Best .450 Bushmaster Ammo
Compare loads for defense, target, competition & more
The .450 Bushmaster emerged from a collaboration between Tim LeGendre of LeMag Firearms and Bushmaster Firearms in 2007, designed to fulfill Jeff Cooper's vision of a "Thumper"—a large-bore cartridge capable of taking big game at moderate ranges from an AR-15 platform. Built on a rebated rim case derived from the .284 Winchester, the .450 Bushmaster pushes 250-300 grain bullets at velocities around 2,200 fps, delivering devastating terminal performance on deer-sized game and larger.
What truly launched the .450 Bushmaster into mainstream popularity was its straight-wall case design. Several Midwestern states—including Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Iowa—restrict rifle hunting during deer season to straight-wall cartridges only. The .450 Bushmaster became the ideal solution, offering rifle-like power and range in a legal package. Hunters in these regions quickly adopted the cartridge for its ability to ethically harvest whitetail deer at ranges where shotgun slugs and pistol cartridges fall short.
Shooters choose the .450 Bushmaster for its raw stopping power and legal compliance in restricted states. The cartridge excels in dense woods and agricultural areas where shots rarely exceed 200 yards, delivering massive energy transfer that anchors deer quickly. Whether configured in an AR-15 platform, a bolt-action rifle, or a single-shot, the .450 Bushmaster provides hunters with a powerful, reliable option for pursuing whitetail in regions where traditional rifle cartridges are prohibited.
All .450 Bushmaster Loads
Compare ballistics and prices across 4 products
| PRODUCT ↕ | GRAIN ↕ | VELOCITY ↕ | ENERGY ↕ | BC ↕ | USE CASE ↕ | BEST PRICE ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Hornady BLACK .450 Bushmaster 250gr FTX Ammo
250gr
• 2200 fps
|
250gr | 2200 | 2686 | .21 | — | $2.82/rd |
|
Hornady Custom .450 Bushmaster 250gr FTX Ammo
250gr
• 2200 fps
|
250gr | 2200 | 2686 | .21 | — | $3.07/rd |
|
Hornady Subsonic .450 Bushmaster 395gr Sub-X Ammo
395gr
• 1050 fps
|
395gr | 1050 | 967 | .3 | — | $2.77/rd |
|
Winchester Deer Season XP .450 Bushmaster 250gr Extreme Point Ammo
250gr
• 2200 fps
|
250gr | 2200 | 2686 | .21 | — | $3.17/rd |
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Legal in straight-wall only states (Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Iowa)
- Devastating terminal performance on whitetail and larger game
- Compatible with AR-15 platform for semi-automatic capability
- Excellent stopping power with 250-300 grain bullets
- Effective range covers typical Midwest hunting distances (150-200 yards)
- Wide ammunition availability from major manufacturers
- Minimal meat damage compared to high-velocity cartridges at close range
Cons
- Significant recoil, especially in lightweight rifles
- Limited effective range compared to traditional rifle cartridges (200 yards practical max)
- Reduced magazine capacity in AR-15 (typically 5-10 rounds)
- Expensive ammunition compared to common hunting calibers
- Pronounced bullet drop beyond 150 yards requires careful range estimation
- Loud report and substantial muzzle blast
- Not suitable for varmint or small game hunting