I have been using a new Labradar for a month now. Years ago, my first chrono was a Shooting Chrony Beta Master then I got a CED Millennium 2. The firing point I shoot from is surrounded by trees so shadows play havoc with the chrono readings. I would have to wait for an overcast day to get good numbers. I got tired of it so I bought a Labradar.
I actually paid attention to the internet posters that advised to read the directions first. I took my time reading the directions and watched a Youtube video. I purchased a battery pack from Amazon for about $8 to power the unit. This thing is really easy to set up and use! No more error messages. I have used it with 22 lr rifle, 260 Rem, 338 WM, and 45 Raptor. I have not yet tried a handgun.
I capture multiple strings while shooting, then return home to review the data. Average velocity, extreme spread, standard deviation and individual shots all right there and easy to view. I have not yet used the downrange velocities or tried anything with power factor or kinetic energy.
I am really pleased with the unit.
405wcf
Thanks for the report.
At some point, I'd like to pick one up as well.
I have a Labradar and love it now. I purchased a JLK trigger for my braked rifles and then picked up a bolt on sight from eBay. With the trigger it allows me a little leeway on where to place the Labrador on the table. After using the sight I found out I was sighting it too low to the target. I love it now and having reliable data to analyze sure makes it easier.
I use a Milwaukee M-18 battery on mine......
I have had one for a few years now. They are much easier to use than the Chronys I've own. No wires, no extra parts to setup and no problems with clouds or sun. I place mine on the shooting bench along with the spotting scope and I'm good to go. You do need an extra power pack or two to run the radar for most of the day. If I need to run it longer, I recharge the power packs in the truck.
Mine gets gunshot residue on the edge near the firearm. Anybody got a cure for that?
I saw one used at the range a month or so ago...
its the only way to fly.....gotta get around to getting one myself.
Mine gets gunshot residue on the edge near the firearm. Anybody got a cure for that?
I move mine back so that it’s about 8” from being in plane with the muzzle, which prevents the majority of the blast from hitting the LR.
Good to hear. Being able to set up the unit without going down range is enticing.
I use a Milwaukee M-18 battery on mine......
I’d like to see some details on that, please. I have quite a few M18 batteries around.
I use a Milwaukee M-18 battery on mine......
I’d like to see some details on that, please. I have quite a few M18 batteries around.
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Batteries-and-Chargers/M18-Batteries-and-Chargers/49-24-2371
I bought a couple of cheap battery packs that are rated at 20,000 and 25,000 mAh, and I can go through several chrono sessions that last several hours each, on a single charge of a single battery pack. I only bought the second one so that I'd have a back up in case the first one died in the middle of a chrono session.
For $1M I would buy a Labradar and use it once.
For only $100k, I would use my Magnetospeed for one more hour.
I have built 4 rifles and have 4 deer tags for Oct 2021.
I will take a Prochrono and a laptop with Quickload with me on the 2,000 mile drive in October.
I have two reloading presses mounted in the camper.
I’ve given mine a good workout this summer and love the thing. There’s so little to carry to the range and it sets up so easily and quickly. Now what to do with my Oehler? I liked it too, but there is a lot to carry and a bit of a pain to set up.
I like mine. The unit, base, external power supply, and the manual all fit nicely in an old laptop backpack carrying case. I sometimes have troubles getting it to start a new string and have to turn it off and back on. Apparently there is a phone app for the Labradar that lets you operate it from your phone and fixes the problem. I love the easy setup and not having to go down range. My biggest issue is that it won't work with bullets less than .22 caliber or speeds over 4000 fps. I got a 204 Ruger a few months ago which is both too small and too fast. Once I have loads for the 204 that are the most accurate for each weight I'll haul my old Chrony Beta Master out and see how fast they actually are.
Clearly the Labradar isn’t for everyone, and those who have trouble using a cell phone should probably stick to simpler devices. But for those who can both read and follow the instructions it is an excellent choice. As stated it’s easy/safer to set up, fits on the bench, and isn’t light sensitive. But it also offers functions most optical chronos do/can not, like extensive digitally stored data and the ability to find the true BC of your bullets. It’s biggest problem is probably the price, a fact those who own “cheaper” chronos will use to justify their own choice. Nothing wrong with not wanting/able to pay the entry fee..
I used my Oehler M33 extensively for over 30 years, but I haven’t bothered since I got the Labradar, I’m sure it will be up for sale soon.
Got mine in the mail a week or two ago...its setting on a table waiting for me to have time to read the instructions... gotta look at that Milwaukee Battery Pack tho.
I use a Makita 18V battery with mine.
milwaukee M-18 here...
Mine gets gunshot residue on the edge near the firearm. Anybody got a cure for that?
That’s a new one on me. What load are you shooting that does that?
Mine likes to be within 10” of the muzzle and on the same plane as the muzzle. I’ve never noticed any residue.
I use a Anker 10,00 mAh battery. I’ve had the unit on for several hours straight and it hardly puts a dent in the battery charge. Nice thing about the Anker I leave it in the truck hooked to the phone charger and it’s charged up when I need it.
I use the doppler trigger mode with mine and set the unit beside the action so I can reach the buttons.
you wouldn't need the doppler trigger if ya had, ahem, a Labradar Retriever.......
you wouldn't need the doppler trigger if ya had, ahem, a Labradar Retriever.......
lol.......you're sharper'n a grapefruit this afternoon......
My father used to say, “sharp as a meatball.” 😊