 10 threads on Labradar vs Magnetospeed...do a search and I believe it will be illuminating.

I have a Labradar and love it. The cost/benefits worked out that way for me.

If you do, as mentioned above, get:

1. a power bank. They are cheap and the Labradar eats AA batteries like candy. Power bank....way to go.
2. Get MK Machining sight...vast improvement over stock

Pro Series Improved Labradar Sight

Pro Series Improved Labradar Sight The grooved "aiming groove" on the Labradar leaves much to be desired. This Improved Labradar Sight changes that. Simply remove the bolt just below the groove, and slide the sight into place, and install the included longer bolt for a semi-permanent installation.

www.mkmachining.com

3. You will need a stand/tripod....I like this one from Arko Machine

Quad base. For use with a Lab radar.

Base with folding legs for use with a lab radar unit. Body and legs are machined from aluminum and all screws are stainless.Rubber feet prevent sliding on the bench.Foot print of the unit is 6" x 6" to center of the rubber feet. When attached to the lab radar, it provides a very stable and...

arkcomachine.com

You can put any ball head on it....but I just bought this one from Arko as the price was right and the use case not too demanding

https://arkcomachine.com/shop/ols/products/quick-release-swivel-head-heavy-duty

Good luck

 

[Rocketmandb]

Both work well. The Labradar is a better form factor. One of the best purchases I've made. The fact that you can pick it up and set it down next to your buddy's rifle is a nice bonus.

 

[Gungnir388]

I also have the labradar. Use the arko base and ball head as well. I also have the mkm sight, with that I also use a plastic speed square and hold the base against the back side of the LR and sight down to the target with the speed square level to the mkm sights.
I have not had any issues tracking shoots.

P.S. also have the JKL trigger.

 

[Rocketmandb]

I also have the labradar. Use the arko base and ball head as well. I also have the mkm sight, with that I also use a plastic speed square and hold the base against the back side of the LR and sight down to the target with the speed square level to the mkm sights.
I have not had any issues tracking shoots.

P.S. also have the JKL trigger.

Curious as to what the JKL trigger buys you.

 

[mikehotel]

Labradar, external battery pack, etc,

there is a learning curve.

 

[Gungnir388]

it is recoil activated from your shoot. I use a rubber band and attach it to the side of my scope. They come with velcro to attach to the side of the stock or location of choice. JKL Trigger

Should add that the base it comes with is mountable to a rail

 

[6.5SH]

Curious as to what the JKL trigger buys you.

Provided you aimed the radar at the target near 100% reliability in picking up the shot. More important with suppressed guns, 22's air rifles etc.
EDIT:
Gives more flexibility in positioning of the unit period.

Go with the creator of the idea though:

THE ORIGINAL Piet Recoil Trigger for LabRadar

Labradar triggers now come in Orange or Black unless a special order Is made. Connect with me at [email protected]

pietrecoiltrigger.com

 

[MALLARD]

i'd say get two cheap ass ones so you can put one infront of you and one downrange infront of the target and you can determine your bc from that... and when you finally nail the one downrange you won't feel too guilty about it.

 

[Shoots 700's]

I have a V3 and Labradar. Labradar gets used and the V3 stays home.