Finding the best scope for .450 Bushmaster is not a simple task. You must consider a number of things that are critical to your shooting ability and application. To make your decision-making process easier and more convenient, we’ve compiled a list that contains some of the best in the market when it comes to purchasing the 450 Bushmaster scope. But before then, let’s get familiar with the 450 bushmaster concept.
The 450 Bushmaster
The 450 Bushmaster is one of several straight-walled AR-15 cartridges. Having said that, it is also operational in rifles other than the AR-15 design. It’s a lovely round that has been popular since 2007. The 450 Bushmaster may be utilized in normal AR-15s that have slightly tweaked magazines. The 450 Bushmaster, like other straight-walled cartridges, is a thumper that strikes powerfully within its useful range. However, we know that the best shooting results are not gotten from the most powerful rifle or caliber; the 450 bushmaster round needs a good optic to excel.
Optics can help you optimize your range, enhance your speed, and strike true even in the most adverse situations. The 450 Bushmaster is a one-of-a-kind round with its own set of specifications for optics. With all this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the best scope for 450 Bushmaster across a variety of platforms.
We also intend to provide you with some scope information so that you may make your own decisions later on. First, let’s take a look at the caliber itself so we can better grasp how to optically equip it.
THE 450 BUSHMASTER ROUND
Tim LeGendre started developing the 450 Bushmaster round in 2007. This concept was based on the need for a AR 15 caliber that is capable of taking down large wildlife in one shot. There were other fantastic rounds, like the 5.56 rounds, but it struggled against medium to big wildlife.
The Bushmaster’s maximum range is 250 yards; however, shooting at varying ranges like 350 or even 400 yards is conceivable with contemporary, lighter projectiles. The maximum range of the round will dictate the optic you should select, and you must have noticed that you won’t need a high degree of magnification to effectively use the 450 bushmaster. Aside from dealing with the maximum range, you should consider the scenarios in which you would utilize your 450 Bushmaster. The gear required, including the optic, will be determined by the shooting application or situation.
The round was created for hunting, mostly for large North American wildlife. It can take bears, huge pigs, elk, and even normal whitetail deer. Although some states have strict rules governing the type of cartridge that can be used for hunting. Straight-walled cartridges are required in most cases; therefore, the 450 Bushmaster is ideal for the job.
The cartridge can also be used to defend against bears and other big animals. You may be hiking, camping, or fishing when you come across an angry and extremely huge animal.
The 450 Bushmaster, when used in AR 15, provides you with a lightweight and portable weapon capable of firing quick follow-up rounds on charging animals.
If you reside in a ban state with limited magazine capacity legislation, packing ten 450 Bushmaster is better than ten 5.56 rounds. The larger cartridge will cause substantial damage, and if you can tolerate the greater recoil, the larger, harder-hitting round is worthwhile.
The Platform
The 450 Bushmaster began with the AR 15 and has now spread to a broad range of platforms. Each platform has unique optical needs. This might include the height of an optic, the eye relief, and the magnification required to look through the optics. Let’s go through some of the most popular platforms that the 450 Bushmaster can be found.
AR-15
The round was obviously developed for the AR-15. Take note that the round is used in a wide range of AR-15s. The 450 Bushmaster AR 15 pistol and rifle platforms are available. The AR-15’s stock design necessitates a taller mount than usual. AR height mounts are commonly found in different prism optics and red dots, so you’ll have no trouble locating AR-15 height scope mounts and scope rings. On an AR-15, you may use any type of optic.
Bolt action
450 Bushmaster bolt action rifles are manufactured by Savage, Mossberg, Ruger, and many other companies. These rifles are a good option for people who wish to optimize accuracy while also staying within the confines of their state legislation. Bolt actions also allow for low mounted optics, and an AR height scope makes getting a solid cheek weld difficult. It is better to use a low mount for this weapon.
Single Shot
A Single-shot rifle, such as the Henry Single Shot, is the lightest and most portable option for this Bushmaster cartridge. These incredibly basic weapons are extremely difficult to break and are as near to indestructible as a gun can get. Like bolt action weapons, they are ideally suited to lighter and lower-mounted lenses.
Handguns
The 450 Bushmaster round was used in a broad range of pistols which included a Magnum Research revolver and a handful of single-shot, big format pistols. These weapons need a lot of eye relief because you have to stretch your arms to shoot. Handguns have a reduced effective range; as a result, you’ll need a low-powered scout type of scope.
Choosing the Best Scope for 450 Bushmaster
Magnification
Magnification settings can have a major impact on your odds of striking your targets properly at near, medium, and long ranges. Most shooters prefer a variable magnification scope for 450 Bushmaster because it gives room for adjustment to varying magnification settings at any distance. During long range shooting, a higher magnification scope would be more useful and reliable.
Most hunters would benefit from a scope with varying magnification ranges of 3x to 9x. For short to medium-range shooting, an LPVO or red dot sight is perfect. It increases your field of view and makes it easier and faster for you to sight.
Illumination
It’s better to have a 450 Bushmaster scope with an illuminated reticle and adjustable brightness settings so that you can shoot in low light settings or any other condition. Some scopes, such as the Leupold scope, contain a light control technology that assists in delivering exquisitely bright and clear images notwithstanding the lighting condition.
Automatic brightness adjustment is available in scopes and red dot sights. With this type of scope, you would not need to do anything to modify the illumination since the scope will adapt automatically based on the lighting in the environment. Night vision settings are also available on certain scopes.
Price
A 450 Bushmaster scope might be expensive. The cost of any scope is determined by a number of criteria, such as brand, construction, model, yardage, and technical features. When it comes to choosing a scope for 450 Bushmaster round, you may not need to purchase a high-end scope; you can get a reasonably priced scope with good quality and performance. It is smarter and more cost-effective to select a scope that is durable, even if it is not from a premium brand. Your shooting abilities and the quality of the firearm are far more important than the price of the scope.
Battery Life
Some scopes have an electronic component that must be powered by a battery. In general, the longer the battery life, the more sophisticated the electrical elements. Battery life in most red dot sights or simple scopes may last up to 100 hours, however, more technologically complex scopes may last for a shorter duration. If you choose a more sophisticated hunting scope, bring some extra batteries with you. If you’re looking for a high-tech scope for 450 BM, we believe it should contain an auto-off option or shaking awake technology to ensure extended battery life.
Durability
We all want our gun accessories to endure as long as possible. That is why you have to get a 450 Bushmaster scope that is composed of high-quality materials. Aircraft-grade aluminum is frequently used as the standard for toughness and durability. A tough scope should tolerate strong recoils. Some well-known robust and durable scopes come with a lifetime guarantee. It is advisable to go with those.
A 450 Bushmaster scope should withstand tough locations and weather conditions. Select one that has a multi-coated lens and high-quality optical components. A fog-resistant and waterproof scope will be useful in any weather.
Practicality
A scope can improve your confidence and shooting accuracy, especially when hunting a big game at a great distance. The 450 BM works within medium – long range distances. As a result, it’s preferable to select a hunting scope that can perform effectively at different distances and withstand powerful recoils while maintaining its zero.
Versatility
A superb scope for 450 Bushmaster may be described in numerous ways in terms of adaptability. The best 450 scopes should have a varied magnification range to cover various yardages. It should have adjustable brightness, especially if it has night-vision compatible options.
The scope should come with several reticle choices. You may use a BDC reticle, which is easy and quick. You can also use a Mil-dot, duplex, or non-illuminated display. There are several options available. Pick a scope that you believe best meets your shooting requirements. Furthermore, a sight for the 450 BM should be suited for all weather and lighting circumstances, be compatible with various firearm platforms, and be easy to mount.
Eye Relief
The distance between your eye and the scope at which you can view the full target without distortion is referred to as eye relief. Because 450 Bushmasters have high recoils, you’ll require a scope with ample or broad eye relief. Many scopes provide unlimited eye relief, and it is ideal to use such. The scopes we selected have substantial eye relief at 100 yards, making them suitable for all hunting and shooting conditions.
List Of Best 450 Bushmaster Scope
Choosing the perfect scope for 450 Bushmaster might be a daunting task because there are so many alternatives on the market. To narrow your options, you would need to evaluate a variety of variables and read through reviews or consult with a few gun specialists.
1. Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster Scope
The Vortex Freedom scopes from Leupold truly are a great line of scope. They provide the durability and performance that shooters and hunters expect. The VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster scope, like other Leupold products, is a low-cost choice that performs like high-end scopes.
When the Leupold VX-Freedom line was launched, they released a lot of magnification ranges, but still, they delivered an excellent product for the 450 bushmaster users. They improved on one of the 3-9x40mm scopes and customized it for 450 Bushmaster. This scope is a very tough scope, and it was built to resist even the most punishing 450 bushmaster recoil.
This specialized 450 bushmaster scope features a 1-Inch scope tube, and it has a second focal plane reticle. The SFP reticle size remains constant while you adjust the magnification from 3 to 9x. This helps you to fine-tune your long-range shots.
Leupold makes some of the greatest value-for-money optics on the market. This reasonably priced scope model is at the top of our list, and it’s definitely worth the price. The lens coating of this Leupold scope is one area that truly stands out. The designers at Leupold went above and beyond when creating this particular scope. The lens coating is not only crystal clear, but it is also durable. Since Leupold gives a complete lifetime warranty on this product, the finished result must be durable.
The Twilight Light Management System is the name given by Leupold to its lens coating. The glass is very bright in low light circumstances, as the name indicates. When used in conjunction with the properly matched lens system, you get brilliant colors and superb contrast.
This scope will operate from sunrise to dusk. When shooting in the direction of the sun, you won’t have to bother about glare.
You can quickly dial in your reticle using simple dials and turrets. You can also adjust the scope’s clarity further by releasing the textured lock ring and adjusting the sharpness.
The issue of parallax has been addressed. Parallax is not important on a hunting rifle.
Windage and elevation changes are made by finger-clicking the turret caps. The label on the turret is easy to see, and you can easily adjust the scope for long-range precision shots.
Leupold scope is well-known for its great eye relief. With a huge 33/4 inch at 9x magnification and almost 5 inches at 3x magnification, it is more than enough for any shooter.
The scope weighs only 13 ounces. Don’t look at its lightweight design; this scope can take a beating and still stand. It is waterproof, incredibly durable, and comes with a lifetime guarantee and the greatest customer service in the business.
2. Vortex Optics Crossfire II
If you are in need of some magnification, then the Vortex Optics Crossfire II is an excellent option for your 450 Bushmaster. The Vortex Optics brand is recognized for packing a lot of features into its devices without raising the price.
The 450 Bushmaster caliber was developed for big game hunting. The big bore round with a somewhat flat trajectory is ideal for a medium to long range riflescope. The Vortex Crossfire II is a great and affordable scope, and you can be sure that it will exceed your expectations. With a lifetime warranty, the Vortex Crossfire II is sure to fulfill your shooting needs.
If you’re searching for a low-cost solution, consider the Vortex Crossfire II. This scope is available in a variety of magnification settings. Personally, I prefer the 3-9×40 scope since it is an excellent mid-range scope. You can use this scope for hunting at close range or a few hundred yards.
With a plethora of excellent features, this scope will exceed nearly every other scope in the same price range. It is clear that it was built to provide high performance and dependability.
Vortex used a nitrogen purging system and O-ring seal to ensure that this scope is completely waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. The scope will last long, thanks to aircraft-quality aluminum tubing.
The rapid turrets and quick focus eyepiece allow a shooter to swiftly dial in a target and reset to zero. The lengthy eye relief lens provides an extremely excellent visual image.
Your hunting visual will not be affected when shooting in the direction of the sun because the completely multi coated lens will help you overcome glares. The Vortex Crossfire II scope is clear, robust, and brilliant for the price.
3. Burris Fullfield II Hunting Scope, Ballistic Plex Reticle
I couldn’t have proceeded with this list of best 450 Bushmaster scope without mentioning the Burris Fullfield II Hunting Scope. Burris is well-known for producing a variety of optics. They manufacture anything from low-priced optics to high-end scopes.
Burris optics are among the finest and hunter’s favorite. The Burris scope is an excellent entry-level optic that is suitable for practically any rifle. They are built to last, and they come with one of the finest warranties in the industry. They provide a lifetime guarantee with no questions asked.
This Burris scope is an attractive optic, and it is at the center of the Burris series, delivering a lot of features for shooters.
The scope is thoroughly tested for quality and dependability, and it is fully fog proof, shockproof, and waterproof, much like other scopes on our list.
The Variable magnification is between 3x to 9x. The glass looks amazing in almost any setting. You would not be affected by glare when hunting in the sun because of the multi coated lens.
Burris has a limited eye relief of 3.1inch -3.8inch, which may be an issue for some shooters.
The Fullfield scope outperforms the previous model. They decreased the length, weighted it down, and increased the clarity.
For your 450 Bushmaster, you should absolutely select the Burris rifle scope.
4. Vortex Optics Diamondback
Recently, there has been a lot of discussion concerning vortex optics and the ability of most of their scopes to withstand heavy recoil. We all know that Vortex Optics provides high-quality products with several features at a reasonable price. So you shouldn’t be surprised to see more than one Vortex scope on our list.
The Vortex Diamondback series of scopes is only one step above the Crossfire line of scope. The optical clarity improves noticeably, although it is significantly more costly.
Crossfire and Vortex Diamondback scopes are the industry leaders in the hunting sector. These scopes may be found on thousands of scopes around the country with no complaints.
The Vortex Diamondback scope has a variable magnification, a clear reticle, and a 1-inch tube.
It is available at about every magnification level imaginable, but I love the 3-9x40mm and 4-12x40mm versions. Although small magnification ranges could be preferable for a hunting rifle.
When you look through a higher magnification, you can clearly tell the difference between this scope and lesser versions. There is no discernible change in clarity when you switch from 9x to 12x magnification scope. The scope has an easy-to-turn windage and elevation adjustment with a tactile click.
An SFP reticle will seem precisely the same across the whole magnification range.
There are other reticle types to pick from, but I recommend the BDC Reticle. Although I also love the V-Plex design, the customizable dot design takes the guesswork out of holdover and windage adjustments. When hunting, it’s considerably easier to swiftly adapt at different ranges.
The diamondback array of scopes, like other Vortex Optics products, is incredibly durable, waterproof, lightweight, and backed by a lifetime guarantee. Personally, I like this scope.
5. Nikon Prostaff 5
Nikon’s Prostaff brand of scopes appears to have been around for a long time. Maybe this scope doesn’t sound like something familiar or popular, but I can assure you that you can find a Prostaff scope at your local gun store. The Prostaff scope is presently in its fifth generation of scopes, and each model is improving. Prostaff scopes are excellent value for money.
Nikon’s range of rifle scopes is reasonably priced. Nikon has any magnification setting you can think of. My hunting scopes are normally 3-9x40mm variants, but I love the Nikon’s 2.5-10x40mm rifle scope. The minor improvement in the range is well worth the additional money.
This sight is ideal for any hunting application at low magnification. It has a great light transmission, and it’s extremely clear from 150-300 yards away.
The Nikon Prostaff, like other scopes on the list, has finger adjustable turrets. Each click represents a 1/4MOA change, and you may simply adjust the scope while shooting.
Nikon scopes are waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof, and they come with Nikon’s exceptional customer service. Nikon has been creating scopes for long, so you can trust them to give you the best.
6. Primary Arms SLX
Primary Arms’ Advanced Red Dot sight is another low-cost choice for 450 bushmaster. This type of red dot sight is tube-style, and it has ten brightness levels, three of which are tuned for use with night vision, making it ideal for hunting after dark.
With a projected 14,000 hours battery duration on lesser settings, it will always serve you anytime you need it.
It also includes a lifetime guarantee, similar to the Vortex and other options. The guarantee covers for faults in materials and workmanship as well as wear and tear, so you’re protected for life as long as you don’t shatter the scope.
7. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II
The Vortex Viper Gen II is a small 1-6X LPVO designed with durability that can withstand the 450 bushmaster punishment. The Vortex optic utilizes the round adaptability for hunting on practically any rifle. It has a respectable magnification range that allows shooters to use the round’s close range capability.
The Vortex Viper is a second focal plane sight with a reticle in MOA or MRAD. The reticle of the Viper has ten distinct levels of illumination for quick on-target engagements. The scope has an off option between each lighting setting.
A peep through the optic reveals a startlingly crisp, edge-to-edge image. The Vortex Viper lets you view targets and big games in brilliant clarity. It’s very dazzling and makes it possible to see in both low-light and broad daytime scenarios.
Mike Hardesty is a published freelance gun writer. He also possesses specialized expertise in rifle scopes With dozens of articles and reviews published in Pew Pew Tactical, Snipercountry.com, and TTAG (The Truth About Guns), Mike is considered a firearms expert. His special area of expertise is handguns.
Mike is a long-time shooter. He has been punching paper targets, taking deer and other game and shooting at competitions since about 1975. Other related pursuits include reloading and bullet casting. He currently reloads for over 10 calibers, both handgun and rifle. His reloads, particularly for 9mm, were in great demand during the height of the ammo shortage among family and friends. He donated hundreds of rounds to informal shooting sessions. He was quoted as saying “I do not sell my reloads but I sure will help my guys shoot ’em for free!”. He has a few cherished firearms that he has inherited or otherwise procured — those are his favorites.
He earned B.S. and M.S. degrees from Indiana State University in 1974-1975.
He’s a firearm experts and is the founder of mhardesty.com.