A good chronograph, IMO, is an essential part of any precision reloaders arsenal.  My old Shooting Chrony was not getting the job done to my satisfaction, so I needed something better.  I found out about this device from my other internet forum haunt accurateshooter.com.


Magneto Speed magnetic chronograph







First impressions

The construction of the display unit seemed a bit on the flimsy side, but, with care, I believe the unit will last.
The sensor unit seems fairly sturdy, however like other reviews out there, the units clip latch seems like it might wear out.





The first shots

I read the instructions carefully and mounted the unit per.  I then proceeded to fire the first round.  To my chagrin, no reading.   I looked over the unit and connections, loaded another round, and again, no reading.
Now I’m starting to worry, took a step back and paused.  I then un plugged the cable and reinserted.  Loaded the third shot, bang, a reading.  Lesson, be sure the cable is fully inserted, because the unit will turn on with the plug not seated completely, but no reading will result.

I then proceeded to fire a three, then a five round group.  The shots landed about 3 MOA high, which was of no surprise and expected from reading of other reviews on the web.  A quick scope adjustment easily had rounds landing where I wanted them.  All of these shot registered velocity and calculated average, extreme spread, and standard deviation.  Storing the data to the included memory card worked and data was easily recalled using the toggle button and switch.

The unit also came with a card adapter. This adapter is used to down load info to a PC, however, plugging the card into the PC has caused some software errors.  I have a printer with a card reader and I was able to extract the data that way.  Not sure what that issue is about, but I am happy that I was able to retrieve the data.  Maybe some computer gurus out there can recommend a course of action in this regard.

Accuracy with the Bayo unit attached

For the first shots, the accuracy of the rounds fired was within the typical patterning of this rifle.  Group size seems to be in line with the typical accuracy of this rifle.  The only change noticed thus far is the point of impact shifting about 3” high at 100 yards with the device clamped at the 6 o’clock position on the end of the barrel.

There has been debate on the value of this chronograph, on other forums, due to the fact that the unit must be clamped to the barrel.  This argument probably has merit, it is known that devices, such as barrel tuners, use extra mass to ‘tune‘ loads and accuracy in rifles.  However, from what I have gathered so far, the un changed loads I have shot has not deviated from the 100 yard accuracy I have typically seen from my shooting ability and rifle.

Further testing will be done to satisfy my curiosity and determine the practical uses of the device.  So far I am happy with the products performance.  I will update results and data as time and shooting permits.


These are the best groups I have shot so far with and without the Bayo unit attached.  More data needs to be collected to come to any sort of conclusion.


Data from unit...

185 Berger BTLR
Series, 1, Shots:, 4
Min,2797, Max,2834 
Avg,2815 ,S-D,  16 
ES ,  37

Series,Shot,Speed   
 1, 1, 2797, ft/sec
 1, 2, 2807, ft/sec
 1, 3, 2834, ft/sec
 1, 4, 2824, ft/sec
----,----,----,----

168 Berger Hybrids
Series, 2, Shots:, 3
Min,2868, Max,2888 
Avg,2877 ,S-D,  10 
ES ,  20

Series,Shot,Speed   
 2, 1, 2875, ft/sec
 2, 2, 2888, ft/sec
 2, 3, 2868, ft/sec
----,----,----,----

168 Berger hybrids 44 grains XBR 100 in/lb crimp
Series, 3, Shots:, 5
Min,2862, Max,2870 
Avg,2867 ,S-D,   3 
ES ,   8

Series,Shot,Speed   
 3, 1, 2862, ft/sec
 3, 2, 2870, ft/sec
 3, 3, 2868, ft/sec
 3, 4, 2870, ft/sec
 3, 5, 2868, ft/sec
----,----,----,----


155 SMK palmas 44.9 XBR LR primer Palma brass

Series, 4, Shots:,10
Min,2970, Max,2988 
Avg,2976 ,S-D,   7 
ES ,  18

Series,Shot,Speed   
 4, 1, 2983, ft/sec
 4, 2, 2977, ft/sec
 4, 3, 2981, ft/sec
 4, 4, 2988, ft/sec
 4, 5, 2970, ft/sec
 4, 6, 2970, ft/sec
 4, 7, 2970, ft/sec
 4, 8, 2970, ft/sec
 4, 9, 2985, ft/sec
 4,10, 2972, ft/sec
----,----,----,----


Data from the unit is pretty much perfectly in line from my drop numbers calculated from my confirmed 600 yard zero on these loads.  This is outstanding!  No more guessing on unreliable Shooting Chrony readings!

So far I am liking the unit just because the readings are so consistent and seem to be very reliable.  More testing to come...

Mahalo Heavies for the report!   

AND, nice groups too! 

Thanks for the report and performance stats. I wish there was a way it can be used on handguns as I need to chronograph both my rifle and pistol reloads.

Thanks.
I am wanting to do at least 10, 3 shot groups, both with the device on the barrel and off of the barrel to see I it adversely effects shot groups.

More testing forthcoming.

Thanks.
I am wanting to do at least 10, 3 shot groups, both with the device on the barrel and off of the barrel to see I it adversely effects shot groups.

More testing forthcoming.

I believe it would affect my .22 target rifle but I am not sure it would affect a high power rifle much is any. I am curious to see your results.

Looks dumb.  Lol.  Have you tried it out on your gas gun yet?  Too bad they don't make it so it can use the existing bayo lug.  Bring it next week so I can try.  Any idea how a comp or flashider might affect it?

Thanks for the report and performance stats. I wish there was a way it can be used on handguns as I need to chronograph both my rifle and pistol reloads.

It will work on some revolvers, and a rig can be setup for other applications. For semi-auto handguns, I don't think it'll work too well.

Looks dumb.  Lol.  Have you tried it out on your gas gun yet?  Too bad they don't make it so it can use the existing bayo lug.  Bring it next week so I can try.  Any idea how a comp or flashider might affect it?

I know you need a comp to protect your pansy shoulder from the massive recoil of the terribly overbore, hard-kicking, bone braking .223/5.56, but I do not own a rifle which has such weenie accessories.  You'll have to bring one so we can try it out.  It'll probably work, but under protest.   

As long as you can get the sensor something like 1/2" away from the bullet path, the device is said to work. 

Check out their website for uses and applications.
http://www.magnetospeed.com/pages/frequently-asked-questions

Ok,  I finished up my test, of sorts, to see if the bayonet effected groups size.  The procedure I used:

Loaded all rounds on the same day to get a consistent sample of the ammunition.  All brass was freshly annealed, shoulder bumped .0005", neck sized with the Lee Collet Neck sizer, 'rested' for 3 days, primer pockets cleaned with the Sinclair LR primer pocket uniformer, primed with PMC Russian primers, and bullets (155 grn SMK Palmas)  seated to .040" off of the lands at hard jam.  The charge was 44.9 grains of IMR 8208 XBR dispensed by the RCBS Chargemaster.  All charges loaded were thrown by the Chargematster unit exactly, any low or high charge was dumped back into the hopper.

Wind conditions were bad, Very windy.  This, in addition to my poor shooting ability, OK mostly due to my poor shooting ability, accounted for some poor groups.  However, the amount of samplings, IMO, can give a good idea of how the Magneto unit performed.

All shots were from the prone position from a Mwerks bipod and a Protecktor rear bag.  Wind flags were utilized, somewhat, at the firing line, 50 yards, and at the target, 100yards.

I shot 10, three round, groups with no unit, I then shot 10, three round, groups with the unit attached to the barrel.

Here is the worst group with no unit.



Here is the worst group with the unit attached...




The best groups are posted in the original post.


Here is the data that I collected...





The Average with the unit attached to the barrel was .4126", and the average group size with nothing on the barrel measured .4479".  With such a small difference in the group averages, I believe that the Magneto speed bayonet, attached to the barrel, has a minimal effect on group size accuracy.  With that being said, the unit DOES effect the point of impact on the target.  This shift in POI, for my current 100yard zero, was not necessarily predicable.  With the unit off and on a few times, I noted that once the shots flew 3MOA high, another time the unit shot 1MOA high and to the right .5MOA, and lastly the POI was right on the 100 yard zero, no shift at all.  This, I postulate, is because the unit cannot be attactched in the same place and in the same position all the time, therefore, the POI shifts cannot be accurately predicted.

I believe that this can be worked around with foulers and sighters that are necessary during load development anyway.

The chronograph performed flawlessly during the entire session.  No shots went unrecorded, and all data was inline with known data that I have collected for this load.  I believe that this new product can be very useful for the precision reloader.  On a side note, the conditions I shot in today would have rendered my conventional Shooting Chrony useless!

I hope that this review is useful to all, and Any critiques or comments are welcome.

Once again Heavies, much mahalos for your data points.  This chrony has just jumped to the top of my wish list.

That is since I just ordered the digital headspace gauge as well as the Forster competition seating die.  LOL

If they make it look like a real bayonet I'll buy one.  Will it work for my m1 carbine.  I'm really trying to get my load setup before the next 800 agg match.  Once I get some carbine bergers I'm going to need to do some ocw research and then borrow your chrono.

Once again Heavies, much mahalos for your data points.  This chrony has just jumped to the top of my wish list.

That is since I just ordered the digital headspace gauge as well as the Forster competition seating die.  LOL

No problem.  Any assistance needed, just give me a holler.

If they make it look like a real bayonet I'll buy one.  Will it work for my m1 carbine.  I'm really trying to get my load setup before the next 800 agg match.  Once I get some carbine bergers I'm going to need to do some ocw research and then borrow your chrono.

You should try the 300grain .30 carbine soild steel slug.  heard its the cats meow.

I kinda hate to ask this, but I am compelled. 

Is there any other "essential equipment" that you use or recommend?

Not to scare you away but heavies is very ... "particular" about reloading.  Needs to have exactly three ti leaves tied to the front right corner of the reloading bench and a container of salt next to the charge master. 

Just kidding.  He cares about humidity, temperature, and static in one hand and his horoscope, a mcdonalds straw, and weak coffee in the other.  Strange strange guy but somehow it works.  I placed well in the last f-class match with his rifle and ammo.  Email is the best way to communicate with him.  He's a mumbler.  Good luck counter.

I kinda hate to ask this, but I am compelled. 

Is there any other "essential equipment" that you use or recommend?

What I use on a regular basis, besides the basic dies, press, trimmer, and deburer are...

Sinclair primer pocket uniformer -  This device reams the primer pockets to the same depth, and clean the hole better than any brush or flathead type device.

Redding competition shell holder set -  This allows dead length seating in .002" increments.

RCBS Chargemaster -  An electronic dispenser and scale make weighing every charge soooo much faster and easier, however the device can sometimes get finicky and moody.  Not sure why it sometime drifts and doesn't want to drop charges consistently.  But when it is working good I'm all smiles.

Redding or Forster Micrometer top seating dies -  The mic top makes seating depth setup and changing seating depth on all the different projectiles a lot easier, accurate, and faster.

Willis headspace tool -  I use this every time to measure the shoulder bump to ensure that the cases are being headspaced the same, and I also use it to check that the completed rounds base to the bullets ogive is within tolerance.

Giraud annealing machine -  Annealing does make every case more uniform, and allows cases to last longer and keep neck from becoming brittle and cracking.


Items I have but are not sure yet as to the value of the procedure.

Sinclair consentricity gauge -  This checks the runout of cases and completed rounds.  Usually said to have the runout be less than .002", but at the distances that we are able to shoot around here, I am not sure yet if this has any real affect.  probably it would be more apparent at 8, 9, 1000 yards.?

K&M neck turner set -  The set turns down the neck of the case to a consistent thickness around the circumference.  it is said to help with more consistent bullet seating force and bullet release, however I am not sold on any real advantage.  I am thinking of just sorting cases using the nest item on the list and calling it good.

Inside tubing micrometer -  A Mic that can measure the inside of a tube.  I would like to sort out cases with as little variance in the neck wall thickness, thus eliminating the need to neck turn.


On my wish list...

A Magnetic Force Restoration balance -  This weighing technology is said to be exponentially better than the regular load cell type reloading scales on the market.  The only problem to this is that the scale is very expensive.

Not to scare you away but heavies is very ... "particular" about reloading.  Needs to have exactly three ti leaves tied to the front right corner of the reloading bench and a container of salt next to the charge master. 

Just kidding.  He cares about humidity, temperature, and static in one hand and his horoscope, a mcdonalds straw, and weak coffee in the other.  Strange strange guy but somehow it works.  I placed well in the last f-class match with his rifle and ammo.  Email is the best way to communicate with him.  He's a mumbler.  Good luck counter.

Hey, the Mcdonald's straw trick really works.  It'll make the Chargemaster work properly,  I'm telling you this to be true.  Fo real, Try it and see...

Not to scare you away but heavies is very ... "particular" about reloading.  Needs to have exactly three ti leaves tied to the front right corner of the reloading bench and a container of salt next to the charge master. 

Just kidding.  He cares about humidity, temperature, and static in one hand and his horoscope, a mcdonalds straw, and weak coffee in the other.  Strange strange guy but somehow it works.  I placed well in the last f-class match with his rifle and ammo.  Email is the best way to communicate with him.  He's a mumbler.  Good luck counter.

No one better that I have found to learn from here on this forum! Someone that meticulous is exactly the person you want to hear from IMHO!!!!

It also does not mean that I intend to reload to that degree. But I learned a few things from him that I intend to include in my reloading routines.

Mahalo Heavies!

You are not kidding about the cost of the Sartorius scale.  Holy smokes batman!

Hey, the Mcdonald's straw trick really works.  It'll make the Chargemaster work properly,  I'm telling you this to be true.  Fo real, Try it and see...

McDonald's does have the bestest straws . . .

When I get some extra time I'll post up what I mean with the MCD's straw.

Heavies,

I think a lot of shooters are on the fence when it comes to buying a chrony simply because there's always something they find more useful to throw $125 - 250 at (either real or imagined). Thus, while everyone wants one, its usually at the bottom of the list. My guess is that a lot of people would pay a fee to rent or use a chrony, however..Sort of like renting your sight adjustment tool or go/no-go gauge for $5. I would certainly go for it in a heartbeat. Renting it for $10-15 would be an excellent way to recoup the cost of the device if you don't mind the hassle; and it could be done at your convenience. Would you consider allowing others to  use your chrony for a fee provided that it is used under your supervision so they don't accidentally destroy it?