I have a chance to buy a Magnetospeed Ver 3 chrono. I've been told they are prett good. Just wondering what version they are up to(updates?) and if anyone can tell me how they work? An approx value on a slightly used one would be great. Complete with case papers etc. He wants to sell it with a Contender in 357 Max
Price check etc on Chrongraph.
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I have one but can not tell you much about versions. V3 is more of a generation number than a version number
I got mine many years ago for an article I was working on.
These work great on most rifles and poorly on most handguns
Amazon sells them brand new for $250 - $450 depending on which kit it is
If I were going to chronograph multiple loads from a single rifle, the Magnetospeed would be a valid choice.
However I usually chronograph a single load from multiple firearms. Even if the Magnetospeed would work with them all (which it wont) the time to remount it over and over is too great for me
Additionally, when I have a chronograph with me at the Rifle & Pistol Club other members tend to ask if they can chrono their firearm/ammo combination
I have 6 or 7 different Chronographs available to me, I always take the Lab Radar out.
Right now I could not put my hands on the Magnetospeed if I wanted to, I have no idea where I put it in the new house
I got mine many years ago for an article I was working on.
These work great on most rifles and poorly on most handguns
Amazon sells them brand new for $250 - $450 depending on which kit it is
If I were going to chronograph multiple loads from a single rifle, the Magnetospeed would be a valid choice.
However I usually chronograph a single load from multiple firearms. Even if the Magnetospeed would work with them all (which it wont) the time to remount it over and over is too great for me
Additionally, when I have a chronograph with me at the Rifle & Pistol Club other members tend to ask if they can chrono their firearm/ammo combination
I have 6 or 7 different Chronographs available to me, I always take the Lab Radar out.
Right now I could not put my hands on the Magnetospeed if I wanted to, I have no idea where I put it in the new house
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General information only...I've had six chronographs over more than forty years. If you intend you use one minimally, an inexpensive one will work. If you're going to use one a lot and want one that could be considered "heavy duty" get a an Oehler 35P or a LabRadar. Get one of these and you won't later wish you had bought something better.
Ther only advantage the LabRadar has over the Oehler is a quicker, more conenient setup. I'm not up on prices; these units may be about the same.
If you intend to chronograph a hundred rounds in one session and you do this on a regular basis, you'll find lesser chronographs lacking. The Magnetospeed is the one that hangs off the barrel; certainly not the best setup for chronographing.
Ther only advantage the LabRadar has over the Oehler is a quicker, more conenient setup. I'm not up on prices; these units may be about the same.
If you intend to chronograph a hundred rounds in one session and you do this on a regular basis, you'll find lesser chronographs lacking. The Magnetospeed is the one that hangs off the barrel; certainly not the best setup for chronographing.
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I have used an Oehler 35P for lots of years. See no need for anything else.
I have one and really like it. However, I had a Remington 700, in 257 Weatherby that shot very poorly when it was mounted on the barrel. The barrel harmonics went crazy with it on there, but it was the only rifle that had that problem.
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It can not only affect accuracy, but also the rifle's zero. With most other chronographs, you can chronograph a rifle after it is zeroed with no effect. With the Magneto, you will need to verify zero after chronographing with the Mageneto unattached. May make a difference, may not, but I'd call the need to take the extra step to verify zero a definite drawback.
Nemo288
Member
I have all 3 kinds of chronos.
The magneto is far easier to use at an indoor range than the optical.
However as stated above it's only really useful for velocity measurements.
Shooting for groups has to be done with the unit off the barrel.
When I was loading and shooting development ladders with the magneto
I would load 10 of each step .. usually .5 or 1 gr. increments.
5 for velocity and 5 for groups.
You DO get numbers very close to the muzzle unlike the optical and the unit is a breeze to operate.
It also works in ANY sort of light which is a plus.
But forget mounting it on a very short revolver or a double barrel gun.
I have mounted one on 4" and 6" revolvers though.
Gunbroker has a V3 with rail attachment for $300.
The best of all, if you can afford it, is the LabRadar.
They are currently available for $625.
There is a bit of a learning curve but it's nothing a serious reloader can't master in an afternoon.
I was able to cut back to 5 loads per step as you can shoot for velocity and groups at the same time like the optical.
You also get a (computed) actual muzzle velocity AND velocity measurements all the way out to the target.
Then you can calculate the actual BC of your load.
This will be somewhat different than the number(s) you get from the bullet maker and way more accurate.
It's the ultimate civilian ballistic instrument.
The main disadvantage is that once you are done with your shooting,
everyone else is going to want to put a few rounds past it and it's hard to turn them down.
Luckily there is no possibility of shooting the instrument unlike the opticals.
Yes the new Oehler's will do the BC calculation too but try setting one up at a busy indoor range
and you will quickly see the advantage of the "nothing out front" systems.
The magneto is far easier to use at an indoor range than the optical.
However as stated above it's only really useful for velocity measurements.
Shooting for groups has to be done with the unit off the barrel.
When I was loading and shooting development ladders with the magneto
I would load 10 of each step .. usually .5 or 1 gr. increments.
5 for velocity and 5 for groups.
You DO get numbers very close to the muzzle unlike the optical and the unit is a breeze to operate.
It also works in ANY sort of light which is a plus.
But forget mounting it on a very short revolver or a double barrel gun.
I have mounted one on 4" and 6" revolvers though.
Gunbroker has a V3 with rail attachment for $300.
The best of all, if you can afford it, is the LabRadar.
They are currently available for $625.
There is a bit of a learning curve but it's nothing a serious reloader can't master in an afternoon.
I was able to cut back to 5 loads per step as you can shoot for velocity and groups at the same time like the optical.
You also get a (computed) actual muzzle velocity AND velocity measurements all the way out to the target.
Then you can calculate the actual BC of your load.
This will be somewhat different than the number(s) you get from the bullet maker and way more accurate.
It's the ultimate civilian ballistic instrument.
The main disadvantage is that once you are done with your shooting,
everyone else is going to want to put a few rounds past it and it's hard to turn them down.
Luckily there is no possibility of shooting the instrument unlike the opticals.
Yes the new Oehler's will do the BC calculation too but try setting one up at a busy indoor range
and you will quickly see the advantage of the "nothing out front" systems.
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ArchAngelCD
Moderator, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
The full version will run ~$499 new and $450 on sale while the Sporter runs about $250 or there abouts.
Used price if well kept should be around $300/$325 IMO.
Used price if well kept should be around $300/$325 IMO.
DWalt
Member
A shame the Chrony is no longer made. It was inexpensive and met the need for making simple MV measurements. The Alpha was a no-frills device, but for most who did not need to use one extensively, it worked well. I used an Alpha for over 10 years with great satisfaction. Until one day when I put a bullet through it. I then bought the Beta version which was a giant step up. I still have and use it. It does all of the statistical work for you. One might be able to find an older Chrony on eBay, GunBroker, etc.
No LabRadar unit was harmed in the making of these tests
The LabRadars are expensive, & their software features could use some improvements, but if you frequently shoot at a public range with limited or no access forward of the firing line, then the LabRadar is for you.
If you want the dual screen option you'll have to opt for two.
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FX9-P8 chrono test
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45 Super chrono test, S&W 625PC
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The LabRadars are expensive, & their software features could use some improvements, but if you frequently shoot at a public range with limited or no access forward of the firing line, then the LabRadar is for you.
If you want the dual screen option you'll have to opt for two.
.
FX9-P8 chrono test
.
.
.
45 Super chrono test, S&W 625PC
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
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Nemo288
Member
As far as optical chronos go, I have always used the ProChrono from Competition Electronics.
ProChrono Comparison Chart – Competition Electronics
Very good value and with an external light source works all the time anywhere.
The first one lasted 3 decades and finally something in it just died.
This is my second and current one with Caldwell infrared light sticks on it.
The 95 fps reading is from flicking a rubber band over it.
After having said all that though the LabRadar totally converted me and I have taken the battery out of the ProChrono for storage.
ProChrono Comparison Chart – Competition Electronics
Very good value and with an external light source works all the time anywhere.
The first one lasted 3 decades and finally something in it just died.
This is my second and current one with Caldwell infrared light sticks on it.
The 95 fps reading is from flicking a rubber band over it.
After having said all that though the LabRadar totally converted me and I have taken the battery out of the ProChrono for storage.
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