I've owned and been dabbling with various chronographs over the last 30 + years. My first one was a PACT Mk IV combination chrono and shot timer that eventually bit the dust after several years of use. After that I upgraded to the PACT Professional with built in printer. I always wanted an Oehler 35P but never got one. A few years ago, I added a Magnetospeed which works great when it works, a bit fiddly trying to get everything aligned just right. Great not to have to fool with sky screens but just doesn't work with every firearm. Plus there's the issue of having something attached to your barrel that disrupts barrel harmonics and often changes POI. These issues have led me to not use a chrono as frequently as I might otherwise do so. After seeing a few PRS shooters using their Labradar units at the range, I decided to finally bite the bullet and order one. For a long time I had difficulty justifying the cost of the Labradar unit, plus they were unavailable for over a year through the usual outlets, I assume due to electronic chip availability? My order has been placed, but I'm still awaiting delivery from Optics Planet. (I have a love/hate relationship with OP.)
Once I figure out all of the idiosyncrasies of the LR unit, I believe it's use and quick set up and ability to use with with any firearm will justify the cost and will result in using a chrono much more frequently and with more firearm types. I haven't chrono'ed pistol loads in years because of the hassle, I just pick a load from the reloading manual that is less than max and call it good. I think that will change with the Labradar unit.
So what's your experience with chronographs and how does the inevitable hassle of setting one up affect your frequency of use? Do you chrono all of your guns or only when developing long range accuracy or subsonic loads?
Once I figure out all of the idiosyncrasies of the LR unit, I believe it's use and quick set up and ability to use with with any firearm will justify the cost and will result in using a chrono much more frequently and with more firearm types. I haven't chrono'ed pistol loads in years because of the hassle, I just pick a load from the reloading manual that is less than max and call it good. I think that will change with the Labradar unit.
So what's your experience with chronographs and how does the inevitable hassle of setting one up affect your frequency of use? Do you chrono all of your guns or only when developing long range accuracy or subsonic loads?
