Chronograph

[Aberhan]

After all these years and I still don’t own a chronograph. Does anyone have experience with the Magneto Speed? Thoughts and opinions welcome. I looked at the old style Caldwell but nobody says anything good about them. Here in Canada a Garmin is $750. All advice appreciated.
Thanks, Abe…

 

[RL338]

I used a Magnetospeed Sporter before getting a Garmin. The only gripe I have with it is no matter how tight you get it ,it will slide on heavier recoiling rifles. I still use it time from time.

 

[JD338]

I picked up a Garmin a couple years ago and it’s made life much easier. I rarely shoot with out it. It’s definitely worth the price.

JD338

 

[TackDriver284]

Garmin Xero took me 30 seconds to set it up compared to my old P-35 Oehler which average about 10-15 mins to set up and line up with the barrel to the target. Garmin Xero is definitely worth it without the hassle.

 

[NYDAN]

The Garmin (and Athlon Rangecraft) are definitely make life easier. It was worth it for me to spend full price for the Garmin that I bought. Not one moment of buyer's remorse.

 

[Guy Miner]

Athlon Rangecraft is a less expensive alternative to the Garmin and works pretty much the same. I've used them both and have no preference between them. Here's my setup for testing handun loads at the indoor range. You can see how small the Athlon unit is in the lower left of the photo. It's actually a little larger than the Garmin I think. The range doesn't allow folks to set up conventional chronographs because they have to be forward of the firing line, but putting one of these little rascals on the bench is super-easy. I keep the notebook handy and jot down readings, but the chronograph remembers each shot anyway so I don't need to do that.

 

[DrMike]

Guy, despite the presence of a Garmin (or a LabRadar or an Oehler), I keep my notebook on the bench with me. I suppose that makes me "old school."

 

[jimbires]

Guy, despite the presence of a Garmin (or a LabRadar or an Oehler), I keep my notebook on the bench with me. I suppose that makes me "old school."

Me too

 

[RL338]

I keep the notebook handy and jot down readings

I’m guilty of still using pen and paper at the bench.

 

[TackDriver284]

I’m guilty of still using pen and paper at the bench.

You aren't alone, a few times I had forgotten to bring a pen that I would type in the readings on my phone.

 

[Slimfinn]

I have the magneto and haven't had any issues, it was my first chrono. Can take a little getting used to, and remembering how to navigate through the display, dont forget the instruction sheet at home. It was nice for checking velocities and looking for a node, but always took it off for groups,, did I have too, not sure but I did anyway.
But like alot of the others I have switched over to the garmin and really like it.
If you were on this side of the border I'd give you a good deal on the magneto.

 

[Wolfshead]

I also have the Athlon Rangecraft.
It’s my first and only chronograph, and I like it very much. I’ve never used any other so I can’t comment on what is best, but with Guy’s experience I’ll go with his.
It was around the $400ish range if I remember correctly and I paid for it in installments. I can’t imagine it being much more than that, even in Canada.

 

[Blkram]

I too went with the Garmin after years of using a Chrony. Best investment I have made in shooting in a long time. Love it!

 

[TEXASforLIFE]

OR you could go out all the way and buy the rangecraft, velociradar, x-zero & fx like i did and not use any till this date (1 year from when last 1 arrived).

 

[FOTIS]

I recently own an Athlon Rangecraft, an FX True Ballistic (my Fave), a chrony Beta, and and a Competition Electronics DLX.
I have had the Labradar and several Oehlers.
I always shoot with one when working up a load and yes the paper and pencil is always on the bench next to it.