Best bang for buck chronograph?
- Thread starter Brapp891
- Start date
I have a FX doppler radar for couple years and last month just picked up a Labradar version 1 from second hand about $450 tmd.
I could get a latest and greatest ver 2 or Garmin, but because I am starting with reloading game for new to me f-class I need more downrange data only the big orange is providing.
I tested the Labradar at my club ranges and it is finicky for reflections, and if I mistake the settings it was picking up other guns as well from 20 meters away. These can be edited in the unit itself or later in PC, but ...
I ended up ordering a reaction trigger for it as well for extra $65 shipped.
So yes, it is not all in the money...
I could get a latest and greatest ver 2 or Garmin, but because I am starting with reloading game for new to me f-class I need more downrange data only the big orange is providing.
I tested the Labradar at my club ranges and it is finicky for reflections, and if I mistake the settings it was picking up other guns as well from 20 meters away. These can be edited in the unit itself or later in PC, but ...
I ended up ordering a reaction trigger for it as well for extra $65 shipped.
So yes, it is not all in the money...
I still have a Shooting Chrony, a Magnetospeed and recently a Garmin
each is good for something that the others can't do and are pretty close in readings
edit: currently you can get a Magnetospeed for pretty cheap but the optical chronies are the real money saver.
each is good for something that the others can't do and are pretty close in readings
edit: currently you can get a Magnetospeed for pretty cheap but the optical chronies are the real money saver.
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You can get a Caldwell for about $200 then add a tripod. Probably the cheapest to get into but have set up time like all the old chronos did.
I have a used LabRadar for $400. Works fine and you just have to sit it beside you. My new Garmin does the same but is more convenient as it’s the size of a tall boy beer can, but it’s much more $$$
I have a used LabRadar for $400. Works fine and you just have to sit it beside you. My new Garmin does the same but is more convenient as it’s the size of a tall boy beer can, but it’s much more $$$
The Caldwell one is probably the cheapest, especially if you can find it on sale. I bought mine on Boxing Day sales a few years ago for only $99.
https://tillsonburggunshop.com/Caldwell-Ballistic-Precision-Chronograph-Canada
Bang for your buck though? That is a harder one to quantify. I'd certainly love to try a LabRadar considering the prices used ones are going for these days, but I'm poor so I have troubles justifying another chronograph when the one I have now still works. I probably won't upgrade until either I put a bullet into the one I have by accident or I get frustrated with having to set it up.
As of right now I don't use my chrono a lot, I mostly work up a load focusing on accuracy and then check the velocity on the chrono once I have narrowed things down. Would probably use it a LOT more if I had a LabRadar or Garmin.
https://tillsonburggunshop.com/Caldwell-Ballistic-Precision-Chronograph-Canada
Bang for your buck though? That is a harder one to quantify. I'd certainly love to try a LabRadar considering the prices used ones are going for these days, but I'm poor so I have troubles justifying another chronograph when the one I have now still works. I probably won't upgrade until either I put a bullet into the one I have by accident or I get frustrated with having to set it up.
As of right now I don't use my chrono a lot, I mostly work up a load focusing on accuracy and then check the velocity on the chrono once I have narrowed things down. Would probably use it a LOT more if I had a LabRadar or Garmin.
MagnetoSpeed Sporter is inexpensive and reliable. I'm going to upgrade to Garmin at some point, but it does the job for now. Caldwell is less money, but I'm so not missing that whole setup procedure. Especially if for some reason it doesn't read properly and you need to wait for the next cease fire to fix the positioning or what not.
Gatehouse and I both have used Labradars in EE for half price after buying Garmins.
As has been mentioned if you need to calculate BC with multiple measurements down range then the Labradar is the one.
I personally don't like attaching anything to my barrel nor shooting through rods with a sun shade.
As has been mentioned if you need to calculate BC with multiple measurements down range then the Labradar is the one.
I personally don't like attaching anything to my barrel nor shooting through rods with a sun shade.
Timely thread. I just upgraded to Garmin after several years with a CE Pro Digital optical chronograph.
The CE never missed a shot, but was sensitive to varying light conditions. Different readings in bright sun vs overcast. Seemed to be a 6 fps dead band with center fire loads.
For working up a hunting load it'd be fine, but for long range precision shooting I needed better resolution.
The Garmin just works. Set it next to your barrel and fire. It hasn't missed a shot yet.
The price still stings a bit, but at least I'm getting reliable information from an easy to use unit.
So far, it's money well spent.
The CE never missed a shot, but was sensitive to varying light conditions. Different readings in bright sun vs overcast. Seemed to be a 6 fps dead band with center fire loads.
For working up a hunting load it'd be fine, but for long range precision shooting I needed better resolution.
The Garmin just works. Set it next to your barrel and fire. It hasn't missed a shot yet.
The price still stings a bit, but at least I'm getting reliable information from an easy to use unit.
So far, it's money well spent.
What is a shooting chrony good for that the others aren’t?
When I went looking fir a new chronograph to replace my ages old Chrony, the Garmin was not yet available.
The best choices were the Labradar and the Magnetospeed, which was much less expensive than the Labradar.
However, one shot out of my 40/65 Sharps with a BP load was enough to tell me that the magnetospeed does not work for my needs- what a mess on the bayonet!! LOL
If I had a choice these days it would be the Garmin hands down for any number of reasons!
Cat
The best choices were the Labradar and the Magnetospeed, which was much less expensive than the Labradar.
However, one shot out of my 40/65 Sharps with a BP load was enough to tell me that the magnetospeed does not work for my needs- what a mess on the bayonet!! LOL
If I had a choice these days it would be the Garmin hands down for any number of reasons!
Cat
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- Location
- Alberta, North America
Garmin - waited + found one on sale at GPS Cantral-Calgary, high quality + it does lots of stuff. Easy to use, compact, sits beside your barrel on the bench.
Whats quality worth to you?
Whats quality worth to you?
We were at the range a few weeks back to chronograph some loads - by the time I got my labradar unpacked ( not set up , just out of my range box!) Another member had dropped his Garmin beside my friend's rifle and said " go ahead"
The labradar went right back into the range box!LOL
If I didn't already own the Labradar, I would buy a Garmin in a New York Minute
Heck, I may yet if i can unload my Labradar
Cat
coleman1495
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Whitecourt
Bang for the buck- Garmin.
It’s lightyears ahead of the other options. It’s like Labradar that fits in your pocket, never misses a shot, takes seconds to setup.
A shooting chrono would be 600$ cheaper but is an absolute PITA for load development especially on a public range
It’s lightyears ahead of the other options. It’s like Labradar that fits in your pocket, never misses a shot, takes seconds to setup.
A shooting chrono would be 600$ cheaper but is an absolute PITA for load development especially on a public range
- Location
- WMU247 near Edmonton
well I'm still packing around an old shooting chrony alpha
it does what I need it to do and use it about once a year to confirm velocities of loads I've worked up
it does what I need it to do and use it about once a year to confirm velocities of loads I've worked up
Hey Cat, I went through the same dilemma.....so gave the LR to a prize table at a shoot this summer. Problem solved!!
