Magnetospeed Chronograph - first work out

wheelgun

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
32   0   0
Location
Winnipeg
Today was the first day warm enough to give the new magnetospeed a workout.
I purchased the magnetospeed in February while in Phoenix and had it delivered to the door for $375.00 plus $12.12 shipping US


My comments:
- I purchased the magnetospeed after a brief discussion with Bryan Litz of Berger Bullets and a shooter I have come to know in Phoenix. The shooter indicated the magnetospeed helped him out with vertical issues and Bryan gave it a favourable report.
- Today we tested on 4 rifles, .223, 6.5x47 and two .308s. It performed flawlessly and velocities were consistent with results from other chronographs. The area I am trying to address are some verticals and load development. Two of the rifle owners had already completed load development and the 6.5x47 recorded a Standard Deviation (SD) of 6 and the one .308 recorded a SD of 5, then came mine and as suspected the load was not working. I recorded a SD of 13. I have work to do!!!!!!! I did check 5 shots with the exact same load but bullets seated 5 thou deeper and my SD went down to 10 so there still is hope for the Berger 185s. For now, I am going to focus on seating depth as suggested by one of the shooters on the US national team.
- The setup was as instructed, very easy, you just need to insert spacers to get the correct distance for the sensors to the bore. A spacer is provided to measure and the last check is to sight through the barrel from butt end to make sure there is clearance.
- The receiver workded without a glitch and although I read the instructions the screens are set up in proper sequence so function is flawless.
- A micro card is supplied with standard card adapter so you can download to computer. I have not done this yet. But I expect no problem.
- Being able to setup your chronograph without disrupting the line is a big plus.
- Point of impact may change a little. I am looking forward to some long range work with this tool to find out more about my loads as development progresses.

Limitations:
- This is not for back and forth handguns, the sensor must be stationary.
- Read about use with lead bullets before you buy.
- You do have to keep track of the inserts you don't use but a case is provided.

Conclusion:
At this point me and the two other shooters have nothing but good things to say about this tool.
I will edit post as I find out more. I will be going back soon to work on that load.


I should have removed the plastic packaging for the picture but i am the one who goes out with the tags on his new clothes as well.



 
Last edited:
Sorry Les, I accidentally hit the post button before I finished.

To answer your question, for sure as far as I am concerned.
Can't wait to clamp it on and try the camera system to monitor shots out to 650 at the gravel pit.
POI may change a little as expected but at least I will be able to see the velocity changes and see if it is me or loads causing any elevation.
I kinda suspect I know which is going to be the bigger problem though.
 
Last edited:
may I suggest a carpet as I am thinking the drag on a BARE bench may not help the readings

the bare bench would not allow the friction to be overcome in the same manner all the time,


Jefferson
 
"The shooter indicated the magnetospeed helped him out with vertical issues..."

How did this chrony help with this issue? Wouldn't any chrony help you determine the SD? Or is there a specific process use with this chrony to reduce SD? Love the look of the display.
 
what I mean is the surface of the bipod should let the rifle recoil the same every time (like being on glass or a surface that is consistent)

it would seem to me that the bumps and brusies of the wood may not let the rifle "recoil" in the same manner each and every time, that is important because if you hold the rifle different you will get different readings from the chronograph, it is like the effort to push a car out of the driveway, over a gravel road the force needed changes depending on the gravel it is going over, when trying to get a low one digit speed form bullets you must remove all variables that you have control over, this would seem to indicate a surface (carpet) that will allow smooth recoil of the rifle in a rearward direction the same each time the gun is fired.

hope that is a little clearer

Jefferson
 
what I mean is the surface of the bipod should let the rifle recoil the same every time (like being on glass or a surface that is consistent)

it would seem to me that the bumps and brusies of the wood may not let the rifle "recoil" in the same manner each and every time, that is important because if you hold the rifle different you will get different readings from the chronograph, it is like the effort to push a car out of the driveway, over a gravel road the force needed changes depending on the gravel it is going over, when trying to get a low one digit speed form bullets you must remove all variables that you have control over, this would seem to indicate a surface (carpet) that will allow smooth recoil of the rifle in a rearward direction the same each time the gun is fired.

hope that is a little clearer

Jefferson

This would make a difference with chronographs that are separate from the rifle, however since the Magnetospeed sensor is attached to the barrel and therefore moves with the rifle it is not the case here.

Dan
 
I read quite a bit about these when they came out. Apparently they do affect poi but it's consistent and repeatable (poi was higher than normal) so it's not really an issue.

First time I saw one at the range I was a bit jealous because it was raining and my chrony stayed in my bag. A definite advantage with the magnetospeed when you live on the wet coast.
 
So here's the question in a different form: I am looking at a basic chrony for $130. Is this worth the cost to upgrade on my first purchase?

I don't know how good your eyes are but if you're going to buy a chrony spring a little extra for the one with the remote display. The cheap one has the display on the unit itself and is hard to read from 12 feet.

I do my load development at the range so I'd have to wait for a cease fire every time I wanted to read it.

I bought the the beta master with the remote display and I really like it for a relatively inexpensive chronograph. Tax in I paid under $200.

It all depends on how much you want to spend.
 
"The shooter indicated the magnetospeed helped him out with vertical issues..."

How did this chrony help with this issue? Wouldn't any chrony help you determine the SD? Or is there a specific process use with this chrony to reduce SD? Love the look of the display.


I believe he means it helped by showing him more info on what his loads were doing.
 
I don't know how good your eyes are but if you're going to buy a chrony spring a little extra for the one with the remote display. The cheap one has the display on the unit itself and is hard to read from 12 feet.

I do my load development at the range so I'd have to wait for a cease fire every time I wanted to read it.

I bought the the beta master with the remote display and I really like it for a relatively inexpensive chronograph. Tax in I paid under $200.

It all depends on how much you want to spend.

I was actually wondering about the Magnetospeed as opposed to a normal chronograph (although the remote display does sound good)
 
I won't get into a Chrony vs Magnetospeed discussion because I don't have enough data to support my decision, however, when shooters at the Berger Southwest Nationals talk, I listen. I have made my choice and am very happy with it. I can now place the Magnetospeed on my barrel, setup targets at 650 yards in the gravel pit, and along with my remote camera with TV monitor at firing line setup I can get the information I am looking for. Hope my posting has at least got you to have a look at this as a possible option.

I also won't get into the mat under the bipod discussion, I always shoot for accuracy from the mat with carpet under the bipod, however that picture was not a good angle for the device. I will leave it at that.
 
Best thing would be to try and find someone at your local range with either one so you can see them in action and make a decision.

I had my chrony out one day and a guy a few benches down had the same one. Whenever anyone shot a few lanes down his had an error. He came over to see mine in action and I had zero errors the whole afternoon. Pretty sure his was faulty. I guess I got a good one. I had guys on either side of me with mini 14's too lol!

I only saw one magnetospeed in action so I can't really comment on them as far as quality is concerned.

I think the magnetospeed comes with a remote display too but I'm not sure. You'd have to check on that if it's a consideration for you.
 
Back
Top Bottom