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Garmin chronograph
@ 12:22 pm (GMT) |
VinceHi allHas anyone had hands on experience with the new Garmin chronograph? I’ve been borrowing friends chrono for a while, the old fashioned type and thought it might be time to invest in my own. The YouTube reviews seem to be positive but I’m always a bit sceptical when they get free models for testing so wondered if anyone has tried one who already had a magnetospeed or lab radar and how it compares Cheers Vince |
Replies
@ 09:19 am (GMT) |
Scott StruifRe: Garmin chronographHi Vince. I haven’t tried a Garmin. Some time ago, before the Garmin was introduced, Applied Ballistics published a paper comparing several popular chronographs. Maybe they have tested the Garmin, too. The Garmin seems to be the most convenient model available. But I wonder if it’s capable of actually detecting the bullet as it exits the muzzle. I would think the Magnetospeed would be the most accurate, by virtue of the proximity of its sensor to the muzzle. Depends on what you’re after, true muzzle velocity, or comparison of several shots for determining extreme spread.In response to complaints that their factory ammunition doesn’t achieve advertised MV, Hornady recently said that their test barrels are chambered to minimum SAAMI specs. A cartridge fired in a max spec chamber will produce a MV considerably slower, 150 fps, I think they said. They also said that due to the Ukraine war, they can’t get all the powders they used when they developed the loads advertised on the boxes. |
@ 06:53 am (GMT) |
Olivier ROUVIERERe: Garmin chronographHello SirsI just bought the Garmin Xero. Very intuitive to use, you only have to read the instructions once! I shot about 60 rounds on a 30 m indoor range with thick walls and roof. Tikka CTR 308 Win & Beretta BRX1 / ELD-X / Tipstrike / TTSX with and without sound moderator. Although this chronograph is intended for outdoor use, all shots were recorded in series. Sessions with the Labaradar were much more laborious. Note that the Xero only gives muzzle velocity - you can't calculate the BC...but that's anecdotal to me. Labradar has come out with the LX model to counter the Garmin tide and retain market sparts! But the Garmin works so well and fits in the pocket that the competition is going to be tough! Yours sincerly OR |
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@ 12:30 pm (GMT) |
Scott StruifRe: Garmin chronographI don’t trust BC numbers published by manufacturers. Field testing drop at various ranges is the only way to predict point of impact. However, I see the allure of knowing muzzle velocity, particularly with bullets dependent on high speed for terminal performance.I hadn’t read the Applied Ballistics paper in detail, but I skimmed it today. It confirmed what I expected: The Magnetospeed was the most accurate, due to its sensor’s proximity to the muzzle. |
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@ 12:31 pm (GMT) |
Scott StruifRe: Garmin chronographhttps://appliedballisticsllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Measuring-Muzzle-Velocity.pdf |
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@ 05:26 pm (GMT) |
VinceRe: Garmin chronographHi GuysThanks for the feedback, Scott you have nailed the problem or the compromise I guess, depends on what matters most. I have since found a couple of reviews where people are testing the Magneto Speed, Lab Radar and Garmin all at the same time, the Lab Radar and Garmin are within 1-2 fps of each other, the Magneto Speed seems to read 8-10 fps faster. If, as you suggest the Magneto Speed is more accurate which seems likely as the bullet passes directly over the sensor whereas the Lab Radar and Garmin are both offset, should this be the most important factor? it is also significantly cheaper than either of the others to buy here in NZ. I would have already got one but for one issue, while it is less easy to set up than the Garmin, the biggest issue is hanging something on the end of the barrel that may alter POI. It would mean potentially doubling your shooting by first testing for speed then for groups. With the other two you can do both at the same time. So I guess the question is what is easier, potentially having to test more rounds earlier in the load development process or having to true velocity with drop testing at long range later on? I'm also assuming in this that all units are capable of consistent accurate measurements which may not be the case particularly with the Garmin as it hasn't been on the market very long. Hmmm more thought required Cheers Vince |
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@ 06:50 pm (GMT) |
Olivier ROUVIERERe: Garmin chronographHiMagnetospeed alters the barrel harmonics and therefore the POI, which is a major drawback in my opinion. The Magnetospeed only gives speed at the muzzle of the barrel, just like the Garmin. The Garnin and Labarad measurement technologies are based on the Doppler effect, like all serious electonics instruments that measure projectile velocities and don't use satellite-based geolocation solutions (GPS/Galileo/Glonass...) or systems based on inertial units (airplanes couple the two). I think we can rely on their measurements! For my part, I limit my hunting distance to 450m (308 Win 20 inch barrel) and my shooting distance to 600m, and I can confirm that at these distances, the BC values given by Hornady/Barnes/Norma for ELDX/TTSX/Tipstrike bullets are enough to draw a parabolic ballistic trajectory to hit the target. I can't talk about other bullets or longer distances because I've never tested them, aware that some people on this forum shoot at more than 1000m... Let's just say that the Garmin is perfectly suited to my needs, which may not be yours. Kind regards and respects to Nathan |
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@ 04:29 pm (GMT) |
VinceRe: Garmin chronographThanks OlivierIf it is giving you what you need to shoot to 600, that is what I was hoping to find out Cheers Vince |
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