Chronograph Reccomendations

[DAOutfitters208]

I am looking to pick up an affordable chronograph. The Cabelas here in Post Falls has a Caldwell and a RCBS ammo master.
There are some mixed reviews of the Caldwell, some people love it, others have issues and send them back. Haven't found much on the RCBS. Anyone have any experience with either? Or another model they would recommend?
I am buying one only to get my muzzle velocity so that I can get my CDS turret ordered. It will be used minimally.
Thanks

Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph | Cabela's

The Ballistic Precision Chronograph® from Caldwell is calibrated for even greater accuracy. It captures velocity measurements within +/-0.25% by using a high-speed processor and a circuit with an

www.cabelas.com

 

[Ram94]

I recently switched from a Shooting Chrony which gave nothing but problems, to a Competition Electronics Prochrono Digital. So far I've been very happy with it and it hasn't missed a single shot.

 

[Runwilderness]

My Caldwell was very hit or miss. A major PITA when working up a load and only having a few shots with any given charge.
I switched to the low end Magnetospeed and I’ve been much happier although it does affect POI on my Tikka.

 

[cmahoney]

You can’t beat the magnetospeed spotter for $160. I switched from an optical a few years ago, way better


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[Brendan]

Magnetospeed.

 

[DAOutfitters208]

My Caldwell was very hit or miss. A major PITA when working up a load and only having a few shots with any given charge.
I switched to the low end Magnetospeed and I’ve been much happier although it does affect POI on my Tikka.

I see some people have issues when shooting magnums, any issues you have noticed? Im going to use it on a 338 RUM

 

[wyosam]

Yep, even for occasional use only, I’d still go for the magnetospeed sporter. Well worth the few extra dollars.


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[Brendan]

So, a couple of us have suggested magnetospeed, here's why: Optical Chronographs are pretty finicky. They don't work well in certain lighting conditions. Change from cloudy to sunny, and all of a sudden you start missing or getting weird readings. Might not work at all under flourescent lights. Light kits and sky shades help. And, they're more variable, which is exactly what you're trying to avoid when looking at ES and load development.

There are two chronographs I'd consider in this day and age (for rifles) and they're magnetospeed and Labradar.

 

[DAOutfitters208]

So, a couple of us have suggested magnetospeed, here's why: Optical Chronographs are pretty finicky. They don't work well in certain lighting conditions. Change from cloudy to sunny, and all of a sudden you start missing or getting weird readings. Might not work at all under flourescent lights. Light kits and sky shades help. And, they're more variable, which is exactly what you're trying to avoid when looking at ES and load development.

There are two chronographs I'd consider in this day and age (for rifles) and they're magnetospeed and Labradar.

Much appreciated. Just watched a video of a guy using one with a 460 Weatherby mag... I think it will handle my rifle just fine! Just placed my order. Thanks again

 

[Runwilderness]

I see some people have issues when shooting magnums, any issues you have noticed? Im going to use it on a 338 RUM

I’ve only used it on a 6.5x55, so I can’t comment on reliability with a magnum. It can slip a bit on the thin Tikka barrel, so I am careful to check it between loads.

 

[HunterJJ13]

A friend of mine suggested against a magnetospeed, but only because he thought there was a better, more cost effective brand. I'll have to ask which brand.

 

[cmahoney]

I see some people have issues when shooting magnums, any issues you have noticed? Im going to use it on a 338 RUM

I have a 300 RUM and it works fine


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[rayporter]

get the MS
the pain of setting up the others is not worth it.

with the labradar out now there are some deals on the MS

 

[N2TRKYS]

I've been using a Caldwell for a few years now and love it. Very easy setup and everything is saved to my phone, including pics of targets.

 

[Roksliding]

I got the magnetospeed. Very happy with my purchase......

Well minus that cheap piece of crap plastic box it comes in.... it’s like trying to repack a can of sardines after I use it everytime

 

[CO-AJ]

LabRadar. It will miss a shot on occasion, but very easy to use. You will have to purchase a tripod in addition to the unit itself.

 

[MuleyFever]

I can’t get on board with the MS due to the fact I can’t work on load development and get speeds at the same time. Seems like a waste to have to shoot more rounds that will have a shifted POI just to get speeds.

 

[1shotgear]

Magnetospeed barrel mounted chronographs are pretty tough to beat for the price! The work in almost any condition and automatically calculate SD and average velocity.

 

[Rich M]

I have the Caldwell and it works fine for me - take a few moments and make sure you are lined up across the center and you'll be fine. Start shooting off to the side and such and not so much.

I like it cause I can use it with archery equipment and such. I also shoot for groups thru it and check speeds at same time. Can see how the speed affects the group...

If you just want speed, magneto-speed has lots of happy users.

 

[BigDog00]

Does the mangento speed change the group size or just point of impact? Typically how far off are they?