350 Bushmaster vs 450 Bushmaster

The 350 Bushmaster and 450 Bushmaster are two popular cartridges used in modern sporting rifles, particularly AR-15-style platforms. Both offer a significant boost in power compared to traditional .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO cartridges, making them attractive choices for hunters and shooters who need a hard-hitting, straight-wall cartridge for medium- to large-game hunting, particularly in states with laws requiring straight-wall cartridges for deer hunting.

However, these two cartridges, while similar in some respects, are distinct in several key areas, such as performance, recoil, effective range, and ammunition availability. In this article, we’ll compare the 350 Bushmaster and the 450 Bushmaster across various factors to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your needs.

Overview of the 350 Bushmaster

The 350 Bushmaster is a relatively newer cartridge, introduced in 2008 by Bushmaster Firearms International. The goal was to create a powerful straight-wall cartridge compatible with the AR-15 platform, offering a heavier bullet and more energy than the standard 5.56 NATO but without straying too far from the capabilities of the AR-15.

• Bullet Diameter: .357 inches (similar to .357 Magnum)
• Cartridge Length: 2.260 inches
• Case Type: Rimless, bottleneck
• Typical Bullet Weights: 150-180 grains
• Velocity: Around 2,200 – 2,400 fps (depending on load and barrel length)
• Energy: 1,500 – 2,100 foot-pounds (depending on load)

The 350 Bushmaster is a versatile round that can be used for deer, hogs, and even larger game like black bear, especially within ranges typical for hunting in dense forests or brush (100-200 yards). Its recoil is manageable, and it offers a good balance between energy, accuracy, and effective range.

Overview of the 450 Bushmaster

The 450 Bushmaster was introduced in 2007, shortly before the 350 Bushmaster. Designed by Tim LeGendre, this cartridge was specifically created to provide more stopping power for hunting larger game in areas that restrict the use of high-velocity rifles, such as straight-wall cartridge zones in the Midwest and other states. The 450 Bushmaster delivers significantly more power than the 350 Bushmaster, but it also comes with higher recoil.

• Bullet Diameter: .452 inches (similar to .45 caliber)
• Cartridge Length: 2.260 inches
• Case Type: Rimless, straight-wall
• Typical Bullet Weights: 240-300 grains
• Velocity: Around 2,100 – 2,300 fps
• Energy: 2,200 – 2,800 foot-pounds (depending on load)

The 450 Bushmaster is typically used for larger game like elk, moose, and black bear, and it’s known for its hard-hitting power, capable of delivering a large projectile at moderate velocity. It’s often described as having the “stopping power” similar to some of the larger hunting cartridges, like the .45-70 Government or even the .458 Winchester Magnum, but in a much smaller and lighter package suitable for AR-15-style rifles.

Key Comparisons: 350 Bushmaster vs 450 Bushmaster

Let’s break down the differences and similarities between these two rounds in key areas:

1. Power and Energy

• 350 Bushmaster: Delivers around 1,500-2,100 foot-pounds of energy, which is suitable for medium-sized game (deer, hogs, etc.) and provides a good balance between power and manageable recoil.
• 450 Bushmaster: Produces 2,200-2,800 foot-pounds of energy, making it significantly more powerful. This makes it an excellent choice for larger game and offers a more “knockdown” capability for animals like elk, moose, and black bear.

Winner: 450 Bushmaster (in terms of sheer power and energy).

2. Recoil

• 350 Bushmaster: Due to its smaller bullet size and lower energy, the 350 Bushmaster generally offers more manageable recoil. Most shooters will find it comfortable to shoot in a standard AR-15-style rifle.
• 450 Bushmaster: This round, being larger and more powerful, produces considerably more recoil. It’s more punishing to the shooter, especially for extended shooting sessions, but the recoil is still less than many larger caliber rifles.

Winner: 350 Bushmaster (for shooters looking for less recoil).

3. Effective Range

• 350 Bushmaster: Typically, the 350 Bushmaster is effective at ranges out to 200-250 yards, making it a good choice for dense woods or short-to-medium range shooting situations.
• 450 Bushmaster: The 450 Bushmaster’s larger bullet and more powerful energy delivery give it a similar effective range of about 200-250 yards, though it can handle a bit more distance, especially when using heavier projectiles.

Winner: 450 Bushmaster (slightly better at longer ranges, but the difference is not vast).

4. Bullet Selection and Ammunition Availability

• 350 Bushmaster: Ammo for the 350 Bushmaster is relatively more affordable and can be found from multiple manufacturers, including Hornady, Winchester, and Federal. However, it’s still not as widespread as other calibers like .223 or .308.
• 450 Bushmaster: The 450 Bushmaster also enjoys support from manufacturers like Hornady, Remington, and Winchester. Its ammunition selection is varied, with loads tailored for big game hunting. Ammo tends to be a little more expensive due to the heavier bullets and larger powder charges.

Winner: 350 Bushmaster (for more affordable ammo and broader availability).

5. Hunting Application

• 350 Bushmaster: Best suited for medium-sized game such as deer, hogs, and black bear. It has the power to bring down game reliably but isn’t overpowered for typical whitetail hunting.
• 450 Bushmaster: This is the better choice for larger game like elk and moose, where greater energy and a heavier bullet are needed for quick, humane kills. It can also be used for deer but may be overkill for smaller animals.

Winner: 450 Bushmaster (for larger game).

6. Cost and Availability of Rifles

Both the 350 Bushmaster and 450 Bushmaster are designed to be used in AR-15-style rifles. However, rifles chambered in the 350 Bushmaster tend to be a bit more affordable and are more readily available, given that the 350 Bushmaster is slightly more common among manufacturers. The 450 Bushmaster, on the other hand, is also available from manufacturers like Ruger, Bushmaster, and others, but the rifles tend to be a little more expensive due to the additional recoil and larger components needed to handle the cartridge.

Winner: 350 Bushmaster (for lower cost rifles).

Final Verdict: 350 Bushmaster vs 450 Bushmaster

Both the 350 Bushmaster and 450 Bushmaster are great choices for hunters who need a hard-hitting round for medium- to large-game hunting in areas where straight-wall cartridges are required. Here’s a quick breakdown of when to choose each:

• Choose the 350 Bushmaster if: You want a more affordable, lower-recoil option for hunting deer and other medium-sized game at moderate distances. It’s a great option for shooters who want to stay within the AR-15 platform without dealing with excessive recoil.
• Choose the 450 Bushmaster if: You’re hunting larger game like elk, moose, or large bears and need a cartridge that delivers maximum power and stopping ability. Be prepared for more recoil, but you’ll have a serious hunting round at your disposal.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to your specific hunting needs and preferences. If you need sheer power for big game, the 450 Bushmaster is hard to beat. If you prefer something with less recoil and a more versatile, medium-game focus, the 350 Bushmaster might be the better fit.