Chronographs Side By Side Data Comparison

MDof2

MDof2

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I started down the search path of different chronos versus different numbers, accuracy, who's right, etc. etc. Searched around a bit and found a fair bit of discussion on it, but didn't see anything with straight numbers / side by side / same shot. I had some load dev to do and get some numbers for another load, so I figured it would be a good opportunity to gather data with the two side by side with some factory ammo. I didn't have access today to a Labradar, but I did set up a my MagnetoSpeed and my Competition Electronics and collected data side by side.

The scenario:
65* / 40% and 30inHG generally sunny, slight 1-4mph breeze from 6 o'clock
Howa 1500 in 6.5CM with a 26bbl and a Dirty Bastard MB
Factory Hornady 6.5CM 140g HPBT American Gunner Ammo
Shooting off a bipod and a rear bag (POI / groups are irrelevant however)
CE ProChrono Digital that *just* came back from service. MagnetoSpeed V3 running the latest software.

10 Shots across both. MS obviously at the muzzle, the CE was ~10' down range.

Here is the setup and the results:

GXVmnQN.jpg


NVIGtBt.jpg
 
nice. I was just looking at chronos last night because i'm thinking of getting a new hobby in 6.5CM
 
I hope to try it again with a Labradar on the same string as the4 Labradar is pretty much considered the gold standard for consumer grade chronographs.
It would be interesting to see who the add one out is of the three. By guess is the optical (CE) chrono will be the oddball.
 
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One thing to remember about the different chronos. The optical chrono will only tell you the velocity across the sensors, not at the muzzle. Some (like the Caldwell) have an app that if you enter the distance from the muzzle, and the BC, it will calculate the actual velocity at the muzzle. The Labradar does not start measuring velocity until about 10-15 yards, but it keeps measuring the velocity as the bullet goes downrange (223, it can measure out to about 70 yards). From that, it calculates the muzzle velocity, but you can also have it report the velocity for up to 5 distances downrange. So, if you compare the Labradar to the opticals, don't be surprised if you see slightly higher velocities with the Labradar.
 
I'm seeing the same thing with your Competition Electronics that I see with mine (ProChrono Digital), readings in ~5fps increments with none in between. If you ran 100 rounds you'd probably see the same thing. I've done 60 round OCW and seen it across the entire range.

2688 - 2
2726 - 1
2732 - 3
2743 - 1
2749 - 2
2754 - 1

I suspect that it is unable to divide time fine enough to get any more accurate. I do use it for averages as it is likely close enough, but I assume ES is only ballpark and completely disregard SD.

Edit to add; Did your "service" have anything to do with minor battle wounds?

Mine has a battle scar.
 
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I skimmed by a single RCH one of the aluminum rods that stick up to attach the light defuser shield. Which apparently made the front optical sensor die. CE repaired it for 10 bucks or something. It was cheap.

I use it (CE) for handgun loads. Rifle, because it's so easy, and requires no cease fire or bullshit to setup, the MagnetoSpeed is my default go-to chrono.

Until at least I get sucked into a Labradar.
 
an idea, to check the Labradar, use the optical chrono at distance. so set it up at the 100yd line.
 
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