Best 223/556 Rifle for Thermal Scope......Bolt Action or AR-15?

[Traildust]

What's everyone's preference and why?

[sierracharlie338]

Assuming this is for hogs mainly, the speed of follow up shots can’t be beat. AR platform

[piercebronkite]

Assuming this is for hogs mainly, the speed of follow up shots can’t be beat. AR platform

Agree.

[jdavidson]

Assuming this is for hogs mainly, the speed of follow up shots can’t be beat. AR platform

Agree

[TX03RUBI]

I prefer a bolt action for it, but not because it’s better. It’s just personal preferance. An AR is a better choice though.

[kmack]

I'm voting bolt-action. Accuracy is key (to me at least) and while quick follow-ups shots are nice, those will always be on the run. Does anyone know if the current quality of thermals will handle repeated quick shots? (Asking for real, not trying to be sarcastic)

[Clay C]

I'm voting bolt-action. Accuracy is key (to me at least) and while quick follow-ups shots are nice, those will always be on the run. Does anyone know if the current quality of thermals will handle repeated quick shots? (Asking for real, not trying to be sarcastic)

Absolutely.

For my purposes I prefer an AR15. I like the lightweight and form factor of the compact style scopes (Rattler, Storm, etc) and I don't have to worry about LOP/eye reliefe being an issue on an AR.

[TX03RUBI]

I'm voting bolt-action. Accuracy is key (to me at least) and while quick follow-ups shots are nice, those will always be on the run. Does anyone know if the current quality of thermals will handle repeated quick shots? (Asking for real, not trying to be sarcastic)

It’s not hard to build or shoot an AR accurately especially at thermal distances. The distances where bolt guns really shine (not being limited by mag length restrictions) are well beyond thermal capabilities. Typical shots are 50-250 yds. I can ear hole A hog or dog just as easy with 17” 556 as I can my 22” 22 Creed in those ranges. A bolt gun is more fun to me, but I’m under no illusions that it’s the better choice. My real preference is hunting with a couple buddies with ARs and me on a bolt gun. They stack them up close and I clean up their mess. That has more to do with the optic and caliber chosen though. A 3x high resolution optic with a fast flat caliber like the 22 Creed is pretty forgiving in distance calls. At the end of the night I kill less than I do with an AR though 9 times out of 10.

[McClain]

This is going to be slightly off topic, but for those of you that hunt with an AR and reload, do you have a brass catcher in place or just plan on loosing a certain amount of your cases.

[lordvader]

This is going to be slightly off topic, but for those of you that hunt with an AR and reload, do you have a brass catcher in place or just plan on loosing a certain amount of your cases.

I have so much 223 brass it's not a big deal if I lose a few cases.

[M16]

This is going to be slightly off topic, but for those of you that hunt with an AR and reload, do you have a brass catcher in place or just plan on loosing a certain amount of your cases.

Depends on the caliber I am using. .223 I don't worry about the brass. I use one with the 6.5 grendel, 6.8 spc, and 224 valkyrie.

[Gerald G]

Depends on the caliber I am using. .223 I don't worry about the brass. I use one with the 6.5 grendel, 6.8 spc, and 224 valkyrie.

M16,
I have a 300 HAM’R upper ordered. It’s pretty much in the same class with the two you mentioned.

I have also been reading about the 6.5 Grendel and 6.8 SPC, what’s an example of why you would choose one over the other for day’s hunt?

[TacticalCowboy]

This is going to be slightly off topic, but for those of you that hunt with an AR and reload, do you have a brass catcher in place or just plan on loosing a certain amount of your cases.

I only have 223 and 308 AR’s, so if I lose a few cases here or there I’m really not worried about it. I usually look around and grab the ones I can find easily and don’t worry about the rest.

[Chase4556]

OP, my vote is AR platform. They are capable of sub-MOA shooting with a relatively cheap rifle. So plenty accurate and the fast follow up shots are key.

This is going to be slightly off topic, but for those of you that hunt with an AR and reload, do you have a brass catcher in place or just plan on loosing a certain amount of your cases.

I have more 223 brass than I know what to do with. I hardly ever pick it up.

[fish4food]

M16,
I have a 300 HAM’R upper ordered. It’s pretty much in the same class with the two you mentioned.

I have also been reading about the 6.5 Grendel and 6.8 SPC, what’s an example of why you would choose one over the other for day’s hunt?

6.8 works extremely well in a shorter barrel (10-12) Grendel works better in a longer barrel. Both are very capable rounds in thermal distances. 300 yards and in.

My local Academy has both ammo on the shelves consistently. Ammo is priced similarly. I have both and love them equally as much.