Magnetospeed usage in load development

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Picked one up a bit back after annoyance with my optical chrono, need to clock a couple loads to help tune in better and a little load work on some others. Reading on things seems agreed it can shift POI and can potentially affect group sizing. With all that in mind my intention was to have it on when running an initial quick charge ladder looking for max pressure signs and velocity profile going up in powder charge to look for plateaus. Then strip it off for group size tests around the velocity plateaus. Once I pick a load I think I'm happy with toss it on for some rounds to collect velocity average for the charge, strip it off and then shoot progressively longer shots to tune in POI vs ballistics.

Seem on track for usage of this technology?

When shooting the charge ladder with the magnetospeed on if I use a catch paper at long range to log in vertical impacts (not group size) those datapoints should still be a useful consideration right? IE the POI shift will affect all rounds and its just vertical impact data not group sizing so the harmonic impacts (to whatever degree) shouldn't really affect velocity and long range vertical stringing right?

 

[wind gypsy]

Hard to say whether it would impact harmonics enough to make running a ladder at distance a waste of time. Seems some guys with heavy match type barrel contours feel fine about doing load dev with one on.

I just went to labradar 100% of the time to eliminate variables.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Yeah wasn't going down the what chrono is better route. I went magneto for compact, simple setup, no noise interference, etc. but ideally solid data (that might require a bit of redundant shooting with it off).

Mainly pondering if bothering to catch the charge ladder rounds to see vertical, mostly wanting velocity info so definitely magneto on for that. It will be off for grouping tests and also long range POI confirmation. Which means I'll have to shoot some rounds prior to the long range POI testing just to collect a velocity average but it is what it is.

 

[FLS]

I’ve got a Magnetospeed and a Labradar.
I used the magneto for a velocity ladder, then took it off to fine tune groups. Then put it back on to shoot for avg velocity, ES, and SD once I had a load that shot well.
I have a Sendero contour on my Match rifle and it does give an impact shift.
I bought a Labradar and the Magnetospeed stays on the shelf.
FWIW they are within 1FPS of each other, so I wouldn’t sayone is better, just more convenient. Less rounds down the tube too.

 

[JohnnyB]

For my purposes, the magnetospeed is perfect for finding nodes. My poi does shift but not dramatically. The groups are irrelevant to me during this process.

During two sessions I had access to both the magnetospeed and a lab radar. The lab radar registered between 5-10 FPS slower every shot. Anyone else notice this?

 

[Rick]

I think you are on track with your plan but you might question the data and feel you need to verify because it is kind of an unknown.

I've used the magneto speed during load development / barrel break in on heavier contour barrels and all the data was valid with just POI impact change. I couldn't tell any difference in group sizes with or without but did final development with magneto removed just to be sure.

I didn't use the MS during load development on my little whippy barreled Kimber Montana.

 

[wind gypsy]

During two sessions I had access to both the magnetospeed and a lab radar. The lab radar registered between 5-10 FPS slower every shot. Anyone else notice this?

I compared them at the same time when I first got my LabRadar and had similar results. I don't recall the exact difference but I think the LabRadar was consistently running 7 to 8 FPS slower. It probably has to do with where the LabRadar picks up the bullet. The fact that they were consistent was enough to solidify my confidence in either of them.

 

[HellsCanyon]

The only effect I've seen the Magnetospeed have is POI shift. It's consistently .6-.9 MIL vertical at 100 yards POI shift on my rifles. Up until recently I've used one for 100% of load development on every rifle for the last 3+ years. I like to know whats going on! Never once seen accuracy degrade or increase with one on or off.

It recently had some wires fray, which I resoldered but had continued issues with it so I bought the bullet with a Labradar. Would've gone back with the Magneto but I often shoot 3-4 rifles at the range at a time and not having to switch the bayonet from one to the other is a HUGE time saver for me.

Mike

 

[JGRaider]

I've definitely noticed a POI shift with the MS attached. That's my only beef with this otherwise very accurate and simple setup. Overall I like it very much.

 

[Iman]

Picked one up a bit back after annoyance with my optical chrono, need to clock a couple loads to help tune in better and a little load work on some others. Reading on things seems agreed it can shift POI and can potentially affect group sizing. With all that in mind my intention was to have it on when running an initial quick charge ladder looking for max pressure signs and velocity profile going up in powder charge to look for plateaus. Then strip it off for group size tests around the velocity plateaus. Once I pick a load I think I'm happy with toss it on for some rounds to collect velocity average for the charge, strip it off and then shoot progressively longer shots to tune in POI vs ballistics.

Seem on track for usage of this technology?

When shooting the charge ladder with the magnetospeed on if I use a catch paper at long range to log in vertical impacts (not group size) those datapoints should still be a useful consideration right? IE the POI shift will affect all rounds and its just vertical impact data not group sizing so the harmonic impacts (to whatever degree) shouldn't really affect velocity and long range vertical stringing right?

I’ve used the MS since pretty much they started making them. It does change POI for my rifles so I use it initially to help me find the maximum powder charge as well as to look for speed plateaus. I do not use it for fine group tuning because of the POI shift. Then, I use it to verify the final load speed at different ambient temperatures for ballistic calculations. If I were choosing for a chrono today I would seriously consider the Labradar

 

[Gunnersdad49]

There are rail mounts for the Magnetospeed that take it off of the barrel. I suppose if a guy wanted to use one on a spotter style stock, he could get a sling stud mounted rail.

On a side note, I had a rifle (Dad’s old .270 in a rem 700) that just wouldn’t do what it should, even with handloads. I was fighting to keep it under 1.5” at 100 yards. I put the magnetospeed on it, and boom, .75” 3 shot group.
Did it again and again. So I wasted $10 on one of those limbsaver sex toy looking things that goes over the barrel. I was flabbergasted when the damned thing actually worked! Looks stupid, but it works.

 

[Chainsaww]

Good info. Thanks guys

 

[Pengilly]

100% yes. I get a small to nothing POI change with the V3 depending on barrel contour and if your concerned you can buy mounting devices that don't attach the V3 to the barrel