Last Updated on March 15, 2021
Hunt down the big game animals in a single shot is not an easy job. However, the .450 or .45 Bushmaster rifle cartridge made this possible to do. So, what is a .450 Bushmaster?
Jeff Copper, a gun writer had a great interest in a large-bore cartridge (greater than .44 cal) for a semi-automatic rifle for killing big games in one shot. Then he published the Thumper concept that was the start point of 450 Bushmaster. Inspired by this, Tim LeGendre of LeMag Firearms developed .452 inches bullet for modern rifles and named it a .450 Bushmaster.
Typically, this larger bore can be fired out from semi-auto rifles like M16s and AR 15s. The greater diameter bullet is used with the upgraded magazines and upper receiver that helps to take down the big game in one shot. In flat trajectory 450 Bushmaster Ruger American Chambered effective range is around 250 yards.
Let’s discover the most suitable and top-performing scopes for 450 Bushmaster. Here we’ve reviewed the 5 best rifle scope for 450 Bushmaster from tons of availability. So, let’s choose the best scope for 450 Bushmaster right now!
Top Choices
Best Scope for 450 Bushmaster Reviews
01. Vortex Optics Strikefire II 450 Bushmaster Red Dot Sight
Begin with a duty-proven 450 Bushmaster sight, Strikefire II Red/Green Dot Sight by Vortex Optics. This allows shooters to choose between two dot colors and ten different brightness settings to adjust easily with shooting conditions. You can use this red dot sight for all shotguns and AR-15s and this is considered as one of the best scopes for Bushmaster AR 15. This comes with a compact and lightweight one-piece chassis, still provides shockproof performance for recoil and impact.
Strikefire II Red Dot Sight is fog-proof and waterproof as it is purged with nitrogen and sealed with O-rings. This red dot sight comes with an offset cantilever ring mount which can be used in the forward to a magnifier or backside of the iron sight. The power controls are situated at the rear side so both left and right-handed shooters can easily control the device.
Besides this sight comes with fully multi-coated lenses for bright and unobscured viewing. The unlimited eye relief lets you get quick target acquisition. It features 4 MOA dot sizes with maximum windage and elevation adjustments at 100 MOA. And you can shoot keeping both eyes open.
For the Vortex Optics lovers, another wonderful scope is the vortex diamondback on 450 Bushmaster. This is another best scope for a 450 Bushmaster.
Specifications:
- 1x magnification
- 30 mm objective lens
- 4 MOA red/green Dot reticle
- 100 MOA windage and elevation adjustment
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 10 brightness options
- Unlimited eye relief
- 1/2 MOA adjustment graduation
- 1/3 co-witness cantilever mount
Pros
- Night vision compatible
- Image clarity is ensured
- Comes with the full package
- Both eyes open shooting
- Best red dot for 450 Bushmaster
Cons
- No magnifier added
- The reticle is not very clear
02. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 450 Bushmaster Riflescope
Our second and high-end pick is the Leupold VX-Freedom Scope for .450 Bushmaster. If you are looking for the most suitable scope for 450 Bushmaster, this Leupold model would be the answer. For medium range like 200 to 300 yards shooting and hunting this is an unparalleled scope. This is considered as one of the best scopes for Ruger American Rimfire.
VX-Freedom model features a duplex reticle that helps to estimate the proper holdover. The built-in Twilight Red Dot light management system ensures optimum light capturing and transmission to get superb optical clarity especially in low-light situations that allow easy target acquisition and shooting. It extends your shooting time and reduces glare.
Leupold 3-9×40 riflescope is constructed from aircraft quality aluminum that made it shockproof. It is also fully waterproof and fog proof that allows using it in the harshes environments. The lenses are military standard scratch resilient that protects lenses from unwanted hazards. This scope features 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments to precise windage and elevation easily.
Here are some other best scopes for 450 Bushmaster bolt action for you, especially when you need quality proven scopes. Nightforce SHV F1 Riflescope, SWFA SS Tactical Riflescope.
Specifications:
- 3-9x magnification
- 40 mm objective lens
- 1-inch tube
- Duplex reticle
- Second focal plane
- Twilight Red Dot light management
- Aluminum housing and matte finish
- Linear FOV (ft/100yd) 33.7 to 13.6
- 17 to 3.66 in eye relief
- 1/4 MOA click value
- 60 MOA elevation and windage adjustments
Pros
- Good for moving targets spot
- Crystal clear image
- Best Ruger American 450 Bushmaster scope
- Best scope for 450 Bushmaster rifle
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
03. Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9×40 Riflescopes
With affordability and premium performance, Vortex Crossfire II V-Plex Riflescope can beat any scope from 450 Bushmaster scopes recommendation. This 3-9x magnification, 40 mm diameter objective lens, and V-Plex reticle made this scope an ideal one for mid-range hunting and shooting applications. So, you can use this as a top hunting scope for 450 Bushmaster.
Crossfire II riflescope uses the second focal plane reticle which will give extra benefits in the short and mid-range shooting. The capped reset turrets provide easy adjustable MOA. This is built with professional-grade aluminum that provides shockproof performance. The O-rings with nitrogen purging in the single tube, made this a truel fog, shock, and waterproof scope.
This Vortex 450 Bushmaster scope comes with long eye relief with an ultra forging eye box that helps in fast target acquisition. Plus, the fast-focus eyepiece delivers rapid and simple crosshair aiming. Lenses are anti-reflective and fully multi-coated that provide clear and bright images. The lens cover will resist dust accumulation.
Another great budget-friendly 450 Bushmaster scope is Bushnell 3-9×40 riflescope. You can check this out for big-game hunting from dawn to dusk.
Specifications:
- 40 mm objective lens
- 3-9x magnification
- V-Plex reticle
- Second focal plane
- 8-inch eye relief
- FOV (in/100 yds 34.1 to 12.6
- 1-inch tube
- 1/4 MOA adjustment per click
Pros
- Caps turrets last long
- Good for versatile hunting and shooting
- Best 450 Bushmaster rifle scope for the money
Cons
- Not recommended for long-range shooting
04. Burris Fullfield II 3-9×40 Riflescope for 450 Bushmaster
Another reliable 450 Bushmaster scope is Burris Fulfilled II Riflescope for hunting big or small games stalking in the forest. This scope opts simple but very effective Ballistic Plex reticle that is great to use for long-range precision and trajectory compensation up to 500 yards.
Besides, this reticle matches any bullet or caliber weight. Plus this is a second focal plane reticle that will not change the crosshair size with magnification thus you will get extra advantages in the mid-range shooting. Fullfield II 3-9×40 riflescope has Hi-Lume Multi-coated lenses to provide excellent clarity and brightness. It eliminates glare and allows use in low-light situations which leads to successful shots.
The main tube is a 1-inch housing and comes with quad-rings, gas seals to ensure long-lasting durability and prevents water and moisture penetration. The eyepiece comes with a no-slip grip feature that helps in easy eye adjustment. This Burris scope has capped hunter turret knob that will give you extra benefit while shooting in the same ranges and conditions.
Specifications:
- 3-9x magnification
- 40 mm objective lens
- Second focal plane
- 1 to 3.4 in eye relief
- 13 to 5 mm exit pupil
- FOV (ft/100 yds) 33 to 13
- 1/4 MOA adjustment graduation
- 50 MOA elevation and windage adjustments
Pros
- Good for viewing from dawn to dusk
- Quad-rings improve seal life
- Best hunting scope for 450 Bushmaster
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
- Click adjustment isn’t robust
- Blurry images at full power
05. Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9×40 Scope for 450 Bushmaster
The last recommended 450 Bushmaster scope is the Nikon Buckmaster II. This 3-9×40 mm BDC riflescope will be a great choice for hunting deer. The 450 Bushmaster BDC scope offers great viewing through the ballistic circle which is good for long-range shooting. While you are shooting in the shorter-ranges, you will see a normal sight picture, and the crosshair itself works as the aiming point. This is the best Nikon 450 Bushmaster scope.
Nikon 3-9×40 riflescope allows generous and reliable eye relief that will keep your eyebrow safe even at the greater recoiling cartridges. The scope has O-rings and nitrogen purged that confirm water, fog, and shockproof performance. While hunting you get bright and clear images as there are FMC lenses.
This scope features 1/4 inch at 100 yards hand turn precision to get quick zeroing even you attach the scope in a heavy recoil firearm. If you want camouflage hunting, the matte black color scope helps to do that. This scope needs standard 30 mm rings for mounting.
Specifications:
- 3-9x magnification
- 40 mm objective lens
- 1-inch tube
- BDC reticle
- FOV (ft/100 yds) 4.4 to 13.3
- 6-inch eye relief
- 1/4 inch at 100-yard adjustment graduation
- Second focal plane
- 30 mm mounting ring
- FMC lenses
- 100 yards parallax setting
Pros
- Bright and sharp image
- Great windage and elevation turrets
- Best 450 Bushmaster BDC scope
Cons
- Blurry images at lower magnification
Important Consideration to Buy The Best Scope for 450 Bushmaster
450 Bushmaster Scope’s Durability
The .450 Bushmaster is a larger diameter bullet than the .223 Remington. This is why it creates heavy recoil and muzzle flask, so necessarily you need quality scopes that can handle such issues. Usually, aircraft-grade aluminum housing scope will be a good option in this regard. With the scope’s sturdiness, you should choose top-quality 450 Bushmaster mounts.
First Vs Second Focal Plane for 450 Bushmaster Scope
The first focal plane works better at larger magnification hence this is preferable for longer distance shooting. And there is no need for windage and elevation adjustments.
On the other hand, crosshair doesn’t change with magnification at the second focal plane, so you’ll get extra benefit by opting for smaller magnification.
It’s a personal choice whether you choose the first focal plane or the second focal plane. However, choose a mid-range magnification scope for 450 Bushmaster.
Magnification and FOV for 450 Bushmaster Scope
The 450 Bushmaster rifles fit for short and mid-range shooting. So, the average magnification scope will be pretty well for this cartridge rifle. Usually, 3x to 9x magnification either fixed or variable, will be pretty well for 450 Bushmaster
As 450 Bushmaster’s effective range is 250 yards, so don’t use this with larger magnification scopes. The 3x to 9x magnification scopes will provide a good field of view and easy target acquisition.
Reticle Type
The BDC (bullet drop compensation) reticle is a widely held one. But when you choose reticle for 450 Bushmaster, you shouldn’t go for it, as this crosshair works well for a shorter distance. Rather than switch to plex or duplex reticle for better holdover. And no bullet drop compensator is required here.
The illuminated reticle will stand out well for 450 Bushmaster. This will help you acquiring targets easily at low-light conditions like the Henry big boy 44 Magnum.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Best 450 Bushmaster Rifle?
You will find various rifles for 450 Bushmaster cartridges. Several top choices are Ruger American Rifle Ranch, Henry Single Shot, Mossberg Patriot Synthetic, etc. And some of the best 450 Bushmaster AR rifles are Bushmaster BMPWX, Ruger Blackhawk Combo, and many more.
When to Use 450 Bushmaster?
If you want to go for target shooting for medium and large game hunting within 200 to 300 yards, 450 Bushmaster will be a great choice. Many hunters love 450 Bushmaster for AR 15 and bolt-action rifles. If you don’t like lever guns these rifles with 450 Bushmaster will be a great option.
You can use this cartridge to hunt deer, bear, wild hog, or coyote within 250 yards. Although turkey is a small game like dove and quail, however, you can use 450 Bushmaster and the above-mentioned scopes for turkey hunting.
What Is The Best Barrel Length for Bushmaster 450?
Typically 450 Bushmaster fits well for 16 to 20-inch barrel-length firearms. You will find some short pistols with a 10.5-inch barrel length for .45 Bushmaster cartridges. But they will create lots of muzzle flash and heavy recoil, which you never expect to get. If you need the best 450 Bushmaster upper choose either 16 inches or 20 inches upper receiver.
Conclusion
The .450 Bushmaster needs medium magnification and heavy recoil resistance scopes. The aforementioned 5 best scopes for 450 Bushmaster scopes are shortlisted considering these to fulfill your requirements. With these, we also included some other top-rated 450 Bushmaster scopes so you can get more ideas to pick the best one according to your budget.
However, if you are still confused, read the buying outlines again, you will get the answer. Enjoy single-shot killing the big game animal with our recommended 450 Bushmaster scopes!
Kalman is a hunting expert who has a vast experience with wild game hunting. Though night time hunting is his favorite, he masters the art of daytime hunting and shooting. Being a nature lover and outdoor enthusiast, he wants to pass the knowledge acquired over time to the next generation.
