450 Bushmaster ammo

450 Bushmaster ammo is the big-bore straight-wall cartridge that brought serious deer-stopping power to the AR-15 — and made the platform legal in straight-wall-only hunting states across the Midwest. It drives a heavy .452-inch bullet near 2,200 fps for roughly 2,700 ft-lbs, delivering rifle-class energy on deer and hogs inside about 200 yards from a standard AR-15 lower. This page covers what it’s good for and how it compares.

Tatted Tacticals stocks .450 Bushmaster from Hornady, Federal, Winchester, and Remington — polymer-tip and bonded hunting loads, in boxes and bulk.

What the .450 Bushmaster Does Best

The .450 is a short-range big-game cartridge built for the AR-15. A 250- to 260-grain bullet near 2,200 fps hits hard enough for clean kills on deer and hogs to about 200 yards, and its straight-wall case makes it legal in states that restrict bottleneck rifle cartridges for deer. It uses a standard AR-15 lower with a dedicated barrel, bolt, and single-stack magazine. Recoil is stout but manageable in the AR platform. Our .450 Bushmaster ballistic data guide has full numbers.

.450 Bushmaster vs. .308 and .45-70

The .450 trades range for close-range mass. Against the .308, it delivers more close-range energy with a much larger bullet but drops faster and is a ~200-yard cartridge. It’s similar in role to the lever-gun .45-70 and the AR big-bore .458 SOCOM, and offers more bore and energy than .300 Blackout or 5.56 on the same platform. Standards follow SAAMI specifications.

Buying .450 Bushmaster

Federal law sets the minimum age for rifle ammunition at 18; per ATF guidance, confirm federal rules and review our ammunition shipping rules and state restrictions before ordering.

.450 Bushmaster Ammo — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the .450 Bushmaster round good for?

Close-range deer and hog hunting from an AR-15, especially in straight-wall-cartridge-only states across the Midwest. Its heavy .452-inch bullet delivers rifle-class energy to about 200 yards for clean kills on big game. It’s purpose-built for big-bore power on the AR platform within legal straight-wall hunting requirements.

Is a .450 Bushmaster an AR-15 or AR-10?

It runs on the AR-15. The .450 Bushmaster uses a standard AR-15 lower receiver with a dedicated barrel, bolt, and single-stack magazine — not the larger AR-10. That AR-15 compatibility, combined with big-bore power, is a key part of its appeal for hunters who already own the platform.

Which is stronger, .450 Bushmaster or .308?

At close range the .450 delivers more energy with a far larger, heavier bullet; the .308 shoots much flatter and stays effective to far greater range. The .450 is a ~200-yard big-bore hunting round, while the .308 is a versatile long-range cartridge. For close, heavy hits the .450 wins; for reach and versatility, the .308.

Is .450 Bushmaster overkill for deer?

For close-range deer it has ample power, but it’s not excessive with proper bullets — it’s designed precisely for ethical deer harvests at straight-wall ranges. Recoil is stout and ammo costs more than 5.56, so it’s more cartridge than a casual shooter needs, but for deer in straight-wall states it’s an ideal AR choice.

Can you buy .450 Bushmaster ammo online?

Yes. In most U.S. states you can buy .450 Bushmaster online and have it shipped to your door. The minimum age for rifle ammunition is 18, and some states and municipalities add restrictions or shipping limits, so confirm your state and local laws before ordering.