Bullet velocity measurment tools

Bob, Terry Wieland did a review of the Garmin in the June issue of Handloader. I would chronograph more regularly, but it is a hassle setting up my old Chrony, which gives me the data I need. Both Labradar and Garmin offer an answer to that issue. I've used Garmin GPS thingies for a long time, and have a lot of confidence in their stuff. If I were putting green on the mahogany to purchase one or the other, I'd lean toward Garmin, although I learned early in the PC game not to buy version 1.0 of anything. The Garmin has one feature I consider to be a drawback, and that is that the battery is not replaceable. That's what I've been seeing, and I'm following it not too closely as my Chrony still breathes life, and we're talking about a lot of money for a poor boy from New Hamster. (The Chrony still works in spite of it taking a glancing hit from a .222 that came in a little low one day. Loose scope mount. Really...)

One thing about this group . . . . you’re very consistent in your joint efforts to spend my money.

I have come very close to buying chronograph equipment but have managed to put if off for a very long time. I have limited access to a friends equipment in exchange for his use of some of my reloading equipment. However; with my move to Arizona I have greatly restricted our trade agreement.
I had talked myself into the Labradar; if & when I elect to actually “put green on mahogany”.  I now have to add Garmim in the mix. I believe I will be making a purchase sometime soon so thanks for the information. You may prevent this “poor boy in Arizona” from making the wrong choice.

Larry, there really is no bad choice. The biggest issue is setup time and convience. The typical optical cronographs are good and less expensive than the easier to setup radar versions. The one big advantage to the radar instruments is their ability to record muzzle to 100 yard velocity in chosen increments, though somewhat dependent on caliber.
Happy spending and enjoy.

That is unfortunate I still have Shooting Chrony intact so if someone is in need I maybe able to assist. I really liked that unit as it was compact and easy to set up except at a controlled range were you could only work during cease fire.

Larry, let your wallet be your guide along with set up convience. From what I've seen there is little difference in accuracy, I've not kept up with features though as I only want the velocity. extreme spread is easily calculated and I find absolutely no value in standard deviation as it doesn't correspond to group size or any valuable information that I can find.

The one item I did notice on the new Labradar is a sighting device, with the older version and perhaps the Garmin unit you need to figure out the best way to aim it.  I use a piece of 3/8" tube or drawing triangles, the little notch on the original unit is difficult to aim with and I don't know about the Garmin instrument.