Magnetospeed-Max FPS...I did do a search

[CVCOBRA1]

Can't find this anywhere. What is the max readout in FPS that the Magnetospeed will show? Labradar's max is 3900. Most of the optical chronos are 7000 plus. I have three .204 Ruger rifles that will go over 4000 fps so that rules out the Labradar for me. Why spend that kind of money for something you can't even use for all your guns.

I did the search on here, looked at the Magnetospeed website, all the FAQ's and pdf files. Even watched some lame youtube reviews and can't get an answer. Not sure I like the idea of hanging the sensor on the end of the barrel because I like the idea shooting for group accuracy and speeds at the same time. In reading all of the threads some say it just changes POI and not group size but I don't think I could trust that.

I need to replace my Plymouth Rock chrono and if the Magnetospeed is going to come up short I can rule that out too. Looking at the Caldwell Precision G2 for the upside down light sensors.

Help me out guys.
Thanks

[Klem]

There is a sound-based chronograph made by Steinert worth looking at called the 'Super-Chrono'. It works on the bullet breaking the sound barrier and crossing two microphones. The stated detection range is 1,234 - 5,632fps.

It's not my cup of tea as it does not detect sub-sonic. But it will detect above 4K fps and you can shoot groups at the same time. I have had no experience with it so perhaps someone else knows more.

http://www.steinertsensingsystems.com/product-details/superchrono-acoustic-shooting-chronograph/

[Arkhangel5]

CV,
That is a very good question. I would call them and ask.

As for the hanging off the end of barrel changing accuracy and POI. That will depend on the firearm you are using it on, eg thin hunting barrel, yes. Varmint and match/bull barrels no.

I have attached it to my match .223 at the end of a 600yd match(.820 at muzzle) and the POI difference was 1/4 MOA elevation, accuracy was the same. On a .308 with a .875 muzzle, no POI shift.

I have owned a Magnetospeed since 6 months after they hit the market. I have a V1 display unit with a V3 bayonet upgrade. Covers probably 99% of my chrono needs.

Hope that helps.

SY

[CVCOBRA1]

Klem, I did see that Steinert mentioned on here when I did the search. I believe that was a couple of years back. When it didn't show up on Midway's site or Brownell's I just figured it went by the wayside. What I didn't like about it was that the only readout was on the chrono itself, no blue tooth or cabled screen.

I also saw where a reviewer on Midway said he had used the Magnetospeed on everything from .204 to .338 and it worked very well. He didn't say anything about speeds though.

I do have an email question into the Magnetospeed site but no answer yet.

[BjornF16]

Here is another alternative:

https://www.autotrickler.com/twoboxchrono.html

[CVCOBRA1]

Just got this back from Magnetspeed:

The V3 can measure velocities from 450-500fps up to 5000-5500fps. The Sporter can measure velocities from 500-550 to 4500-5000fps. Hopefully, this answers your question.

I'm lucky enough I can shoot at home. Setting some of the other models up at a public range could become a hassle.

[grayfox]

I set mine up at a public range all the time (original version, now V1). No troubles. Just the same having your own range at home is totally awesome.

[CVCOBRA1]

Setting up an Mspeed at a public range shouldn't be much of a problem, you can do it all while at the bench. I was implying the optical and other types would be more of an issue. Any time you have to get in front of the firing line can be a timely situation. You waiting for others and others waiting for you. Never mind all the ducking to get out of the way.......

[BCHunter]

Or getting muzzled multiple times, every time you have to walk in front of the fireing line.

[centerfire]

Public range? Yuck.

[PGW Steve]

I've got an Oehler 35P, Labradar, Two Box, Caldwell and a Shooting Chrony F1. I haven't used some of them in a while, I just hoard gear. Some notes on what I remember about each.

Oehler 35P- I've had this since '96 IIRC and was the gold standard back then. It would rarely miss shots provided you didn't try and shoot in bad angular light early or late. I know it would pick up my 6-284 with 70 grain bullets that were cruising along at almost 4200 or something obscene. I ran it on an 8' rail to improve the raw accuracy. I really liked the dual velocity function to flag possible outliers as well as the printed tape, I would write the load/charge data on each summary so data collection after a range trip was simple. It would give a Hi/Lo/AVG/STD Dev and individual rounds in the summary

Labradar- I use this one the most currently, but as stated above, it won't read on bullets over 3900. I have a 204 Ruger that I need to shoot over one of my others to give me an idea what the 32's are flying at. I use it with air rifles indoors as well as a 17 Hornet outdoors and it works very consistently. This one also provides a great summary on a string. I really like the data it collects if you use a memory card, you can plot velocity out to enough distance to run values through a BC calculator and see what things are actually doing. I use the memory card all the time now and save the files and rename to what the load data is so it's easy to find a string, 308 175 435 VARGET, so that is self explanatory with the 435 meaning 43.5gr.

Two Box- I bought this one for the speedy set up and to get over my speed issues with the .204/Labradar. I've only recently received it and the ufcking snow/cold has prevented me from trying it. This one works down to 1250 in the documentation, so no subsonic stuff.....Tomorrow looks nice!

Caldwell- I bought this one for air rifle, and haven't tested with centerfire/rimfire yet. I really like how it plugs into my ipad and records and displays data. I did find it finicky under artificial light, even using consumer marketed lights specifically for indoor chronographing. I'd like to test this one again outdoors to see how it truly is. I will probably donate this one to the guys at the shop that are getting into reloading.

Shooting Chrony- I've had a few of these over the years. I shot one, a friend shot one and then this current replacement. They are simple to set up, accuracy is not the best and sometime downright confusing but usually a muzzle blast issue. Compact and fast to set up when you need some clue on what your rifle is doing. No stats at all, so bring a pen. I gave this one to some friends at work to share around and help them down the path of reloading.

Magneto-speed- I've been out a couple times with a high ranking PRS shooter using one of these. After watching him shoot ladders/groups and get no velocities because the MS messes with POI and barrel harmonics. He would then pick his charge and machinegun rounds in the backstop to get velocity data. Seemed like a good way to waste ammo because of not being able to multi task.

[CVCOBRA1]

Nice write up, thanks.
The 3900 limit rules out the Labradar for me. Your last comment on the Magnetspeed is the reason it is on the bottom of the list too. Just can't see shooting off a bunch of ladders and then turning right around to shoot some of the same loads for group size.

[centerfire]

I've got an Oehler 35P, Labradar, Two Box, Caldwell and a Shooting Chrony F1. I haven't used some of them in a while, I just hoard gear. Some notes on what I remember about each.

Oehler 35P- I've had this since '96 IIRC and was the gold standard back then. It would rarely miss shots provided you didn't try and shoot in bad angular light early or late. I know it would pick up my 6-284 with 70 grain bullets that were cruising along at almost 4200 or something obscene. I ran it on an 8' rail to improve the raw accuracy. I really liked the dual velocity function to flag possible outliers as well as the printed tape, I would write the load/charge data on each summary so data collection after a range trip was simple. It would give a Hi/Lo/AVG/STD Dev and individual rounds in the summary

Labradar- I use this one the most currently, but as stated above, it won't read on bullets over 3900. I have a 204 Ruger that I need to shoot over one of my others to give me an idea what the 32's are flying at. I use it with air rifles indoors as well as a 17 Hornet outdoors and it works very consistently. This one also provides a great summary on a string. I really like the data it collects if you use a memory card, you can plot velocity out to enough distance to run values through a BC calculator and see what things are actually doing. I use the memory card all the time now and save the files and rename to what the load data is so it's easy to find a string, 308 175 435 VARGET, so that is self explanatory with the 435 meaning 43.5gr.

Two Box- I bought this one for the speedy set up and to get over my speed issues with the .204/Labradar. I've only recently received it and the ufcking snow/cold has prevented me from trying it. This one works down to 1250 in the documentation, so no subsonic stuff.....Tomorrow looks nice!

Caldwell- I bought this one for air rifle, and haven't tested with centerfire/rimfire yet. I really like how it plugs into my ipad and records and displays data. I did find it finicky under artificial light, even using consumer marketed lights specifically for indoor chronographing. I'd like to test this one again outdoors to see how it truly is. I will probably donate this one to the guys at the shop that are getting into reloading.

Shooting Chrony- I've had a few of these over the years. I shot one, a friend shot one and then this current replacement. They are simple to set up, accuracy is not the best and sometime downright confusing but usually a muzzle blast issue. Compact and fast to set up when you need some clue on what your rifle is doing. No stats at all, so bring a pen. I gave this one to some friends at work to share around and help them down the path of reloading.

Magneto-speed- I've been out a couple times with a high ranking PRS shooter using one of these. After watching him shoot ladders/groups and get no velocities because the MS messes with POI and barrel harmonics. He would then pick his charge and machinegun rounds in the backstop to get velocity data. Seemed like a good way to waste ammo because of not being able to multi task.

Thank you Steve, all but the Two Box (which I've never used) mirror my experience.

[Arkhangel5]

I have used all the chronographs listed above(exception of the Two box) at some point in my time shooting.

I will say this, the 2 best in my mind are the Labradar and the Magnetospeed. Just for the ease of setup vs the others is all the difference you need to understand. Both are actually the new kids on the block per se.

I own/use the Magnetospeed the most. I have never failed to get a reading from it from 17HMR up to 338 Lapua to 45-70.

To not get a reading from a Magnetospeed means it was not setup properly, and most likely user error.

I have tested them side by side(Magneto/Labradar) and the observed readings are usually within 5fps of each other.

Honestly I like everything about the Labradar other than the price, but the Magneto is hard to beat.

I guess what I am trying to say is the Magnetospeed delivers a lot more than its perceived detriments.

SY

[IescapedCali]

If your handguard is long enough, can’t you attach the magnetospeed to that, and avoid the change in barrel harmonics?