If you're a hunter or shooting enthusiast looking to upgrade your AR-15, the .450 Bushmaster upper is a game-changer. This powerful cartridge is gaining popularity for its ability to take down medium to large-sized game with a single shot. Whether you're upgrading for hunting or just want to enhance your shooting experience, the .450 Bushmaster upper offers versatility, power, and ease of use. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about upgrading to a .450 Bushmaster upper, from ammunition specifications to choosing the best barrel length.
Why Choose the .450 Bushmaster Upper?
The .450 Bushmaster upper is renowned for several reasons:
- Powerful Cartridge: The .450 Bushmaster is capable of taking down medium to large game with a single shot, making it ideal for hunting.
- Legal in Many States: Its straight-walled design makes it legal in states that prohibit hunting with bottleneck cartridges.
- Compatibility: It is compatible with AR-15 lowers, making it a convenient upgrade for those who already own an AR-15 platform.
Upgrading to a .450 Bushmaster upper involves adding a barrel, hand guard, muzzle device, and bolt carrier group to your AR-15 lower. This makes it a versatile option for hunters and shooting enthusiasts alike.
Specifications of 450 Bushmaster Ammunition
The .450 Bushmaster cartridge is designed for power and accuracy. Here are its key specifications:
- Caliber: .450
- Bullet Weight: 250 to 300 grains
- Muzzle Velocity: 2200 fps
- Kinetic Energy: Up to 2800 foot-pounds
- Effective Range: Around 200 yards
The cartridge's design enables it to deliver a powerful, accurate shot, ideal for hunting large game.
Understanding Muzzle Velocity and Kinetic Energy
The .450 Bushmaster is a high-pressure round known for its impressive muzzle velocity and kinetic energy. With a typical muzzle velocity of around 2200 feet per second, it can deliver up to 2800 foot-pounds of kinetic energy. This makes it one of the most effective rounds for hunting medium to large game, ensuring a humane and quick takedown.
Bullet Weight and Ballistics
The .450 Bushmaster round typically comes loaded with a 250- to 300-grain bullet. The heavier bullet weight increases stopping power, making it suitable for larger game. In terms of ballistics, the round has a relatively flat trajectory similar to a .308 Winchester. At 100 yards, the bullet drop is around 2 inches, and at 200 yards, it drops about 8 inches. This flat trajectory enhances accuracy, making it a reliable choice for longer-distance shots.
Range and Accuracy
The effective range of the .450 Bushmaster round is generally around 200 yards. However, many shooters have reported success at longer distances with proper rifle configuration. The round's accuracy is another strong point, with most shooters achieving sub-MOA accuracy. This level of precision is crucial for hunting and target shooting, ensuring you hit your target consistently.
Terminal Performance
One of the standout features of the .450 Bushmaster is its terminal performance. The combination of heavy bullet weight and high muzzle velocity results in devastating impact on the target. This makes the round particularly effective for taking down medium to large game, offering significantly more stopping power compared to other AR-15 cartridges like the 5.56 NATO.
Technical Specifications of a 450 Bushmaster Barrel
Choosing the right barrel is critical for optimizing the performance of your .450 Bushmaster upper. Here are the key factors to consider:
Barrel Length
The length of a .450 Bushmaster barrel can vary from 10.5 inches to 20 inches. Each length has its pros and cons:
- 10.5-Inch Barrel: Offers greater portability and maneuverability, but at the cost of some accuracy and velocity. Ideal for close-quarters and quick handling.
- 16- and 18-Inch Barrels: Provide a balanced combination of accuracy, velocity, and maneuverability. This range is often considered the best barrel length for 450 Bushmaster.
- 20-Inch Barrel: Maximizes accuracy and velocity, making it suitable for longer-range shooting, but it is less portable.
Barrel Material
The material of the barrel affects its durability, weight, and accuracy. Most 450 Bushmaster barrels are made from:
- Chrome-Moly Steel: Durable, resistant to corrosion, and more affordable.
- Stainless Steel: More expensive but offers superior corrosion resistance and accuracy.
Gas System
For barrels in the 16- to 20-inch range, a carbine-length or mid-length gas system is typical. This setup ensures reliable cycling without needing an adjustable gas block, provided you use a high-quality bolt carrier group, buffer system, and magazine.
Twist Rate
The twist rate of a .450 Bushmaster barrel determines the projectile's spin as it travels through the barrel. The most common twist rate is 1:24, which means the projectile makes one full rotation every 24 inches of travel. This 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 a turn-key solution for those looking to hunt medium to large game. It includes all the necessary components, ready to install on your AR-15 lower.
Components of a Complete Upper Assembly
- Barrel: Typically a heavy-profile barrel around 16 inches long with a 1:24 twist rate. Made from high-quality materials for durability and accuracy.
- Upper Receiver: Connects to the lower receiver and houses the bolt carrier group and charging handle. Can be made from aluminum or polymer with various coatings.
- Muzzle Brake/Flash Hider: Reduces recoil and muzzle rise, made from durable materials.
- Handguard: Protects the shooter’s hand from heat and provides a platform for mounting accessories.
- Bolt Carrier Group (BCG): Specific to the .450 Bushmaster, includes a standard AR-15 bolt carrier.
- Charging Handle: Made from high-quality materials, designed to be compatible with any standard AR-15 mil-spec upper receiver, often ambidextrous.
450 Bushmaster for Hunting
The .450 Bushmaster upper for AR-15 is a popular choice for hunting medium to large game due to its stopping power and accuracy. Let's explore its benefits for specific types of hunting.
Deer Hunting
The .450 Bushmaster upper is an excellent choice for deer hunting. Its large, heavy bullet can take down a deer with one shot, ensuring a quick and humane kill. Its accuracy at long distances is crucial for hunters needing to take precise shots from tree stands or other elevated positions.
Hog Hunting
Hog hunting requires a powerful and accurate firearm due to the toughness of the animals. The .450 Bushmaster upper provides the necessary stopping power to penetrate a hog’s tough hide and bone structure. Its accuracy is beneficial for hunters who often shoot from blinds or stationary positions.
Optics and Magazines for 450 Bushmaster Upper Assemblies
450 Bushmaster Magazine
Choosing the right magazine is crucial for reliability. The .450 Bushmaster magazines are single-stack due to the cartridge’s diameter. It’s essential to select a magazine that feeds consistently, ensuring reliable performance.
Scope for 450 Bushmaster Upper
Selecting an appropriate scope is vital for maximizing the potential of your .450 Bushmaster upper. For hunting within the effective range, a scope with 1-6x or 1-8x magnification is ideal. Additionally, a larger objective lens helps gather more light, providing better clarity in low-light conditions.
Making the Most of Your 450 Bushmaster Upper
Upgrading your AR-15 with a .450 Bushmaster upper is a significant enhancement, whether for hunting or improving your shooting experience. The .450 Bushmaster offers power, accuracy, and versatility, making it a top choice among hunters and shooting enthusiasts. By understanding the specifications, choosing the right components, and considering the appropriate barrel length, you can maximize the performance of your .450 Bushmaster upper.
Whether you’re targeting deer, hogs, or other large game, the .450 Bushmaster upper ensures you have the stopping power and accuracy needed for a successful hunt. With its impressive terminal performance and the convenience of a complete upper assembly, this upgrade is a valuable addition to any AR-15 platform.