The 450 Bushmaster is a big-bore rifle cartridge that has grown in popularity among hunters and shooting enthusiasts. With excellent stopping power and solid accuracy, it’s perfect for hunting large game like deer, boar, and even bears.
In this guide, we’ll go deep into the world of the 450 Bushmaster. You’ll learn about its ammo, ballistics, upper receivers, rifles, and how it compares to rounds like the 45-70, 350 Legend, and 308 Winchester. We’ll also talk about rifles like the Ruger American and Mossberg Patriot, plus scopes, magazines, and brass. Let’s begin.
What is the 450 Bushmaster?
The 450 Bushmaster is a straight-walled cartridge. It was designed for short to medium-range hunting with semi-auto rifles. It was originally developed by Tim LeGendre of LeMag Firearms. Bushmaster and Hornady then helped bring it to the market.
This cartridge is known for high stopping power. It’s legal in many states where bottleneck cartridges are not allowed. That’s why hunters love it.
450 Bushmaster Ammo
The 450 Bushmaster ammo usually uses bullets that weigh between 250 to 300 grains. It offers great knockdown power and deep penetration.
Top brands that make 450 Bushmaster ammo include:
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Hornady (Black and FTX)
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Winchester
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Federal
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Remington
The average price for a box of 20 rounds is between $30 to $50, depending on the brand and bullet type.
450 Bushmaster Upper for AR Rifles
Want to upgrade your AR rifle to shoot 450 Bushmaster? You can simply swap the upper. The 450 Bushmaster upper fits most AR-15 lower receivers. It allows you to use your existing AR-15 platform without buying a new rifle.
Popular 450 Bushmaster uppers come with:
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16” or 20” barrels
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Muzzle brakes
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Free-floating handguards
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Bolt Carrier Groups (BCG)
Bear Creek Arsenal, Radical Firearms, and Aero Precision offer good uppers at decent prices.
450 Bushmaster Ballistics Explained
Let’s break down 450 Bushmaster ballistics simply:
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Bullet weight: 250-300 grains
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Muzzle velocity: ~2,200 feet per second (fps)
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Energy at muzzle: ~2,700 ft-lbs
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Effective range: Up to 250 yards
The bullet drops significantly beyond 200 yards. So it’s best for close to medium-range shots.
450 Bushmaster vs 45-70
Both are heavy hitters, but they differ in use.
| Feature | 450 Bushmaster | 45-70 Govt |
|---|---|---|
| Case Type | Straight-walled | Rimmed, straight-wall |
| Action | Semi-auto & bolt | Mostly lever-action |
| Range | ~250 yards | ~300+ yards |
| Recoil | Moderate | Heavy |
| Ammo Cost | Cheaper | Expensive |
Conclusion: Go for 450 Bushmaster if you want to use modern rifles. Pick 45-70 if you prefer classic lever guns and extended range.
350 Legend vs 450 Bushmaster
Another common question is about 350 Legend vs 450 Bushmaster.
| Feature | 350 Legend | 450 Bushmaster |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | 150-180 grains | 250-300 grains |
| Muzzle Velocity | ~2,300 fps | ~2,200 fps |
| Recoil | Low | Medium |
| Best Use | Small to medium game | Large game (deer, bear) |
| Ammo Price | Cheaper | Slightly higher |
Conclusion: Use 350 Legend for lighter game and kids or beginners. Choose 450 Bushmaster for more serious hunting.
Also Read: 350 Legend: The Ultimate Straight-Walled Hunting Cartridge
450 Bushmaster vs 308 Winchester
Now let’s compare 450 Bushmaster vs 308:
| Feature | 308 Winchester | 450 Bushmaster |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet Speed | Faster (~2,700 fps) | Slower (~2,200 fps) |
| Range | Long-range (up to 800 yards) | Medium-range (~250 yards) |
| Recoil | Less than 450 BM | More recoil |
| Application | Precision shooting, long-range | Big game at close range |
308 wins for long-range shooting. 450 BM is better for brush hunting.
Ruger 450 Bushmaster Rifles
Ruger makes excellent rifles in 450 Bushmaster.
The Ruger American 450 Bushmaster is a favorite. It’s bolt-action, lightweight, and accurate. Key features:
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Threaded barrel for muzzle brakes
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Rugged stock design
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One-piece scope rail
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3-round rotary magazine
Hunters love this rifle for its value and reliability.
450 Bushmaster Brass
Reloaders often buy 450 Bushmaster brass to save money. Once-fired or new brass is available from brands like Starline, Hornady, and Nosler.
Make sure to:
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Inspect the brass
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Trim it properly
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Use correct powder charge and bullet seating depth
Reloading the 450 Bushmaster helps reduce ammo costs.
450 Bushmaster Scope Options
Due to the limited range of this round, you don’t need super-high magnification. Ideal 450 Bushmaster scopes include:
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1-4x or 3-9x scopes
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Red dot sights for fast target acquisition
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Illuminated reticles for low light
Recommended brands:
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Leupold VX-Freedom
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Vortex Crossfire II
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Bushnell Banner
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Primary Arms
450 Bushmaster Rifles and AR Builds
You can find 450 Bushmaster rifles in:
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Bolt-action like Ruger American or Savage
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AR platforms (AR-15 with upper swaps or full AR-10 builds)
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Lever-action rifles (limited, but possible)
Complete AR builds in 450 BM are also popular among hunters. They offer fast follow-up shots and customization options.
450 Bushmaster Magazine Compatibility
Standard AR-15 magazines can sometimes be used with 450 BM, but with reduced capacity. Special magazines are available:
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5-round and 7-round mags
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From companies like Duramag, ASC, and C Products Defense
Always test the feeding reliability before going into the field.
Mossberg Patriot 450 Bushmaster
The Mossberg Patriot in 450 Bushmaster is another bolt-action rifle. It’s affordable and accurate. Features include:
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Fluted barrel
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Adjustable trigger
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Lightweight synthetic stock
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Factory scope options available
Great for hunters who want bolt-action power without breaking the bank.
Also Read: Remington 1100: Timeless Design and Reliable Performance
450 Bushmaster Lever Action Possibilities
While rare, 450 Bushmaster lever action rifles do exist. Some custom shops and limited-run models are made for those who love lever guns but want modern ballistics.
Be sure to check action compatibility. The high pressure of 450 BM can be risky in older lever gun designs.
450 Bushmaster FAQs
1. Is the 450 Bushmaster good for deer hunting?
Yes, it is excellent for deer. It has great stopping power and works well under 250 yards.
2. Can I shoot 450 Bushmaster in a regular AR-15?
Not without changes. You’ll need a 450 Bushmaster upper and a compatible magazine.
3. What is the recoil like on the 450 Bushmaster?
It has noticeable recoil but is manageable, especially with a muzzle brake or in a heavier rifle.
4. What’s the best scope for 450 Bushmaster?
A 3-9x scope works best. Red dots are also good for fast shooting under 150 yards.
5. Which is better: 350 Legend or 450 Bushmaster?
Depends on your need. Use 350 Legend for less recoil. Use 450 Bushmaster for more power and bigger game.
