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February 11th, 2023

Saturday at the Movies: Chronograph Tests and Comparisons

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To optimize your loads and to generate precise ballistics tables, you need a quality chronograph. Having precise readings of bullet muzzle velocities lets you calculate ES and SD to determine the most repeatable load with least vertical dispersion. Very accurate velocity data is also essential to created a precise drop table for long range and to predict the effect of winds. There are many good chronographs on the market, ranging in price from around $100 to $1000, not counting tripods.

Today’s Saturday Movie showcase features a variety of modern chronographs. We include comparison tests, as well as video reviews of the new, small-format Bulletseeker Mach 4 and AndiScan Micro A2 Doppler Radar chronographs. If you are in the market for a new chronograph and have the resources, you should definitely consider one of these new small chronos, which are easy to set-up and can be mounted directly to your rifle. For those with a limited budget, MagnetoSpeeds still offer great performance for the price. However, you may have to conduct load tuning separately with the MagnetoSpeed removed.

Triple Chronograph Comparison Test
LabRadar, MagnetoSpeed, and Shooting Chrony Alpha Master

This video has an interesting comparison test with three chronograph devices operating at the same time. A Shooting Chrony Alpha Master unit was set up downrange, while a modern LabRadar was placed to the right side of the rifle. On the barrel of the rifle a MagnetoSpeed chrono was attached. This allowed the tester to compare shot velocity values from all three chrono systems at the same time. The video creator explained: “I was curious to see if my old [Shooting Chrony] chronograph could still give me useful velocity information compared to using the newer MagnetoSpeed and LabRadar.”

Chronograph Functions and Features — Vortex Nation Podcast

In this 78-minute video, experts from Vortex explaining how modern chronographs work. The discussion covers the technical features of various chronographs. Multi-time F-Class National Champion Ian Klemm and former sniper Tony Palzkill examine different chronograph types, explaining how they operate. Ian discusses the pros and cons of different chronograph designs, and provides many good tips for chronograph owners. This 78-minute discussion covers multiple chronograph designs, including LabRadar, MagnetoSpeed, and Caldwell Ballistic Precision. There is also extensive discussion of ballistics in the first 20 minutes.

MagnetoSpeed vs. Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph

In this video the host compares a MagnetoSpeed with an older, first generation Caldwell Ballistic Precision Chronograph, mounted a few yards downrange on a tripod. The tester favored the Magnetospeed saying it was “incredibly accurate” while being much easier to set up and transport. He also says the MagnetoSpeed App was very “user-friendly”.

Bulletseeker Mach 4 Radar Chronograph (Rifle Mountable)


NOTE: Skip Forward to 5:40 to see the Bulletseeker field-tested as mounted on rifle and on tripods.

The Bulletseeker Mach 4 is a new radar chronograph that mounts directly to your rifle. The advanced Bulletseeker features 120 Ghz radar with a beam-forming lens. Developed in Europe, with made-in-Germany core components, this unit is sold in the USA for $999.00 by Longshot, trusted maker of long-range target cameras. We think this is a game-changer. You get advanced radar ON YOUR GUN, with no need to haul around a bulky LabRadar.

Comparison test with the Bulletseeker Mach 4 and LabRadar

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Another Bulletseeker tester was very impressed: “Based on my experiences with the device it seems like a good product that does everything it advertises. All the benefits of a LabRadar without the drawbacks.” (SEE Product review HERE.)

AndiScan Micro A2 Doppler Radar Chronograph (Rifle Mountable)

In this video, our friend F-Class John tests the innovative, ultra-compact AndiScan Micro A2 Doppler radar chronograph. This unit is small enough that it can be fitted to your rifle, or attached to a front rest or mini tripod. John tested an early pre-production model. The production model is now available for 800 Euros on the SQI-AndiX eShop. The manufacturer notes: “The next large 2023 production series is expected to be ready by the end of February.”

shooting chronography comparision product review test video saturday movie

Product Description: “The AndiScan Micro A2 is an advanced ballistic velocity Doppler radar for measuring muzzle velocity of projectiles. It operates in 24GHz frequency band. It is a highly integrated and extremely small form-factor device that is intended to be directly mounted on the rifle. This frees the user from a complicated setup alignment and it also allows to perform measurements under dynamic conditions. It is the first device [with] this form-factor on the public market.”

JKL Inertial Trigger for LabRadar


shooting chronography comparision product review test video saturday movie

The JKL Inertial Trigger for the LabRadar is an easy-to-use, inertial-driven trigger that activates simply from the recoil of your gun. Rather than activate by sound or Doppler reading, the JKL Trigger works from the rifle’s instantaneous recoil pulse when a shot is fired. The unit consists of a small rectangular pad attached to a long audio cable. All you do is plug in the audio cable, attach the pad to your gun with the provided hook and loop (Velcro) material. Then (important), you must change the LabRadar trigger settings from “Doppler” to “Trigger”. The unit works great and is easy to set up.

The text in this article is Copyright 2023 AccurateShooter.com. No site shall reproduce this article without express authorization.

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February 11th, 2023

Helix 6 Carbon-Wrapped Barrels — Pre-Fits and Blanks

Helix 6 Precision Barrel carbon fiber proof research

Are you looking to shave POUNDS from your hunting rig or varmint rifle? There are now multiple options for folks looking for a weight-saving, carbon fiber-wrapped barrel. You’ve probably heard about Proof Research. Yes that’s a good company that crafts good products. But now Proof Research has some noteworthy competition — Helix 6 Precision in Washington State.

Helix 6 Precision Barrel carbon fiber proof research

Helix 6 Precision crafts button-rifled and cut-rifled carbon-wrapped barrels in both conventional and “pre-fit” configurations. Pre-fits are offered for Savage rifles, Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR) series, and SIG Cross rifles. These pre-fit barrels are not cheap. A 6mm Creedmoor RPR pre-fit costs $1449.00, while the Savage pre-fits are also $1449.00 for most chamberings. The carbon-wrapped Helix 6 barrel blanks cost $1249.00 for the listed chamberings.

Helix 6 Precision Barrel carbon fiber proof research

While Helix 6 barrels do offer significant weight savings, the founders of Helix 6 say low mass wasn’t the number one design goal: “Accuracy was paramount and weight reduction was secondary. We’ve taken the industry’s most advanced carbon fiber engineering and pushed the technology further with our proprietary … carbon fiber process.”

The founders of Helix 6 Precision say they build some of the best carbon/steel hybrid barrels on the market: “Our unique carbon fiber-layup design dampens barrel harmonics for better accuracy. Each barrel is cut from a 416R stainless steel core, and carbon fiber-wrapped using the Helix 6 Precision’s advanced process. This creates match-grade accuracy barrels with high heat dispersion that are 30% lighter than a steel barrel of the same contour. The bores are … hand-lapped for precision accuracy.” Helix 6 claims its barrels are “lighter, stronger, and faster cooling than anything else available on the market.”

Myth vs. Reality — What Carbon Can and Cannot Do

Carbon fiber is formed using thin strands of carbon bonded together with a plastic polymer resin. The resulting material is very strong and light weight. There’s a reason Formula 1 cars are crafted with carbon-fiber composites. But is a carbon-wrapped barrel the right option for you? Here are some factors to consider:

Weight Savings — There’s no doubt that a carbon-wrapped barrel will weigh less than an unfluted stainless steel barrel with identical length and contour (outside diameters). Helix 6 claims a 30% weight reduction compared to a conventional stainless steel barrel. That’s significant.

Accuracy — Carbon-wrapped barrels are NOT commonly being used for F-Class or Benchrest competition. However, Proof Research carbon-wrapped barrels have performed well in PRS competitions in the hands of top shooters. So, we can conclude that carbon accuracy is good enough for the PRS/NRL tactical game, at least at the local club level.

Heat Dispersion — Carbon-wrapped barrel-makers claim their hybrid design disperses heat better than an all-steel barrel. Some independent testers disagree, saying: “hold on now — the carbon actually acts as an insulator, so more heat is retained in the barrel”. The jury is still out. One thing that is true is that the carbon barrels seem to generate less mirage from barrel heat. Ask yourself, “if less heat is coming OFF the barrel, where is that heat retained?” But the reduced mirage could be a function of the black woven surface which may release heat differently than polished steel.

Pre-Fit, AR, and Custom Barrel Options
Helix 6 precision barrels are available as pre-fits for both Savage and the Ruger Precision Rifle in many popular long-range cartridges. Helix 6 can also thread and chamber a barrel for any precision rifle. And pre-fit AR barrels are available in a wide variety of chamberings and lengths. Helix 6 Precision also supplies carbon-wrapped barrel blanks which can be chambered and fitted by a professional gunsmith. Helix 6 barrel blanks, buttoned-rifled or cut-rifled, are sold in many calibers. Buttoned-rifled barrel calibers are: .224, .243 (6mm), .264 (6.5mm), .284 (7mm), .308 and .338. Cut-rifled barrel calibers are: .224, .243 (6mm), .257, .264 (6.5mm), .284 (7mm), .308, .338, and .375.

This article is Copyright 2023 AccurateShooter.com. No other website is allowed to publish this article in whole or in part without payment of fees.

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February 11th, 2023

Ultra-Important Safety Tips for Reloaders — From Sierra Bullets

Sierra Bullets Reloading Tips

Here are some really smart tips for hand-loaders compiled by Sierra Bullets. These suggestions were submitted by Sierra’s Facebook fans — and some are very valuable indeed. Some of these tips will help you load more accurate ammo. Other selections will help you stay SAFE — which should always be your #1 priority. For example, we concur with the advice to “Check and Double Check. Everything. Every Time”. Also definitely keep “One powder on the bench at a time” — that could be a life-saver. You may want to print these “words of wisdom” and place them on a wall in your loading room.

Reloading Safety Tips — Sound Advice

ALWAYS START LOW: “Just because a load manual says X grains of X powder with X bullet is max, your rifle could reach max pressure a grain or two before what the book says. Start low and work up.” — Walter Coats

BE SAFE and CAREFUL: “Check and double check. Everything. Every time. Only one type of powder on the bench at a time.” — Glen Lundgren

DON’T RUSH: “Be patient, don’t be in a hurry, have fun and find your rhythm. Just tell your family you’re putting yourself in ‘time-out’. They will understand.” — Erik Dyal

POWDER RULE #1: “One powder on the bench at one time, it might save your life.” — James A. Kimery

STAY FOCUSED: “Relaxed but concentrated attention. Have fun enjoying a great hobby and pastime but stay focused.” — Jim Caldwell

POLICE LOADING AREA: “Keep your reloading bench area clean and put items away ASAP.” — Eric J. Ford

BE PATIENT: “Focus, Focus, Focus — be patient — it AIN’T a race.” — William Stanley

RECORD YOUR LOADS: “Write down on a small card what you’re loading – bullet weight, powder weight, type of powder, and primer. And put it in the powder hopper. I am unloading .45 FMJ because I forgot what type powder was in the hopper.” — Michael Conniff

HAVE a PROCEDURE for INTERRUPTIONS: “If, for any reason, you have to leave the bench while in the process of dropping powder charges, turn the next case to be charged upside down in the loading block so you know where you left off.” — Bill Tinsley

LABEL EVERYTHING: “OCD is a good habit to have with your loading bench. CLEARLY label everything!” — Andy Pynckel

HAVE a GOAL: “Never start reloading or developing a load without a specific goal in mind. Second keep meticulous records.” — Peter Eick

RESEARCH THE JOB: “Read all you can about it before you start!” — Keith Shively

KEEP TRACK of the Brass: “I put all my primed brass upside down (primer up) and as I charge the casing, I (of course) flip it primer down.” — Mark Ewing

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