The .308 Winchester and 450 Bushmaster are two popular rifle cartridges with distinct characteristics. Each has its strengths and ideal uses. The .308 Winchester, introduced in the 1950s, has become a standard for military and hunting applications. The 450 Bushmaster, a newer cartridge, was designed for big game hunting in states with straight-walled cartridge requirements.
The .308 Winchester offers better long-range performance and versatility, while the 450 Bushmaster excels at short to medium ranges with greater stopping power. The .308 fires smaller diameter bullets at higher velocities, resulting in a flatter trajectory. In contrast, the 450 Bushmaster uses larger bullets that deliver more energy at close range but drop more quickly over distance.
Hunters and shooters often debate which cartridge is superior. The truth is, both have their place depending on the situation. The .308 Winchester is better for long-range shooting and versatile hunting, while the 450 Bushmaster shines in dense brush and for taking down large game at closer ranges.
Key Takeaways
- The .308 Winchester has a flatter trajectory and longer effective range than the 450 Bushmaster
- 450 Bushmaster uses larger diameter bullets, creating bigger wound channels at short to medium ranges
- Choice between .308 and 450 Bushmaster depends on intended use, hunting regulations, and personal preference
Historical Development
The .308 Winchester and 450 Bushmaster cartridges emerged from different needs in the firearms world. Their origins and evolution reflect changing priorities in hunting and tactical applications.
Origins of .308 Winchester
The .308 Winchester came about in the early 1950s. It was developed by Frankford Arsenal as a more efficient version of the .30-06 Springfield. The U.S. military wanted a cartridge with similar power in a shorter package.
Winchester introduced it to the civilian market in 1952. It quickly gained popularity among hunters and target shooters. The .308 offered excellent accuracy and power in a compact form.
Its military counterpart, the 7.62x51mm NATO, became standard issue for many Western armies. This dual-use increased its availability and appeal to civilian shooters.
Evolution of 450 Bushmaster
The 450 Bushmaster has more recent origins. It stems from firearms expert Jeff Cooper’s “Thumper” concept. Cooper envisioned a large-bore cartridge for AR-15 style rifles.
Tim LeGendre of LeMAG Firearms originally designed the cartridge. Bushmaster Firearms later modified and standardized it. They introduced it to the market in 2007.
The 450 Bushmaster aimed to provide high stopping power at short to medium ranges. It became popular among hunters in areas with straight-walled cartridge restrictions.
Its development focused on delivering a hard-hitting round for big game hunting. The cartridge continues to gain traction among hunters and shooting enthusiasts.
Ballistics Comparison
The .308 Winchester and .450 Bushmaster differ significantly in their ballistic performance. These differences impact their effectiveness for various shooting applications.
Muzzle Velocity and Energy
The .308 Winchester typically has a higher muzzle velocity than the .450 Bushmaster. A standard .308 load can reach 2,700-2,800 feet per second at the muzzle. The .450 Bushmaster, with its larger bullet, usually achieves 2,200-2,300 feet per second.
Both cartridges produce similar muzzle energy. The .308 generates around 2,700 foot-pounds, while the .450 Bushmaster comes in slightly lower. This energy translates to strong stopping power for both rounds.
The .308’s higher velocity contributes to its flatter trajectory and longer effective range. The .450 Bushmaster’s larger bullet delivers more energy on impact at close ranges.
Trajectory and Stability
The .308 Winchester has a flatter trajectory due to its higher velocity and more aerodynamic bullet shape. This results in less bullet drop over distance, making it easier to hit targets at varying ranges.
The .450 Bushmaster has a more pronounced arc in its flight path. Its larger, heavier bullet is more affected by gravity and air resistance. This leads to greater bullet drop at longer distances.
Sectional density also favors the .308. It averages around 0.26 compared to 0.18 for the .450 Bushmaster. This higher density helps the .308 maintain its velocity and energy downrange.
Effective Range
The .308 Winchester maintains its energy much better over distance. It can retain over 1,000 foot-pounds of energy at 600 yards. This makes it effective for long-range shooting and hunting.
The .450 Bushmaster’s effective range is more limited. It drops below 1,000 foot-pounds of energy around 300 yards. This cartridge is best suited for close to medium-range shooting.
Wind drift affects the .450 Bushmaster more due to its larger surface area. The .308’s sleeker profile helps it resist wind better, maintaining accuracy at longer distances.
Rifle Platform and Availability
The .308 Winchester and 450 Bushmaster cartridges are used in different rifle platforms. This affects their availability and suitability for various hunting and shooting applications.
.308 Winchester Rifles
.308 Winchester rifles are widely available in many styles and actions. Bolt-action rifles are common for this caliber, offering accuracy and reliability. Semi-automatic options include the AR-10 platform, which is larger than the AR-15.
Many major gun makers produce .308 rifles, such as:
- Remington
- Winchester
- Ruger
- Savage
These rifles come in various price ranges, from budget-friendly to high-end custom builds. The .308’s popularity means a wide selection of scopes, bipods, and other accessories are available.
450 Bushmaster Rifles
450 Bushmaster rifles are less common but growing in popularity. They’re often built on the AR-15 platform, which is smaller and more portable than AR-10s used for .308 Winchester.
Key points about 450 Bushmaster rifles:
- Straight-walled cartridge design allows use in some areas with hunting restrictions
- Requires a larger, stronger bolt for bolt-action rifles
- Fewer manufacturers produce 450 Bushmaster rifles
Popular 450 Bushmaster rifle makers include Ruger, Bushmaster, and some custom builders. The selection of accessories is more limited compared to .308 rifles, but is expanding as the cartridge gains popularity.
Application and Use-Cases
The .308 Win and 450 Bushmaster excel in different scenarios. Each cartridge has unique strengths that make it suitable for specific hunting, sport shooting, and tactical applications.
Hunting Scenarios
The .308 Winchester is versatile for hunting medium to large game. It’s effective for deer, elk, and bear at longer ranges. Hunters appreciate its flat trajectory and accuracy out to 600 yards.
The 450 Bushmaster shines in close-range hunting. It’s ideal for big game in heavy brush. The cartridge delivers massive stopping power for animals like wild boar and black bear.
In states with straight-walled cartridge restrictions, the 450 Bushmaster is legal while the .308 is not.
Sport Shooting
The .308 Win is popular in long-range target shooting. It’s commonly used in precision rifle competitions. Shooters value its accuracy and moderate recoil.
The 450 Bushmaster finds a niche in shorter-range competitions. It’s used in some tactical shooting events. The cartridge offers significant knockdown power for steel targets.
Both cartridges can be enjoyable for recreational plinking. The .308 allows for longer-range practice, while the 450 Bushmaster provides a hefty recoil experience.
Military and Law Enforcement
The .308 Winchester has a long history in military and law enforcement. It’s used in sniper rifles and designated marksman roles. The cartridge offers good penetration and accuracy at extended ranges.
The 450 Bushmaster has limited tactical use. Some SWAT teams employ it for barrier penetration. Its power makes it effective against vehicles and other obstacles.
Both cartridges can be found in specialized units. The .308 is more common due to its versatility and established logistics.
Ammunition
The 308 Win and 450 Bushmaster differ significantly in their ammunition characteristics. These differences impact availability, cost, bullet weight options, and recoil.
Availability and Cost
308 Winchester ammo is widely available and relatively affordable. It’s a popular caliber used in military, law enforcement, and civilian applications. Many manufacturers produce 308 ammo, leading to competitive pricing.
450 Bushmaster ammunition is less common. Fewer manufacturers make it, which can lead to higher prices and limited options. Hunters and shooting enthusiasts may need to search more to find 450 Bushmaster ammo.
Bulk purchases can help reduce costs for both calibers. Online retailers often offer better deals than local stores.
Bullet Weight Options
308 Winchester offers a wide range of bullet weights. Common options include:
- 150 grain
- 165 grain
- 175 grain
- 180 grain
These varied weights allow shooters to choose based on their specific needs. Lighter bullets work well for target shooting, while heavier options suit hunting larger game.
450 Bushmaster typically uses heavier bullets. Common weights include:
- 250 grain
- 260 grain
- 300 grain
These larger bullets provide excellent stopping power for big game hunting at shorter ranges.
Recoil Considerations
Recoil affects shooter comfort and accuracy. Both calibers produce noticeable recoil, but they differ in feel.
308 Winchester has a sharp, snappy recoil. It’s manageable for most shooters but can be tiring during long sessions. Proper technique and a well-fitted rifle help manage 308 recoil.
450 Bushmaster produces a heavier, pushing recoil. Some shooters find this more comfortable than the 308’s snap. However, the overall recoil energy is often higher due to the larger bullet.
Recoil pads and muzzle brakes can help reduce felt recoil for both calibers. Proper shooting stance also plays a key role in managing recoil.
Legality and Restrictions
The 450 Bushmaster and 308 Winchester have different legal statuses in some areas. This impacts where and how they can be used for hunting.
The 450 Bushmaster is legal for deer hunting in several midwestern states that restrict bottlenecked cartridges. Its straight-walled case design meets regulations in places like Indiana and Michigan.
In contrast, the 308 Winchester has a bottlenecked case. This makes it illegal for deer hunting in some regions with straight-wall cartridge requirements.
Outside of these specific restrictions, both cartridges are generally legal for hunting in most areas. Hunters should always check local laws before use.
Some key differences in legal status:
- 450 Bushmaster: Legal in straight-wall-only zones
- 308 Winchester: Restricted in some midwest deer hunting areas
- Both: Widely permitted for hunting in most other regions
Magazine capacity limits may also apply depending on local regulations. Hunters must research and follow all relevant laws for their specific location and intended use.
Accessory Compatibility
The .308 Win and 450 Bushmaster differ in their accessory options. Each caliber has unique features that affect optics, magazines, and aftermarket parts.
Optics and Sights
The .308 Win offers more scope choices due to its popularity. Shooters can find scopes with ballistic reticles tailored for .308 trajectories. These scopes often have higher magnification ranges, ideal for long-range shooting.
450 Bushmaster rifles typically use lower magnification optics. Red dot sights and 1-6x scopes are common choices. These work well for the cartridge’s shorter effective range.
Both calibers can use iron sights. The .308 may have an edge with precision aperture sights for target shooting.
Magazine and Feeding Systems
.308 Win rifles have a wide variety of magazine options. These include:
- Detachable box magazines
- Internal magazines
- High-capacity options (20-30 rounds)
450 Bushmaster often uses modified .308 magazines. These have altered feed lips to accommodate the larger bullet diameter. Capacity is usually lower, with 5-10 round magazines being common.
Some 450 Bushmaster rifles use single-stack magazines designed specifically for the cartridge.
Aftermarket Support
The .308 Win has extensive aftermarket support. This includes:
- Barrels
- Stocks
- Triggers
- Muzzle devices
Shooters can easily customize their .308 rifles. Parts are widely available from many manufacturers.
The 450 Bushmaster has fewer aftermarket options. However, its growing popularity is increasing part availability. Hunters can find specialized components like:
- Heavy-duty recoil pads
- Muzzle brakes
- Adjustable gas blocks
Both calibers benefit from a range of cleaning kits and tools suited to their specific bore sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 308 Winchester and 450 Bushmaster differ in several key areas. Their ballistics, effective ranges, and suitability for various hunting purposes vary. Let’s explore some common questions about these two popular cartridges.
What are the differences in ballistics between 308 Winchester and 450 Bushmaster calibers?
The 308 Winchester outperforms the 450 Bushmaster in most ballistic categories. At the muzzle, both cartridges have similar energy, around 2700 ft-lbs.
The 308 maintains 1,000 ft-lbs of energy out to about 600 yards. In contrast, the 450 Bushmaster drops below 1,000 ft-lbs by 300 yards.
Can 450 Bushmaster be compared directly with 45-70 in terms of performance?
While both are large-bore cartridges, the 450 Bushmaster and 45-70 have different performance characteristics. The 450 Bushmaster is a more modern design with a flatter trajectory.
The 45-70, despite its age, can be loaded to higher pressures in modern firearms. This allows it to rival or exceed the 450 Bushmaster’s power in some loads.
What is the effective range of the 450 Bushmaster cartridge?
The 450 Bushmaster has an effective range of about 250-300 yards. Beyond this distance, its large bullet begins to lose velocity and energy rapidly.
For hunting purposes, most shooters consider 200 yards the practical limit for ethical shots on large game with the 450 Bushmaster.
How does the recoil of a 450 Bushmaster compare to that of a 30-06 Springfield?
The 450 Bushmaster typically produces more felt recoil than the 30-06 Springfield. This is due to its larger bullet and higher powder charge.
Exact recoil levels depend on factors like rifle weight and design. Generally, shooters find the 450 Bushmaster’s recoil noticeably stronger than the 30-06.
Is the 300 Winchester Magnum more powerful than the 450 Bushmaster?
Yes, the 300 Winchester Magnum is more powerful than the 450 Bushmaster in terms of muzzle energy and long-range performance.
The 300 Win Mag fires a smaller bullet at much higher velocities. This results in flatter trajectories and more energy retention at longer distances.
Between 350 Legend and 450 Bushmaster, which is better for large game hunting?
For large game hunting, the 450 Bushmaster is generally considered superior to the 350 Legend. The 450 Bushmaster fires a heavier bullet with more energy.
The 350 Legend is better suited for medium-sized game. It offers less recoil and is legal in some areas that restrict certain calibers for deer hunting.