Magnetospeed V3 Chronograph Long Term Review

[@bradbranch6462]

This unit is absolutely worth every penny paid for it. I wouldn't trade for mine for love or money,...what used to take easily half a day on the range with the old style chronos, IF you could get lucky and have the right light, now takes less than an hour. I tested 5 load strings just last weekend two on my Rock River LAR-8 and 3 on my ruger precision in .243. And it gets a very fine point on velocity shifts for sure. Federal lists their Gold Medal Match at 2650, as tested with a 24" barrel in a bolt action receiver, my rock river AR platform has the 20" stainless barrel and the load leaves the muzzle at 2578 fps, with SD of 6.3. I set that data into the ballistic calculator and shot spot on at distances out to 500, (didn't shoot any further), centers on every shot where the math said it would be. The unit sits on both the Ruger and the Rock River with no adjustments in the spacers, both barrels are med. heavy style and the blade sits 3/16 below the bullet path on both. Out of all the shots fired over this unit I've yet to experience a hic-up, knock on wood. As for me and my house,...you just can't beat these, if you read the instructions, pay attention to mounting, and take care to set up correctly, you gonna love it!!

[@eddie1v]

Any future plans to review the Lab Radar?

[@xtek5975]

How did the question of ' How accurate is the magnetospeed ' at minute 13:20 , turn into an answer for ease of use ? How accurate is it ?

[@jarvismorrison9328]

Really like my MagnetoSpeed V3, it has been a Great help in load development for all my pistol and rifle reloads...Excellent piece of equipment.👍

[@txarmory2394]

I have an early model MagnetoSpeed. It has worked well across all my rifle platforms, mainly AR-15s and AR-10s. It has been very helpful in load development and comparing different powders and different bullets. I do not know if the "bayonet" influences point of impact, but I generally shoot a string for velocity measurements and then work on the accuracy with another string of rounds with the device removed. The MagnetoSpeed is great because it is so portable, and easy on-off. I am headed to the range with it tomorrow to start the load work-up for my newly built 6.5 Grendel.

[@tonyabdalla]

Hey John, how many shots in any given string do you feel are necessary to establish an appropriate average velocity and standard deviation for the given lot of ammo or handloads you're shooting?

[@everythingphil9376]

I love my V3, but my only gripe is the strap system. It's never tight enough and I always have to check it after a few strings of fire to make sure it isn't too loose. I'm thinking of using a damn zip tie over the strap next time.

[@alastair9894]

I am amazed that none of the remarks mention its use with a suppressor. I would imagine that all suppressors would cause the Magnetospeed to be more than 1/4 inch below the line of flight of the bullet. I want one of these units but am a bit wary because of the suppressor problem and no, not using one is not an option.

[@MrMalicious5]

John, you missed the fact about the XFM adaptor for the Sporter. It's 25 dollars and hooks up to your phone and saves all your data to your phone. It pretty much has 95% of the functionality of the more expensive V3.

[@spraynpray]

My retractable cord thing broke pretty much immediately. I'm glad they include the non-gimmick one.

[@tmcternan47]

John, I've been using the Magnetospeed V3 over the past year with my .338 Lapua MRAD. In doing my load development work, I have been able to close my shot groups down to between a 1/4 and 1/2 MOA, but I've been all over the place with my velocity variance..... This is what I'm trying to focus on at this time. I couldn't help but to notice from this video, yours are pretty much all over the place as well. I've also been focused on trying to go for the highest velocity possible because I'd like to be able to reach out to 1200-1500 yards, but as I get into the 2750+ fps range with my Berger 300 gr hybrids, the variance in velocity begins to increase, which tells me I'm going in the wrong direction....... Question - So what do you do to come up with an accurate recordable muzzle velocity from the Magnetospeed for ranging devices like the Kestrel?

[@hlrsaloon4622]

Had mine for awhile now as well. No issues and very dependable. Have shot in temperature ranges from 7 below to 90 degrees. The display gets pretty slow at very low temperatures but still records the shots just fine. BTW - love the shirt.

[@emeryemond7904]

Another great informative video, THANKS ! Do you know if Magneto Speed offers extra spacers if you have a really fat muzzle brake ?

[@Coemgenus618]

Outstanding job Devil Dog!!! I had just ordered the MagnetoSpeed last night. I particularly like your added caveats regarding your experience with this product. Exactly what I was looking for. I just picked up a Tikka T3x 6.5x55 topped off with a Leupold VX3i 4.5-14x50, 20 MOA Warne mount. Thanks for mentioning the Sport barrel shim. I'll search for one today. Semper Fi. God Bless

[@gregsaunders1400]

thanks for sharing I toying with getting into PRS, a chronograph appears to be an essential tool

[@dgott7726]

Magneto.... magnetic.... Have you found any bullet types that give this system issues?? (i.e. copper solids, relatively pure lead casts, or shotgun trap loads)

[@Alexwaltman850]

I've used full copper, cast lead, and traditional bullets over mine and never had an issue with any

[@gascheck8151]

Over time will this apparatus be damaged from testing heavy recoil calibers like 4570 , 458, 450 Bushmaster .338 ?? Will a muzzle brake give erroneous readings and damage the unit?? Enjoyed your video. Thanks.

[@amandajones6300]

I know that this has absolutely nothing to do with the subject of this video, but what are your thoughts on the Desert Tech SRS-A1 rifle? Do you think that it would be possible to get your hands on one to do a review someday?

[@satheshsoundarrajan496]

Very good review bro. I have a magnetospeed sporter. How accurate is the velocity reading that we get from this unit?? Do we still need to validate the velocity by shooting long range? ? Please advise. I use a browning x bolt medallion 300 win mag. We don't have any firing range here for long range in ontario canada unless you are in the military. So if the velocity is accurate then if I'm in a long range hunting situation then I would be confident to take that shot.

[@blklb70]

Ever heard of or used the Superchrono? It uses to supersonic wave created by the bullet to measure velocities. Its great cuz it has about a 36" high cone above the unit where it'll register so you can lay it under your targets and get velocities at your target even. I have one and love it. Worth checking out

[@larrynorby9996]

Good review and info but many like myself also like to chrono hand guns so I will keep looking for one that does both pistols and rifles. Thanks..

[@JerrBearTactical]

This will work for both

[@1demochad1]

great vid john have you tried that primary arms acss rgrid scope yet i just put one on my backup rifle and am curious about what you think of it. i seen you picked one up on instagram

[@YuanMizzle]

Had the Magnetospeed for half a year and ended up selling it and all the accessories at a loss. Just too much of a pain in the ass to try shimming the right height every time I switched guns. Some guns like my MK12 or even a Colt 6920 with a SOCOM barrel made it difficult if not impossible to attach the Magnetospeed. Not to mention it only works on handguns with a rail and it also doesn't work with old rifle designs. Think I'm going to go with the Lab Radar and really hoping you'll review that one as well.

[@149nervz]

How did the Lab Radar work out for you?

[@Tram51]

Been wanting a chrono for a while. Looked at the reviews for this one and your video finally pushed me to just place an order for the Magnetospeed. It's on its way.Thanks.

[@Ensign_Cthulhu]

I like the idea of this because with it and a second chrono downrange you can get multiple velocity measurements on the exact same bullet. Eliminates a variable from firing velocities at two different ranges (distances) and hoping your MV didn't vary too much between shots. Did you come across any bullets that literally did not give you a signal? I would imagine the vast majority of jacketed or copper-only target and hunting bullets ought to work just fine.

[@JavierDeLaRosa007]

After some research I went with the Labradar. Magneto Speed is a pain to set up. Labradar, just mount on the tripod, set the bullet weight, arm and fire. Both are good units, set up just takes longer on Magneto Speed.

[@ctbob7635]

Is the 1/4 inch vertical distance off of the bayonet measured at center bore or bottom of break? I've seen a video where one measured from center bore and here from bottom of break. It would be 1/2 inch +/- from the bayonet surface if from bottom of break... Or am I nitpickin?

[@8541tactical]

The 1/4” should be from the bayonet deck to the bottom of the bore. I have left more room and still gotten acceptable results, however the closer the better without actually skipping a bullet off the bayonet (which I have done).

[@ozzyplinkster8841]

Thanks for the review Bit af a random question, but what watch is that that you are wearing

[@deeeeeeps]

I question this thing. It's taking a reading as the gun is flying backwards from recoil. Make me wonder how that can be accurate.

[@petervick4775]

I have 2 questions for you if you don't mind. The V3 is supposed to work with airguns. Can this unit be fitted upside down, i.e. 180 degrees from the "normal" position? The reason I ask is I have several air guns, 2 of which are underlever .22 springer rifles. If it can be fitted upside down it wouldn't interfere with use of the lever. Also some of my .177 air pistols do not have circular barrels. For example the Colt Govt 1911 A1. Will this unit still strap on to the pistol using the parts supplied? Thanks.

[@stanf800gstemp]

Thanks for a great vid. How many shots would you need to fire from a rifle for the barrel to get hot enough to damage the product?

[@8541tactical]

That is going to have too many variables to give a definitive answer. If I am testing loads in a precision rifle, I am usually not shooting more than ten in a string before a cooldown period.

[@Physics072]

No doubt it will give good numbers but.... 1. Have you compared groups with it on vs off? People don't think a muzzle break affects groups but they change POI. Unless you shoot the gun with that hanging off the end for real shots . 2. Anything touching the barrel affects harmonics which will make it shoot differently ON vs Off. Some guns are more sensitive than others. So if you are just looking for velocity numbrers without care about point 1 and 2 its probably ok. But better to have a unit that is not touching the gun in any way. Sort of like a chrono graph has been doing for years.

[@georgejoseph4164]

Did you sort out the subsonic issue from way back..?

[@8541tactical]

It needed a firmware update.

[@georgejoseph4164]

Thanks..👍

[@williecheng9580]

will it pick up lead bullets

[@ronglenn6980]

Will this work on a 50 caliber muzzleloader specifically a CVA LRX?

[@rodo8892]

Hello. I own an sporter model since 2 years without any problem. Now, the four msrks in home screen not appears at final of configuration process but legends like PLUG BAYO BAYO IN SET appears and I cannot use that instrument. What problem can be in my magneto and what solutions you can see? My name is Juan, from Argentina. Thank you very much

[@TakeDeadAim]

You take a chrono to matches??? Never seen that before...Did I hear you put a brake on a .243???

[@halfdollar86]

TakeDeadAim yeah, um....... he don't compete with it on. Just dialing everything in before the match.

[@mathewwhite9139]

ahah did i see an ATN x-sight MK1 on that rifle did you ever review it? or did you get feed up with all its (issues) as well

[@BobShingler]

Mathew White

[@johnwallroff5918]

Great stuff John. Thanks.

[@mikeswildoutdoors7279]

Great video ! will this work with cast lead Amo ?

[@Rprecision]

I have had my eye on Lab Radar. seems to be a better option

[@RealBlueGene]

Rprecision Labradar is an awesome system, yes, but I think it's an apples to oranges comparison to the Magnetospeed.

[@ruthless4645]

I was looking at the LabRadar as well but I watched some videos (and read some reviews) on the LabRadar and there seems to be a few problems with it registering shots under certain circumstances (maybe fixed by now, dunno), make sure you research it well before you invest your hard earned cash on one. A few people have been very disappointed with them. They're also quite a bit more money than the Magnetospeed, but to each their own.

[@aaronhayden2471]

I have had the convenience of shooting through or past the shooting chrony alpha, the magneto speed sporter, the magnetospeed v3, and the labs radar. I have found at the muzzle... or 15’ the chrony was a finicky hunk o junk and a rooky shot it, done. The magnetospeed sporter is not for any suppressors, the v3 works awesome. And and is comparable to the labs radar at the muzzle.

[@robertbrandywine]

I hit my bar with a glancing blow from a bullet once and the unit wasn't harmed.

[@QSpeedRacer]

😲😳

[@gorillamotors]

Thanks for all the videos and info. There is concern that when the magnetospeed attached to the barrel it can through off groupings because of barrel harmonics. My question is does it change any of the muzzle velocities with and without it attached to the barrel? Should I use a magnetopseed attachment like the Wiser Precision Chrone Mount?

[@8541tactical]

It will not change muzzle velocity. It can change point of impact and group size depending on the barrel. Thicker barrels seem to be less susceptible. An off-barrel mount like Wiser or MKM are an option, but you really need to be careful with alignment so you don’t skip a bullet off of the bayonet.

[@SigurdtheRyder]

is the cable long enough for palma barrels?

[@coreyd1474]

Heard you say its compatible with 22lr/air guns but didn't catch if you've actually used it with a 22 or not? i know the sportster they say is NOT compatible with 22lr.

[@8541tactical]

Yes I have used it with .22

[@coreyd1474]

@@8541tactical awesome thanks man. Ordered one

[@snteevveetns]

Great review John. Does the sport attach to a smart phone w app?

[@frankhazard7365]

snteevveetns it shouldn't do that

[@hdmungeryt]

Actually, both the V3 and Sporter are smartphone capable, but you have to have the XFR Adapter.

[@jake08casey]

really are you worried about accuracy more than the mv cause after you get the mv you can work on your accuracy after

[@robertbrandywine]

This is the one drawback of the Magnetospeed; you can't shoot for accuracy and speed at the same time as the unit affects accuracy. I get the speed I want first and then vary my load up and down from that point to find an accurate load.

[@1HeavyHitr]

Loading For Precision - The Satterlee Method

[@njgrplr2007]

Good video as usual. Unfortunately, this expensive contraption would never work for my load development or my wallet. Anytime you strap something to your barrel, you don't just change the point of impact. You also change the barrel harmonics and the way it groups. In my experience, a cheap $100 chronograph at 15 feet from the muzzle works great. All the readings from a session go right to an application on my smartphone. Analysis of the MV readings is indispensable in choosing the optimal charge weight (OCW) and fine tuning the seating depth.

[@brentbice1151]

There is a less expensive magnetospeed option. Mostly the differences are fewer shims/spacers and options for pulling data out of the unit (but how hard is it to take a string of data out of the unit and copy it somewhere else). I worried a little about harmonics and/or changing POI but the bayonet is remarkably light and so far I haven't noticed any. But *usually*, I'm only using it while doing load development/testing at fairly short ranges. Just a data point... :-)

[@politicallyinsensitive4200]

Yeah I'm late but the purpose of this isn't to group; it's to get the MV of a particular load. Work up 10-20rds fire 5-10 for velocity, ES, SD, etc. Then take it off and use the rest for grouping. It's not rocket surgery.

[@raymondmichael3077]

How does attaching to a tapered barrel effect the value of speed measured? I put mine on a tapered barrel and couldn’t visually detect the 1/4 inch test rod not being parallel with the bore but you know due to the barrel taper it can’t be perfectly parallel to the bore. Is there some kind of co-sign formula to apply?

[@8541tactical]

I reached out to Magnetospeed and their reply is that unless you have an extreme taper, the error is in the range of 1-2 FPS. They calculated a table, but realized that the error was so low it wasn’t really worth considering and may just confuse users. They do offer tapered barrel shims if you want to get closer than the flat shims allow. Hope that helps!

[@raymondmichael3077]

@@8541tactical appreciate the effort to reply. Good to hear error is insignificant.

[@jodelboy]

Does it work well when used on lets say a .300WinMag with no muzzle device on it? The blast does not push it around and get it too far away from the flightpath?

[@JohnMcQuay]

jodelboy I didn't have any problem using it on the 700 Long Range in .300WM (no brake)

[@jodelboy]

thanks, John!

[@robertbrandywine]

Recoil *will* tend to push the unit off the end of the barrel. You have to readjust every few shots.

[@larrynorby9996]

Thank you for the info. Good video. 1 question. When testing subsonic loads on my AR, will this unit mount snug around my can (silencer)? Thanks

[@MrOlsonn666]

Won't this affect your barrel harmonics possibly throwing off your group size by having this strapped to the end of your precession rifle?

[@8541tactical]

Yes. It causes a shift in some rifles....but not all.

[@Nobo35]

You probably wouldn't benefit much from shooting groups with this. Just MV

[@MrOlsonn666]

@@Nobo35 yeah…

[@snakebite210]

is there a huge difference in fps between suppressed and unsuppressed?

[@jarvismorrison9328]

snakebite210 not a huge difference that I have seen

[@ar1368]

Great review !!

[@frankallsup3101]

Very impressive and informative review. Thank you.

[@r2com641]

so picattiny rail adapter is not included in this freaking $380 purchase? If I want it to be attached not with straps but with picattiny rail to my AR, do I need to purchase something?

[@VaMike9]

I'd like to hear your review of the sporter version as well. Great info!

[@hdmungeryt]

The Sporter model works just as well as the V3 John reviewed and in the same manner. It just doesn't have the capability to attach to as large a variety of barrel diameters or suppressors/large muzzle brakes. I chose the Sporter because of the $180 vs. $380 price tags.

[@RealBlueGene]

hdmungeryt I second this. I bought the sporter about a year ago and the only issue I've had with it is reading 22LR. But that's not what I use it for. If you're in the market, midwayusa has them on sale right now.

[@brentbice1151]

I had trouble reading a .22 hornet but adjust the sensitivity one notch and then it picked it up fine.

[@aaronhayden2471]

Ive used the sporter model on my ruger m77 30-06, my rem 700 varmint 22-250 bull bbl. And it worked flawlessly. Then i strapped it to my ruger mpr 556 and could not get any readings. the flash suppressor ended up melting the shims and burned the bayonet immediately to where i get errors on any bbl. unless you’re just usung it on traditional actions and bbls get the v3. The sporter model is best for just that. sporting guns.

[@TheSgtk9]

Hi, what the brake on the rifle in your vid? Thanks

[@8541tactical]

+TheSgtk9 SUREFIRE

[@bottangann]

can you use this for long range shooting ? i reload 6.5cm

[@8541tactical]

Yes. It’s pretty much all I use for velocity measurements

[@WALLOWINGBULLS]

Good info thank you

[@spraynpray]

I chuck mine in my ruck with everything else. It's a cool system.

[@wojciech_migda]

The T-shirt alone is worth a thumbs-up!, That is why I gave one after 4 seconds ;-)!

[@politicallyinsensitive4200]

Good God man. Why are there so many comments about having this strapped to your barrel affecting group size? I wouldn't try grouping with this on and neirher should anyone else. That's not how this works, that's not how any of this works. Create your ladder (preferably testing 1 variable at a time, i.e. seating depth, powder charge, bullet weight, etc) and work up 10-20 rounds for each step. Fire 5-10 for muzzle velocity then take this thing off and fire for groups. Jesus people, it's not that hard

[@No_Skill42]

Hey this question goes out to John or anyone else interested in giving me their input. Im 16 and have been saving my money for quite awhile and am deciding on whether to get the Ruger American predator in 6.5 creedmoor or a Remington 700 sps or sps tactical. First off I have become very interested the 6.5CM and have decided that the RAP is a good first choice but then again I love remingtons and love my friends SPS tactical. I know that if I spend the extra $100 or $200 for the 700 then the number of modifications I can do to that gun is almost endless. It kinda comes down to that legendary debate on .308 or 6.5CM. My uses for the gun I get will be for long range shooting (anywhere up to 500 meters) and hunting north American big game. When I graduate I plan on joining the Marine Corps and becoming a Scout Sniper as that is my dream. If anyone would like to share their input I will appreciate it greatly. (BTW I already have a scope picked out the Vortext Viper 6-24x50 PST with their EBR-1 reticle.)-Brayden

[@jtschwinghammer]

I'd go with Remington and if your under 500 yards I'd go 308, more options of ammo especially when you go somewhere and forget your ammo

[@RealBlueGene]

Have you tried using it on a 22LR?

[@jarvismorrison9328]

MrEugeneKM it works well on 22lr also, you may have to change the sensitivity depending on the Bullet of course. Hope that helps you

[@snakebite210]

awesome shirt

[@denisleblanc4506]

I just have two questions. What about the jet effect when the bullet leaves the barrel? Couldn't a bullet gain a few feet per second after it leaves the barrel and this wouldn't be picked up by the bayonet? Second question. If you have a light rifle with a lot of recoil, is it possible that the bayonet moving rearwards make it record a higher value than the actual velocity? I realize both of these questions kind of cancel each other out and the small errors they induce wouldn't have that big an effect even at long range. Sorry, one last question. How would this chronograph compare to the Steinert SuperChrono?

[@F15ElectricEagle]

No doubt it is a good chronograph, but I still prefer my old school (sky screen style) Oehler 35P chonograph.

[@Mbunach0310]

Why would you want to hang that mess on the end of a barrel which will effect whip and other things. A SMART plan would be to mount it to the HAND GUARD so not to change anything with your free float barrel. On a bolt gun ... WTF.... Bad product design... Oh I am a Gunsmith who has been in practice for 45 years but I do not know shit....

[@patrickbradford6223]

In this section your talking about setup. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGfUaoSZmLaal6M in addition I use a cleaning rod and the spacer to make sure that the system is setup to avoid a bullet strike on the sensors.

[@fog8969]

Antiquated attachment and adjustment system. Super antiquated..No thanks. Why not use or at least include optional simple adjustable jointed plastic arm that attaches Mlok or pic to rail?

[@fog8969]

Sounds like a butt load of trouble to use.

[@diywithjonandpebbles]

RTFM… Imagine that… LOL…

[@codyoldford1592]

Is your scope on backwards? Lol

[@gregmerryman802]

Great review!