What are you using? I don't have one at all. I've seen some RCBS ones on the shelf. Are they junk? The price seems reasonable.

I figure I'm pretty much only guessing by using what the "book" suggests as velocity for my loads. It's time to find out what's really going on.

If buying a chrono on a budget, the ProChrono Digital is a great option, IMO. If not on a budget, and it suits your needs, I love the LabRadar.

I finally bought (was it a year ago already?) a MagnetoSpeed after the range quit supplying chrono's to it's members.

It was the most I wanted to spend for a compact, handy tool that was easy to cart around.

Well there is always a budget but I'm not afraid to buy something of quality if it costs more.

Well then, if you don’t often chrono sub-.22 caliber bullets or bullets moving over 4000 fps, the LR makes life easy.

Ok thank you.

I shoot from .223 to .280 Rem. if those are over 4000 fps I'm in trouble.

I had a chronograph that used screens. It was a pain!!! I bought a MagnetoSpeed and that works OK. I sort of wish I would have bought a LabRadar.

Another Labradar user. I used an Oehler for 30 years but since I bought a Labradar 4 years ago the Oehler hasn’t been turned on. Indoors, outdoors, easy setup, downrange ballistics, data management - I can’t imagine not owning it now. With over 2000 rounds fired I’ve had zero problems with it that weren’t operator error.

But it’s not for everyone:

- if you can’t learn to use a Smartphone, Labradar isn’t for you
- if you don’t care about downrange ballistics then there are cheaper options
- if downloading chrono data to your computer is more than you want, use a pad of paper and a cheaper option
- if you don’t mind walking in front of the shooting line to adjust and readjust the screens, no need for Labradar
- if you don’t need to check the accuracy of a load at the same time you chrono, get a MagnetoSpeed
- if you just want a very simple to operate chrono with no added features, eschew the Labradar




.

I had two PACTS and when the second one started giving strange readings I bought a Labradar It’s a bit steep but I’m not going back to screens.

Hard to beat the ProChrono Digital and the newer version, the DLX, for the price.

Oehler 35P. No velocity limits, reads even 17 cal which the LabRadar won’t. Quit triggering after 12 years, sent back to Oehler where it got a new brain board, tested, packed up and back at my door 5 days after they received it. No charge. Really doubt that magnetospeed or LabRadar offers that kind of guarantee.

I have 2 Pact 1's and a Labradar. I take the Labradar to the gun range now,

Magnetospeed has sent me a new bayonet no questions asked since my old one was getting ate up. Great company. The newer bayonets have a metal shield to protect them.


Veteran owned company as well.

Big fan of a MS.

Lab Radar is the only answer

First time for everything, but agree with Swifty52 100%
I had an issue with my 35P about 10 years ago and was going to send it in but the gentleman on the phone at Oehler helped me fix it while I was talking to him, been perfect ever since.
A tool I will never part with

you have never owned an Oehler then !!!!!

Labradar. No more calling for or waiting on a ceasefire.

Yup, Prochrono and try to avoid sunny days especially if the sun is at a hard angle. A cheap furnace filter works well for a light filter, but things go much better when shooting on a cloudy day.

An old one I found used at a small gunshop. Cost me $50 and gives me all the info I care about. I've seen so many guys fu ck around with some of the ones mentioned here, but their loads are no better than mine. You've been getting by for a long time, you probably develop loads the same way I do. Shoot your rifle and let it tell you what it likes, while all these other guys are fn around with sd, es. Reading your groups and knowing your velocities are what is important..

I can get my LR to read .17 cal bullets with some adjustment of the settings.

I have had a Magneetospeed almost 2 years now and like it. I had the plastic piece where the strap tucks in at break on the original one early this year. I contacted Magneetospeed and they wanted pictures, so I sent pictures. Next thing they asked me was for my mailing address. About 6 days later I had a new bayonet in my mailbox. I can’t complain, but if I was willing to part with the money I’d get a Labradar. I’ve talked to 2 guys at the range that said they own the Labradar and Magneetospeed. Both have told me they each serve their purpose and they still use both of them depending on what they are doing.

Magnetospeed Sport. It's a winner.

Pro Chrono and a Magneto Speed Sport. Which one I use depends on what I'm trying to do.

I've not shot through a chronograph in several years,despite owning (3) that I distinctly recall. Hint.

With 100's of barrels in the Memory Bank,the chronograph is moot to me. Feed a straight chamber GOOD brass,with a kiss and velocities will be boringly consistent. Hint.

That which makes the sole fhuqk to me,is come-ups. For that,I'll lean upon a stalwart erector and forget The Fluff. Hint.

Have only assembled a "few" new rifles in the last couple days,none of which have seen a chronograph. Kiss,find pressure and rock on. Grab a greedy 100yd zero,which correlates Ballistics AE and then shoot distance. Hint.





Have only shot the above to 1300yds,mainly because the weather puked. DOPE is etched,vertical is nil and Alpha is without peer. Hint...................

I have a Pro Chrono, but would not mind a Lab if money were no object.

Magnetospeed Sport. I like the ease of use. Very rarely (if ever) misses reading a shot. I'm sure Labradar would be better but can't justify the cost.

I have a Caldwell G2 and a LabRadar. LabRadar is newer but I still like the G2. I found it’s always nice to have two tools that do the same thing so I’m not dead in the water if one goes out. Even though I have two, I only chrono about half the time. I did do it every time for a little while but I found it sucks the fun out of shooting and feels like brain damage when using every time.

A red Chrony

WOW, you gotta be dummer than a box of schitt to try and make that fly here

Notice it didn't accompany many accolades. As for being dumb, I wasn't aware that the definition of being dumb has been updated to one being in possession of a Shooting Chrony. I could probably get something more expensive, but it's not in the budget right now, so I guess I'm satisfied with it for now. It works. It needs fresher batteries or it will start throwing funny results. You merely need to be smart enough to know when it's lying to you

This^^

I haven't used my M35 since last year...

Well stated. Mirrors my thoughts as well.

While I have, and use, a smartphone I can't begin to understand the myriad of apps it contains or that are available for downloading. Beyond its use as a phone and camera (and dropping in to read the latest gum-flapping on a couple sites when away from my laptop) it's a mystery to me. When reading about all the features and applications of the LabRadar I get the distinct feeling that it would flummox me the same way my smartphone does.

I went with the Magnetospeed because it's simple enough for my Luddite-like self to operate, and meets my needs too. I'm only interested in velocity on an anecdotal basis - "I wonder how fast the bullets in this load are going?" I'm not a long range shooter, so downrange data/statistics are worthless to me, and transmittal/storage of data is meaningless to me. The Magnetospeed evades the bustling about in front of the shooting line as well.

If I make any improvements on my occasional chronograph use, with the Magnetospeed, I would employ Mule Deer's jerry-rigging of one on a separate platform stationary ahead of rifle muzzles on the bench, allowing for velocity measuring while group shooting. But I probably won't.

I just have cheapo Caldwell. I basically only use it to satisy my curiosity once I have loads dialed in, so it's fine for my needs.

It does suck in direct sunlight with the screens, though. Pretty much have to use it on an overcast day or in the shade to get consistent readings. I never had one for years, so it's not really a make or break piece of equipment to me.

MagnetoSpeed V3

It does what I want.

It can even read my pellet gun velocities.

^^
Have owned prochrono, then used Oehler 35P for years, went to Labradar this year, game changer. You can drag it out anywhere, set it up in a minute without worrying about calling a ceasefire at your range, and get data. You can take it anywhere and set it up anywhere.

The optical chronographs seem to prefer overcast days, no matter what sort of light shields I rigged up around them.

Labradar is expensive and on top of the initial expense I needed the remote mic to get reliable readings, plus the $35 sight various people sell on Amazon to get it aimed right, plus a tripod and QR plate for the tripod.

LMAO, I haven’t had to call a cease fire at my public range in 10-15 years. Really a pretty cheesy excuse. IMO

ProChrono LTD.




GR

Try runnin'em upside down.

9>)




GR

Sorry to break it to you, but you are not everyone. Cheezy post, plenty of others will agree.


.

You velocity is “book’ish” and then shoot come ups to verify?

I used a ProChrono for years but recently switched to a Magnetospeed Sporter for convenience of setting up. Loving it so far.

Those are the two I use also.