Understanding Thermal Scopes and Night Vision Devices Caliber Ratings and Consequences

by Basic Precision February 18, 2024

Bering Optics Super Yoter LRF Thermal Scope For Night Hunting Installed On AR-10 Precision Precision Rifle With Suppressor

Often, hunters question up to which caliber specific Bering Optics devices are rated and what would happen if it is used with a heavier caliber. It's best to approach this situation with open eyes, so let's discuss not only the manufacturer's recommendations but also the consequences of not following them.

Bering Optics thermal sights of Hogster family (all except for Hogster Boar) and Super Hogster A3 are rated for .308 caliber and warranted for 4 years. Super Yoter R, Super Hogster LRF, and Super Yoter LRF Thermal Scopes; Hogster-C and Super Yoter-C dedicated thermal Clip-On units, when mounted on the daytime scope with a through-lever adaptor, are rated for .338 Win Mag and 30-06 Springfield Magnum, and they are warranted for 6 years. Hogster Boar is rated for .338 Win Mag and 30-06 Springfield Magnum and comes with a 4-year warranty.

They will also remain accurate with heavier recoil calibers for a certain period. One of our customers reported using his Hogster Vibe thermal scope with a 300 Win Mag, while another used Super Hogster with a 30-06. However, it's important to note that each shot adds microdamage caused by recoil, and these microdamages accumulate over the lifespan of the thermal scope, potentially leading to issues sooner or later. Heavy recoil introduces a higher level of microdamage, which may reduce the scope's lifespan. It also depends on how often you shoot, because one shot with a heavier recoil caliber introduces microdamage equivalent to several shots from a lighter caliber.

A sign that recoil microdamages have accumulated and damaged the scope is when it stops holding zero. With heavier calibers, this may happen much sooner than the warranted 4 or 6 years, while if the scope is used as recommended by the manufacturer, it can serve you for over 10 years (depending on how often you shoot).

Moreover, regarding the warranty, the manufacturer has a way to determine if the scope was used with a heavier-than-recommended caliber. If you shoot a heavier caliber and then send the scope for warranty service, it may void your warranty.

Bering Optics’ thermal scope line covers almost every hunting caliber capable of taking any game in the United States. For calibers heavier than .308, consider the Hogster Boar, Super Yoter R, Super Yoter LRF, and Super Hogster LRF series of thermal scopes or a thermal clip-on, which are built for heavier recoil up to 6,000 J.

Typical factory loads of the following calibers are within ≤ 6,000 J:

.308 Win
.30-06 Springfield
7mm Rem Mag
.300 Win Mag / .300 PRC
.338 Win Mag
9.3×62; 9.3×64 (most loads)
.375 H&H Mag (most loads sit ~5,800–5,900 J)
12-gauge slugs
.45-70 Gov (incl. strong lever-gun loads)

Often over the limit (> 6,000 J, many loads):

.338 Lapua Mag
.338 RUM
.375 Ruger (hot loads)
.416 Rigby / .416 Rem Mag
.458 Win Mag / .458 Lott
Big Nitro Express (.450/.470/.500, etc.)

Note that “6,000 J” is a shock-resistance spec. Recoil impulse also varies with rifle weight, action type, brake/suppressor, and mounting, so stay conservative near the limit.

And if you truly need to go even heavier than 338 Win Mag for night hunting (we do not know why), we recommend Bering Optics Night Vision sights and the Night Probe Mini Night Vision Clip-On. These Bering Optics night vision devices are rated to handle .50 BMG or even heavier recoil.