Received an e-mail from MidwayUSA this morning that they had the MagnetoSpeed V1 Ballistic Chronograph in stock for $ 265.00. I do not have much experience with this unit but I did see it in use at the Magpul Dynamics’ Precision Hunter course a few weeks ago. My impression – as far as its ability to record accurate velocity – was good. It seemed accurate and consistent and, since it does not use a light sensor, lighting is not an issue.
All of the students in the class had their velocities checked with the MagnetoSpeed V1 Ballistic Chronograph and the data was plugged into a ballistic computer so drop at distance could be established. In most cases the data was dead on which to an extent confirms the validity of the information obtained with the chronograph.
My question was how it would impact accuracy since it is attached to the barrel. With my rifle the point of impact at 100 yards was about an inch low when the unit was installed. However, group size remained consistent. Caylen Wojcik – Magpul’s precision rifle instructor – said that based on his testing it would sometimes cause a point of impact shift and at other times it would not.
When I test ammo I use a standard chronograph and collect velocity data and accuracy data at the same time. Obviously, you don’t have to do it this way but it does save ammo and it also allows you to match point of impact with your velocity readings. Of course, if you collect accuracy and velocity data separately it will take more ammo. Depending on you, that might be a good or a bad thing.
Hopefully, I’ll get a unit in here to test soon and can provide more information.
This might work OK with a rifle but it sure couldn’t be used with a semi auto pistol