The 450 Bushmaster is popular among hunters and shooting enthusiasts for several reasons. First, it is a powerful cartridge that can take down medium to large-sized game with a single shot. Second, it is legal in states that prohibit hunting with bottleneck cartridges due to its straight-walled design. Third, it is easy to use with an AR-15 lower, making it a versatile option for those who already own an AR-15 platform. The complete AR upper receiver comes with a barrel, hand guard, muzzle device, and bolt carrier group, among other components, making it a convenient option for those who don't want to build their own complete upper assembly.
Specifications of 450 Bushmaster Ammunition
The .450 Bushmaster cartridge was designed to provide hunters with a powerful and accurate round that is legal in states that prohibit hunting with bottleneck cartridges. It achieves one-shot, one-kill for large game inside 250 yards by delivering a 45 caliber, 250-grain projectile at 2200 fps from the muzzle of an AR-15. The 450 Bushmaster Upper for AR-15 is a great option for those who want to take advantage of this powerful cartridge without having to buy a new rifle.
Muzzle Velocity & Kinetic Energy
The 450 Bushmaster cartridge is a straight-walled cartridge designed for use in the AR-15 platform. It is a high-pressure round that delivers impressive muzzle velocity and kinetic energy. The muzzle velocity of a typical 450 Bushmaster round is around 2,200 feet per second, and it can deliver up to 2,800 foot-pounds of kinetic energy. This makes it a highly effective round for hunting medium to large game.
Bullet Weight
The 450 Bushmaster round typically comes loaded with a 250- to 300-grain bullet. The heavier bullet weight helps to increase the stopping power of the round, making it an ideal choice for hunting larger game.
Ballistics & Bullet Drop
The 450 Bushmaster round is a relatively flat-shooting cartridge, with a trajectory that is similar to that of a .308 Winchester round. At 100 yards, the round will typically drop around 2 inches, and at 200 yards, it will drop around 8 inches. This makes it an ideal choice for hunting in areas where shots may be taken at longer distances.
Range & Accuracy
The effective range of the 450 Bushmaster round is typically around 200 yards, although some shooters have reported success at longer ranges. The round is highly accurate, with most shooters able to achieve sub-MOA accuracy with a properly configured rifle.
Terminal Performance
The 450 Bushmaster round is known for its excellent terminal performance. The heavy bullet weight and high muzzle velocity combine to deliver a devastating impact on target. The round is particularly effective at taking down medium to large game, making it a popular choice among hunters. In comparison to other popular AR-15 cartridges such as the 5.56 NATO, the 450 Bushmaster offers significantly more stopping power.
Technical Specifications of a 450 Bushmaster Barrel
Barrel Length
The length of a .450 Bushmaster barrel can vary from 10.5 inches to 20 inches. The length of the barrel affects the accuracy, velocity, and portability of the firearm. A shorter barrel is more portable but less accurate and has lower velocity, while a longer barrel is more accurate and has higher velocity but is less portable. 16- and 18-inch barrels offer the best combination of accuracy and maneuverability. Sub-MOA performance is easily achieved with a 16 inch 450 Bushmaster barrel.
Barrel Material
The material of the barrel is an important factor that affects its durability, weight, and accuracy. Most 450 Bushmaster barrels are made of chrome-moly steel or stainless steel. Chrome-moly steel is durable, resistant to corrosion, and affordable, while stainless steel is more expensive but more corrosion-resistant and accurate.
Gas System
A carbine-length or mid-length gas system is typical for 450 Bushmaster barrels in the 16- to 20-inch range. Reliable cycling is achieved without an adjustable gas block provided a high quality bolt carrier group, buffer system, and magazine is used.
Twist Rate
The twist rate of a 450 Bushmaster barrel determines how the projectile spins as it travels through the barrel. The most common twist rate for a 450 Bushmaster barrel is 1:24, which means that the projectile makes one full rotation every 24 inches of travel. The 1:24 twist rate is optimized for barrels in the 16- to 20-inch range and for projectiles between 250 and 300 grains.
Complete 450 Bushmaster Upper Assembly
A complete 450 Bushmaster upper assembly is an excellent option for those who want to hunt medium to large game. It is a turn-key solution that is ready to shoot out of the box. The upper assembly includes a barrel, upper receiver, muzzle brake/flash hider, handguard, bolt carrier group, and charging handle.
Barrel
The barrel of a complete 450 Bushmaster upper assembly is typically a heavy profile barrel that is designed to handle the high pressures generated by the cartridge. It is usually around 16 inches long and has a twist rate of 1:24 inches. The barrel is made from high-quality materials that ensure durability and accuracy.
Upper Receiver
The upper receiver is the part of the AR-15 upper assembly that attaches to the lower receiver and houses the bolt carrier group and charging handle. A 450 Bushmaster upper receiver can be made from aluminum or polymer and can have different coatings such as anodized or Cerakote. The highest reliability upper receivers are made from 7075 Aluminum forgings that are precision machined to the mil-spec designs and anodized according to MIL-STD 8625 Type 3 Class 2. The mil-spec upper receiver will have a forward assist and dust cover, and there are side charging options as well.
Muzzle Brake / Flash Hider
The muzzle brake/flash hider of a complete 450 Bushmaster upper assembly is designed to reduce the recoil and muzzle rise of the firearm. It also helps to reduce the flash that is generated when the firearm is fired. The muzzle device is usually made from high-quality materials that ensure durability and resistance to wear and tear.
Handguard
The handguard of a complete 450 Bushmaster upper assembly is designed to protect the shooter's hand from the heat generated by the barrel. It also provides a platform for mounting accessories such as lights, lasers, and optics. The handguard is usually made from high-quality materials that ensure durability and resistance to wear and tear.
Bolt Carrier Group (BCG)
The 450 Bushmaster requires a caliber-specific bolt and a standard AR-15 bolt carrier. 450 Bushmaster and 458 SOCOM use the same bolt carrier group. The 450 Bushmaster has a 0.473" rim diameter and a standard bolt depth. High quality AR-15 BCGs have precision machined 8620 steel carriers, 9310 steel bolts, and 4140 steel extractors. Phosphate, black nitride, and Nickel Boron are typical finishes.
Charging Handle
The charging handle of a complete 450 Bushmaster upper assembly is responsible for chambering the cartridge and cocking the firearm. It is made from high-quality materials that ensure durability and accuracy. The charging handle is designed to be compatible with any standard AR-15 mil-spec upper receiver, and may be ambidextrous.
In conclusion, a complete 450 Bushmaster upper assembly is an excellent option for those who want to hunt medium to large game. It is a turn-key solution that is ready to shoot out of the box. The upper assembly includes a barrel, upper receiver, muzzle brake/flash hider, handguard, bolt carrier group, and charging handle. All of these components are made from high-quality materials that ensure durability and accuracy.
450 Bushmaster for Hunting
The 450 Bushmaster Upper for AR-15 is a popular choice for hunting medium to large game. With its stopping power and accuracy, it is ideal for hunters who want a reliable and effective firearm. In this section, we will explore the benefits of using the 450 Bushmaster Upper for hunting, specifically for deer and hog hunting.
Deer Hunting
Deer hunting is a popular activity in many parts of the United States. The 450 Bushmaster Upper is an excellent choice for deer hunting due to its stopping power and accuracy. The 450 Bushmaster round delivers a large, heavy bullet that can take down a deer with one shot. The round is also accurate at long distances, which is important for hunters who need to take shots from a distance.
When hunting deer, it is important to use a firearm that is powerful enough to take down the animal quickly and humanely. The 450 Bushmaster Upper provides the stopping power needed to do this. It is also important to use a firearm that is accurate and easy to use, especially for hunters who may be in a tree stand or other elevated position. The 450 Bushmaster Upper is easy to use and accurate, making it a great choice for deer hunting.
Hog Hunting
Hog hunting is another popular activity that requires a powerful and accurate firearm. Hogs are tough animals that can be difficult to take down, especially with a smaller caliber firearm. The 450 Bushmaster Upper provides the stopping power needed to take down a hog quickly and humanely.
When hunting hogs, it is important to use a firearm that is powerful enough to penetrate the animal's tough hide and bone structure. The 450 Bushmaster Upper provides the power needed to do this. It is also important to use a firearm that is accurate and easy to use, especially when hunting from a blind or other stationary position. The 450 Bushmaster Upper is accurate and easy to use, making it a great choice for hog hunting.
In conclusion, the 450 Bushmaster Upper for AR-15 is an excellent choice for hunting medium to large game. With its stopping power and accuracy, it is ideal for hunters who want a reliable and effective firearm. Whether you are hunting deer or hogs, the 450 Bushmaster Upper will provide the power and accuracy needed to take down your prey quickly and humanely.
Optics and Magazines for 450 Bushmaster Upper Assemblies
450 Bushmaster Magazine
When it comes to choosing a magazine for your 450 Bushmaster upper assembly, it is important to select a magazine that is specifically designed for the 450 Bushmaster cartridge. The 450 Bushmaster magazines are single-stack due to the diameter of the 450 Bushmaster case. It is recommended to select a magazine that will feed consistently, ensuring you can take the shot when it matters.
Scope for 450 Bushmaster Upper
When selecting a scope for your 450 Bushmaster upper assembly, it is important to choose a scope that is designed for medium to large size game hunting. A scope with a 1-6x or 1-8x magnification range is ideal for hunting within the 100 yard range of the 450 Bushmaster. Additionally, a scope with a larger objective lens can help gather more light, providing better clarity in low light conditions.
In summary, when selecting a magazine and scope for your 450 Bushmaster upper assembly, it is important to choose products that are specifically designed for the 450 Bushmaster cartridge and hunting needs. By selecting the right magazine and scope, you can ensure that you have a reliable and accurate setup for your next hunting trip.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the 450 Bushmaster Upper for AR-15 is a great option for hunters and shooters who want to take down medium to large size game. The upper builds are available in complete and stripped options and can be customized with various accessories such as muzzle devices, rails, and lights.
The 16" barrel length is a popular choice for the 450 Bushmaster chambered upper builds, and the lightweight options are ideal for hunters who want to carry their rifles for extended periods. The pistol length gas system is also available for those who prefer a shorter barrel length.
It's important to note that the 450 Bushmaster is legal in most states for hunting purposes, but hunters should always check their state's regulations before using it. Additionally, the build kits for the 450 Bushmaster Upper can be used with both AR-15 and AR-10 lower receivers.
Overall, the 450 Bushmaster Upper is a reliable and powerful option for those who want to take their AR builds to the next level. With its high stopping power and straight-walled hunting cartridge, it's no wonder why it's becoming a favorite among hunters in the Midwest.