Night Vision Thermal host for Halo LR

[Choid]

So, I have had my Halo for a while and haven't had time to get it up and running. I am trying to settle on a host for it, and am kind of down to a 16-18 inch AR in 223 or a AR 10 in 6.5 Creedmoor. This is for shooting predators and general night time fun. We don't have hogs here, thankfully, so they aren't an issue. Any thoughts on this? 6.5 will certainly let me shoot out a bit further, especially given the clumsiness of dealing with elevation on a non standard scope, but 223 may be all I need, and is certainly cheaper to shoot.

 

[MarinePMI]

I know a few folks up your way that use just bog standard AR's in .223/5.56. I think I'd go that route, and if you want to get exotic later (224Valkyrie, Grendel, SPC etc) you can always just add an upper and new buffer.

 

[Geeb]

A lot of predator hunters are going to .243 or 6mm creedmoor, judging distance without a rangefinder (options for nighttime rangefinders is pretty limited) is next to impossible and the flatter shooting the cartridge the better.
I am personally still using a .223 and just wait on the critters to get in closer before I shoot.

 

[HenryTheAce]

Waiting on my halo-lr to arrive and similar uses as you. No hogs up here in MI, just gonna use it for coyotes and critters. I decided on a LMT 14.5” SBR 223/556... but I’m tempted to throw it on a 18” JP-15

 

[deersniper]

223. Or 95gr 6.5 cm.

I think the 22 Creedmoor would be an awesome option. Copper creek makes ammo but it’s $37

 

[Killswitch Engage]

i run a halo lr on a 6.5cm gas gun. its far more versatile and capable then any 556 option. having killed hundreds of coyotes at night 556 just doesnt get it done all that well. ammo for cm these days is damn near as cheap as 556. try some 95gr stuff for yotes and youll be happy.

 

[HenryTheAce]

i run a halo lr on a 6.5cm gas gun. its far more versatile and capable then any 556 option. having killed hundreds of coyotes at night 556 just doesnt get it done all that well. ammo for cm these days is damn near as cheap as 556. try some 95gr stuff for yotes and youll be happy.

What 6.5cm gas gun are you running? 8 twist fine for the 95’s?

 

[deersniper]

What 6.5cm gas gun are you running? 8 twist fine for the 95’s?

I think ideal would be a POF revolution or DPMS GII with a proof barrel.

I’m poor so I just went with Seekins plus a proof barreL

 

[Killswitch Engage]

What 6.5cm gas gun are you running? 8 twist fine for the 95’s?

yes 8 tw. rifle doesnt much matter but somethings you want are rifle length gp, fully adjustable gas block preferably superlative arms, a nice captured buffer spring like the silent capture or there a couple others. it will run like a swiss watch suppressed once you tune it.

 

[RyanScott]

You’ll want a rifle plus two gas port for a 6.5CM unless it’s very short.

 

[HenryTheAce]

I think ideal would be a POF revolution or DPMS GII with a proof barrel.

I’m poor so I just went with Seekins plus a proof barreL

View attachment 7330515

Looks great!! With the thermals and NV I’ve seen you post.... you’re far from poor I don’t want to go full Gucci gas gun mode for a thermal gun that I realistically know won’t get used a lot, so looking at some options. Had to talk myself off the ledge of going balls deep into a JP LRP-07

 

[WhereNow&How]

A lot of predator hunters are going to .243 or 6mm creedmoor, judging distance without a rangefinder (options for nighttime rangefinders is pretty limited) is next to impossible and the flatter shooting the cartridge the better.
I am personally still using a .223 and just wait on the critters to get in closer before I shoot.

Yeah, I like to get em up where you can see the whites of their eyes. Harder to miss that away.

I Turkey hunted with a 410 single barrel for years. To easy with a 12 gauge. Wouldn't pull the trigger till they were 6 paces or closer.

 

[DODGER03]

Loving my 22 nosler. Ar15 platform and has been getting the job done. Bout the same recoil as a 223 with a little more speed and energy. If you don't have pigs, I don't see what your gaining going to a ar10 platform. Definitely want some low recoil for the runners/multiples. Also check out the 6.5 grendel.

 

[ccasanova]

Definitely want some low recoil for the runners/multiples. Also check out the 6.5 grendel.

This is good advice. My 6.5G thumps harder, but recoils (not too much, but significantly) more than .223. I don’t notice with single or spaced out shots, but it is harder to get back on target quickly when you’re in a hurry. I’d imagine 6.5CM would be considerably more difficult. But it’s all trade offs. My shots are close and cluttered...not far and calculated. A heavier/lighter setup will effect this as well.

 

[mavrick10_2000]

This is good advice. My 6.5G thumps harder, but recoils (not too much, but significantly) more than .223. I don’t notice with single or spaced out shots, but it is harder to get back on target quickly when you’re in a hurry. I’d imagine 6.5CM would be considerably more difficult. But it’s all trade offs. My shots are close and cluttered...not far and calculated. A heavier/lighter setup will effect this as well.

Not too much more felt recoil because the AR10 sized calibers are usually a bit heavier. I had a GAP 6CM upper for my POF at one point, she was a pig to walk around with. Somewhere between 17-19 lbs with just 3-18x50 (No Clip On)- It was a laser though.