Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Magnetospeed chrongraph question

Anyone here have experience with a Magnetospeed chronograph, specifically the sporter model?

I'm not sure which model I tried, but it definitely can affect POI.

Yep, a friend told me at lunch today only check speed when using.

I've got one and dig it.

What info you after?

I do as well.

Thanks for the replies. The ground slopes away from the shooting line at or club's rifle range and is a PITA to get my Chrony set up. If there are other's shooting I need a cease fire and time enough to set up. The Magnetospeed would make it far more simple to use.

After contemplating the Labradar I went with the Magneto Speed and I'm glad I did.

Easy to set up.

Easy to always have with my gear.

Easy on batteries.

It's been a great addition for me.

Dave,

While the Magnetospeed does affect POI and accuracy, separating accuracy and chronograph testing isn't that big a deal compared to the PITA it sounds like your confronted with.

Some people also make stands for the MS, keeping them off the muzzle. Dirtfarmer did one for his, and is very pleased with the results. You might ask him about it.

For the price, the MS Sporter solves a lot of problems for many handloaders.

Magnetospeed Sporter here. I'm 100% happy with it, after many years with a Chrony F1.

Easy to setup. No need for a tripod, or aligning to target. any light conditions, compact and light.

The only thing I can think of that it is not suited for is pistols with slides, or small handguns.

I found that poi shift was about 4" at 100 yards on a sporter 30-06. On a 20" Rem Varmint contour 308, it was not enough to see.

Every time that I see "Magnetospeed", I think that Vern Gagne ought to be its spokesman.

It was good for several inches of vertical shift at 100 yards on my 24" varmint contour.

I'm not doubting anybody else's results, but I'll share some pics of what I saw with the 20" Varmint barrel 308.

This target was shot right to left. Distance 100 yards.

First group (right) was with the magnetospeed attached, four shots.

Second group (center) was after adjusting the scope, five shots. First two shots with the magnetospeed attached, last three shots without the magnetospeed.

Last group (left) was fired without the magnetospeed attached, five shots.

Not doubting yours either MM, even before the pics. Just reporting mine for contrast. Braked 20" on a bipod vs regular 24" on bags. Maybe something there too.

I imagine the magnetospeed does unpredictable things to the harmonics. Results probably can vary widely even from similar barrels.

I like mine a lot. Been using it for about a year and a half. It will shift POI, but the way I do my load work it doesn't really matter. Just like the others have said,it works all the time and makes it easy to spot check your speeds.

I like mine. although it doesn't work with every type of firearm but the convenience makes it the one I use the most. i found the effects on pure accuracy, the group size, is minimal on most guns and the point of impact is of no concern of mine until I zero the gun after developing the load.

A few questions for you MS owners/users.

1. Does it typically affect group size as well as POI?
2. If load workup is done with the MS attached, will the most accurate load found be the same as if load workup was done without the MS attached?

I have one it works and proves to be accurate when checked against my buddy's Labradar.

That said I dislike having to load up extra rounds to get an idea of velocity when working up loads. On my pencil barrel Kimbers there is certainly a POI shift I experience. I can see the light magentospeed having minimal effect on a varmint barrel and such but it def drops the POI on my lightweight rifles.

I have the original Magnetospeed and the dial wheel control is broke and I am limping it along for a bit more....hoping it will make it till christmas when I ask for a Labradar for christmas. Labradar IMO is just as quick to setup. Also the Magnetospeed has a hard time staying put between shots on the pencil barrels. On my fatter barrel it does ok, but after a couple shots on my Kimbers I am stopping to redajust and retighten. It works and I certainly like it better than my beta chrony but there is enough about it that I don't like that my big Christmas present request is a Labradar.

1. It opened up the group considerably with the sporter 30-06. 1.5 moa to 4 moa.

2. I'd guess not necessarily.

My long tailgate bench helps. May be hard to use this concept on a short bench. Need room forward of the muzzle.

Bottom side of the tailgate bench. I used 5/8" plywood, I think 3/4" would be too heavy. It's around 30# or so as it, not that hard to handle, plenty stiff and stable.

Stool is a Gibralter drum throne, about ideal for this application. Heavy duty, adjustable, comfortable.

DF

That's a pretty stiff barrel.

I'm thinking those results may be a bit different with a lighter contour, longer barrel.

DF

Same as others really like it as I shoot at many ranges where going in front of the bench is prohibited. I use duct tape over the strap for a belt & suspender approach so I don't loose a shot string. Also a plus is that ambient light doe's not seem to affect it. I wish there where an easy way to calibrate it but I guess that is the same for all chronies. Check a known load or use two chronographs are the only way I know how to check. I got lucky with my Forbs rifle sight in with the Magneto and when I took it off I was just shy of 2 inches high at a 100 where I wanted to be, I think it took all of two clucks upwards.

Even if you have another chrony the magneto is so convenient that it will probably get more use.

My sporter barrel results were VERY different. I attempted to quantify them in words.

Thanks for all the replies. I think the MS will work well for me and I'll be more apt to use it at the rifle range than my Chrony. The Chrony will still do well for my handguns since the ground is flat in front of the shooting line at the handgun ranges.

Magnetospeed is really handy at a public range where one doesn't have easy access to down range space.

And, IME, the MS is pretty accurate, doesn't miss many reads.

With the set up I posted, I have to be careful to keep the bayonette aligned with the barrel. Not a big issue, just something I have to remember.

When attached to the barrel, not an issue.

But, I can shoot groups and collect data at the same time, no POI issues.

DF

Really like mine. It could stay tighter on the barrel. Checked it 2 weeks ago with my old Chrony, speed was within 30fps.

I used my brother's MS when developing a load for his 7mm Rem Mag. I used it to check MV of various charge weights at a consistent OAL. When I found the velocity I wanted without pressure signs I put the MS away and loaded for a depth test. The depth test gave me the OAL for accuracy. I loaded a couple more at that OAL and ran them over the MS to check MV. Simple.






P

Its that reason above I am going Labradar. The using extra components to simply check velocity seems like a waste. Yeah its a drop in the bucket in cost, but more or less the extra time it takes to load and shoot those extra rounds as well. Couple that with less actual velocity data. I more data I get for ES and SD the better and when I am not actually getting my velicties when working up loads for accuracy.

In the scheme of things its not a big deal but I would like my chonograph to read all my shots as I work up loads without affecting accuracy, combine that with it coming loose often when strapped on to the gun (unless you have the sweet rig you got but my shooting benches don't allow for that work work ), plus the fact that my current setup (V1 version ) won't work with suppressors mounted and would have to get the $375 version to replace my current one thats on its last legs I am gonna pony up and just get the labradar and be done with it.

Capture every shot suppressed or not, no need to make up separate loads for accuracy checks and velocity checks, and still don't have to get wait for a cease fire at the range to setup like my old Beta Chrony, and it stays in place every shot and no need to adjust between shots.

Was dang close to replacing my current V1 magnetospeed with the V3 but once did the pros and cons for me the Labradar made sense.......but I can justify anything.

I've been thinking about a Labradar. But, that would make my third chrono...

I have a PACT and the MS; together they do about what I need to do.

But the Labradar sure seems lilke a slick piece of equipment.

Maybe one of these days.

DF

For me my Gen 2 Magneto speed is the best chronograph I have ever had.

My favorite range is an hour away, with my old chrony I had to be there by 07:45 to get setup, since they supply targets ready to go it maybe several hours before the first break.

With the Magneto speed I can come and go anytime!

I get it, it's an extra step, but I just roll a few of each strength and shoot in the back yard. If I were a city dweller the rules would change.




P

HAHA I hear ya there. I am certainly not above shooting a half dozen or so rounds through my rifle in the back yard in a few hour period to get some velocity data.

I applaud your ingenuity Dirtfarmer, well done. I have been considering one of these and think I may give one a try. I think I could craft a fixture as well. I have a gen 1 CED millennium and whereas it is a decent chronograph the software is out of date and the thought of something as simple as the magnetospeed really appeals to me. The poi question really doesn't bother me either, I can separate shooting for accuracy vs.velocity testing.

Since Photobucket is being Photobucket, Dirtfarmer, is there any chance of a recap of your setup?

I just found this thread, and I'd be really interested in seeing if your setup is what I'm imagining it to be without seeing pics, lol.

The vast majority of my chrono use is with hunting bolt guns, but I have periodic interest in/need for speeds from things like a PA long rifle flintlock, which I don't think the Sporter can attach to. Or my Glock 40.

I won't do tons of that stuff, but I do need it once in a while.

If there's a way to run the Sporter for those, plus not hang it on the barrel in the first place, I'd be ready to take the plunge.

Edit to add....for those who use the Magnetospeed, I've been mulling over this setup, and do you think this would work......

If I had a piece of round stock steel....1/2" to 1" OD, something in there, and had it D/T'ed to accept the threads/bolt from a tripod shoe, that round stock could be fitted to a tripod shoe, and then the Magnetospeed mounted on the round stock. Then setup the tripod in the appropriate place to put the MS unit under the barrel. What I'm not sure of is if that would put the unit too far from the barrel? And how to make sure the barrel is correctly aligned to the MS unit for proper readings..... but has my wheels turning.

Yeah, I know, I should just pony up for a V3, but if I don't have to....

TD

That sounds like it would work. I would line the barrel up with the back of the unit or add something as a reference for consistency. If from a solid rest or bag setup I don't think it would be a problem. I wouldn't shoot with out a solid set up as I would worry about hitting the Magneto Speed. I would be careful about drilling into the unit if you use a camera adapter.

Smearing the strap with Shoe Goo or silicone will cure the migrating problem.

Regrouped with Imgur.

It takes a long bench for this to work, this one crafted to fit the Z-71 tailgate.

You have to pay attention to the bayonet alignment with the bore.

DF

I think it would.

Alignment with bore and distance from bore axis is important.

If you're too far below the bore, you're gonna miss shots. If you move the barrel to the next target, even at a hundred yards and not realign the bayonet with the bore, you'll miss shots.

And of course, you don't want to shoot the bayonet. Those issues are the draw back to the free standing set up.

The good points: no change in POI and one can swap rifles to let a barrel cool and not have to reattach the device.

To me, the positives out weigh the negatives.

DF

Thank you for reposting the pics.

I think a c-clamp or two and some plywood and I could do that at the range where I shoot. I like it!

You'll need to be able to adjust the MS to align with the bore. I find that guns sit differently in the rest and thus have different positions regarding the MS.

So design flexibility in your free standing device so that you can move the unit to suit the situation.

A bench clamp would have the advantage of not needing a mega long shooting bench like my set up.

Post photos when you get it worked out.

DF

Will do.

I may have to fabricate something to go on a tripod, just to get a good, stable foundation under the MS unit, but your pics definitely showed me a better way to skin the cat as far as a mount system for the unit itself.

My first thought was a piece of 1/2" plywood with some stout c-clamps to give me more bench real estate at the range, but I'm thinking that anything resting on plywood that doesn't have bench surface under it will be susceptible to vibration, which may be an issue. Maybe not, but I'd imagine it's a possible problem.

A tripod setup will put the unit precisely where it has to be and put a solid base under it.

Honestly, I may or may not shoot tons of groups over this, I'm more looking to find ways to accommodate firearms the Sporter doesn't readily accommodate, such as a Glock handgun or possibly my flintlocks (full stock custom long rifles) if the Sporter won't secure to the muzzles.

If shooting my load dev. groups over it is feasible, bonus points.

I'll update as I get myself rigged up and running with it.

One of those car window camera/binoc/spotting scope holders may be a good start.

It's adjustable and could clamp on a 2" wide piece of 1/4" plywood attached to a base, "C" clamped to the bench.

You could actually mount the MS at 3:00 or 9:00 so the clamped unit could be moved up and down the vertical plywood piece, all other adjustments made with the holder unit.

I don't see why the MS has to be under the barrel. Mounted to the side would be great for lever guns with full length tube mags. It would probably work better for your ML.

Side or bottom mount, the bayonet to bore relationship would remain the same. 9:00 would be handier for a right handed shooter.

DF

I'd like to build it so I could attach it to the swivel stud the way a Harris bi-pod attaches. Run a very stiff rod forward to attach the MS. It would need to have an adjustment system to move it fore an aft on the rod and up and down to obtain the correct position relative to the bullet path. This may impact POI some, but if using a forend grip anyway, I don't think it would change much. Certainly less than attaching to the barrel. If the rod was very light, like carbon fiber, it may further reduce any POI change.

And, with the MS side mounted, it would be easier to watch where the bayonet was so it was close enough to not miss a shot, far enough to not get blasted.

DF

I'm trying to get the MS off the gun completely, so guns can be swapped out on the bench to let hot ones cool.

DF

That's a good idea to make it a side mount, so to speak. Only issue there is running a Glock for speeds, but I guess that's not impossible, and it's not like I need to hundreds of rounds. My big thing there is watching speeds when I start handloading, as that's my pressure check...what speed I'm seeing.

I'm waiting for Cabelas to update my points on my Visa card. Once the points are showing I'm getting a Magnetospeed chrony.

I like what I've seen and hear so far on the LabRadar chrono. It cost a few bucks and I already have two chronos. Maybe one of these days I'll pull the trigger on one.

DF

I ran my MS for the first time yesterday.

The good- it reads well on my 35 Whelen and 270 Winchester rifles. Only problem is that it wants to walk forward under recoil, so I have to keep an eye on that.

The bad- I couldn't get it to read a 22LR. My 22 has a heavy barrel, so maybe that was it, but no matter which spacer I used, where I positioned it, etc, it would NOT read the 22. I set it to high sensitivity, fiddled with position, etc. No go. Best I could get was an Err2, and the reference chart with the unit basically says "that's a glitch". Awesome.

But otherwise, it seems to work well.

I've started to work on the "flat spot" load development, and if that comes together, it would negate the need to run groups over the MS completely, which would be the best outcome.

I ordered a Magnetospeed V3 today from Cabelas. I'm looking forward to using it. I went with the V3 because the reviews said the unit is better made than the base model. I was holding off to let my points build up with some large home improvements on my card. Thanks again for the input!!