Night Vision Thermal accuracy past 100 yards

[bikehe]

Hi all I have a 223 that will shoot 1/2 moa 5 shot groups. When I clip on the thermion XM38 and try to set up a profile for this rifle best groups i get are around 2" I've tried doing it at night, day and no improvement. Switch back to my glass and constant 1/2 MOA again. I'm stumped as to why the groups open up when I've seen shots taken out to 320 yards on coyote. Would appreciate any advice on techniques or am I missing something. Is using foil as a target ok with electrical tape? When I set the rifle steady and place the cross hair on the centre of target theres a slight fuzz around the foil and picture seems like its moving ever so slightly but could be eye strain. Tried the PIP function to help improve shot placement but no success. Ive tried everything to get this to shoot reasonably good for smaller game out to 200-300 yards but it'll only good up to 100. Any help or advice appreciated.

 

[kirsch]

I like to use HVAC tape and make a cross leaving the center open. This allows both a vertical and horizontal aiming point. Also, always tilt your target back about 10-15 degrees to get reflection. Here is a video of how I create and use the target to get a more exact and repeatable aiming point.



Many will say thermal scopes don't group as well as glass. In general that is probably true especially with the bloom on lots of targets, but it also depends on the scope. As an example, the Flir PTS536 (unfortunately no longer made) thermals could consistently shoot a ragged hole or at least all bullets touching on 2 different units that I have used. Make sure your base/mount/screws are tight. I haven't used the Thermion XM38 personally, so can't comment if a 2" group is normal or not with one.

 

[sea2summit]

Gotta really work focus, gain, and polarity for your best groups. As above, bloom is the worst enemy of shooting accurately with a thermal. More expensive units will do better at mitigating it but getting 1/2 MOA out of a civilian unit is gonna be tough.

 

[bikehe]

Thanks for that link kirsch much appreciated Sir. I will try that guys technique and that tape to see if it helps. I've got an American defence QD and all mounts etc tight. Was first thing we checked after first 2" group. Would be disappointing to not get out to those smaller critters at 200-300 yards. Will see how that goes and give it a try.

 

[bikehe]

Oops and sorry about the same thread title earlier. Thought I'd lost it as internet went down so retyped this shorter version of my situation