Thermal hunting is all about precision, power, and stealth—especially when you’re targeting fast-moving or nocturnal game like hogs, coyotes, and varmints. But your thermal scope is only as effective as the rifle and caliber you pair it with. So, what’s the best caliber for thermal hunting in 2025?
The answer depends on your target species, terrain, and shooting distance, but a few calibers consistently rise to the top. In this guide, we break down the most effective calibers for thermal hunting, including their pros, ideal use cases, and how they perform in low-light conditions.
Top 5 Calibers for Thermal Hunting (Quick List)
| Caliber | Best For | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|
| .223 Remington / 5.56 NATO | Varmints, coyotes | Low recoil, fast follow-up shots, great for AR platforms |
| .300 Blackout | Hogs, close-range night hunting | Subsonic capable, suppressor friendly, ideal for thermal |
| .308 Winchester | Large hogs, predators, deer | Excellent terminal ballistics and longer range power |
| 6.5 Grendel | All-purpose AR hunting | Flatter trajectory and better reach than .300 BLK or .223 |
| 6.5 Creedmoor | Deer, long-range night shots | Flat-shooting with high accuracy, great thermal match |
1. .223 Remington / 5.56 NATO
Best For: Coyotes, foxes, raccoons, small to medium hogs at closer ranges
This is the most common caliber for thermal hunting with AR-15s. It’s lightweight, fast, and extremely effective for predators under 200 yards. The .223 offers a good balance between recoil and accuracy, making it ideal for fast-paced night hunting where multiple targets may appear.
- Widely available and affordable ammo
- Minimal recoil—great for follow-up shots
- Works well with night optics and red dot backups
Limitations: Less stopping power for large boars or heavy-bodied animals
2. .300 Blackout
Best For: Wild hogs, short-range thermal hunts, suppressed rifles
The .300 BLK shines in close-quarter night hunts. It’s especially popular among hog hunters using suppressed AR platforms. Subsonic .300 BLK paired with a thermal scope makes for an incredibly quiet, deadly combination.
- Subsonic rounds pair well with suppressors for quiet shooting
- More energy than .223 at short range
- Still fits AR-15 lower receivers
Limitations: Limited range and bullet drop beyond 200 yards
3. .308 Winchester
Best For: Big hogs, deer, coyotes at medium to long range
The .308 is a heavy hitter with decades of proven performance. It’s a top choice for hunters targeting hogs or predators at night in open terrain. You get better range and terminal energy compared to smaller AR rounds.
- Ideal for taking down large game with authority
- Works well with thermal scopes in bolt guns or AR-10s
- Great accuracy out to 400+ yards
Limitations: More recoil and heavier rifles compared to .223/.300
4. 6.5 Grendel
Best For: Versatile hog and predator hunting with longer reach
6.5 Grendel is a smart middle ground between .223 and .308. It’s flatter shooting than .300 BLK and offers more energy than .223. Ideal for hunters who want to stick with an AR-15 but push beyond 200 yards with confidence.
- Better ballistic performance at distance
- Moderate recoil and excellent accuracy
- Thermal-ready with good ammo availability
Limitations: Not as widely stocked as .223/.308 in local stores
5. 6.5 Creedmoor
Best For: Deer, hogs, and predators at long range under thermal
This round continues to dominate for precision and versatility. It offers minimal drop, excellent wind resistance, and deadly performance at extended ranges. When paired with a quality thermal scope, 6.5 Creedmoor turns you into a night sniper.
- Flat trajectory out to 600+ yards
- Extremely accurate with match-grade options
- Pairs well with thermal scopes on bolt or AR-10 platforms
Limitations: Larger rifle setups and slightly higher recoil than .223/.300
Caliber Comparison Table
| Caliber | Effective Range | Recoil | Ideal Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| .223/5.56 | 0–250 yards | Low | Coyotes, small hogs |
| .300 BLK | 0–200 yards | Low–Moderate | Hogs (close range) |
| .308 Win | 0–400 yards | Moderate–High | Large hogs, deer |
| 6.5 Grendel | 0–350 yards | Moderate | Mixed game |
| 6.5 Creedmoor | 0–600 yards | Moderate–High | Deer, big hogs |
What to Consider When Choosing a Caliber for Thermal Hunting
- Target animal: Choose your caliber based on game size and typical shooting distance
- Suppressed or not: If you’re using a suppressor, .300 BLK and subsonics are ideal
- Optic compatibility: Make sure your rifle pairs well with the weight and balance of your thermal optic
- Recoil and follow-up shots: AR-15 calibers allow faster shots, while bolt guns offer more power at distance
Conclusion
When it comes to thermal hunting, choosing the right caliber is just as important as choosing the right optic. Whether you’re stalking predators, hunting hogs at night, or shooting from a distance, there’s a caliber that fits your exact needs. For versatility, .223 and .300 BLK are excellent in ARs, while .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor bring the power and range you need for bigger game and longer shots.
Which caliber do you use with your thermal setup? Let us know what works for your style of hunting, and we’ll help you dial in the best loadout for your next night in the field.