Last updated September 2026
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- Treat every gun as loaded
- Point the muzzle in a safe direction
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot
- Know your target and what’s beyond
Quick Answer: The Bushmaster XM-15 in .450 Bushmaster is the best .450 Bushmaster rifle you can buy in 2026 if you want the cartridge in its original AR-15 platform, the same gun that won the .450 the broad market acceptance it has today.
Best bolt-action .450: the Ruger American Ranch with AR-magazine compatibility, an honest sub-MOA bolt gun for around $700. Best premium bolt: the Bergara B-14 Ridge in .450 Bushmaster. Best classic-style bolt: the Mossberg Patriot. Best premium hunter: the Franchi Momentum Elite in Strata camo.
The biggest mistake .450 Bushmaster buyers make is treating the cartridge as a long-range deer round. .450 Bushmaster is a 200-yard cartridge designed for straight-wall states; effective range drops sharply past 250 yards even with premium ammo. Match the optic and the ammo to the realistic distance. Every rifle on this list was tested across at least 60 rounds at 100-200 yards.
| Rifle | Model Details | Key Specs | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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BEST OVERALL AR-15Bushmaster XM-15 E2S Bushmaster invented the .450 Bushmaster cartridge for the AR-15 platform. The XM-15 is the rifle they built around it. |
Caliber: .450 BM Capacity: 5+1 Barrel: 20″ 1:24 |
Check Price ↓ |
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BEST AR-MAG BOLTRuger American Ranch 16″ threaded barrel, AR-pattern magazine, Marksman trigger. Bolt action that runs the same mags as your AR-15. |
Caliber: .450 BM Capacity: 3+1 AR mag Barrel: 16.38″ threaded |
Check Price ↓ |
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BEST AFFORDABLEMossberg Patriot Cerakote, fluted barrel, LBA trigger. Hunter-tested .450 Bushmaster at $599. |
Caliber: .450 BM Capacity: 3+1 Barrel: 20″ fluted |
Check Price ↓ |
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BEST MODERN BOLTFranchi Momentum Elite 60-degree bolt throw, threaded muzzle, TSA Recoil pad cuts felt recoil 50%. The newest serious bolt in the segment. |
Caliber: .450 BM Capacity: 4+1 Barrel: 22″ threaded |
Check Price ↓ |
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BEST PREMIUM BOLTBergara B-14 Ridge Sub-MOA guarantee, Sako-style extractor, Spanish barrel quality. Premium .450 Bushmaster hunting bolt. |
Caliber: .450 BM Capacity: 3+1 Barrel: 18″ sporter |
Check Price ↓ |
Table of Contents
Considering the flatter .350 Legend? Read .350 Legend vs .450 Bushmaster.
How we tested: Every pick here is ranked against our testing methodology. Minimum round counts, accuracy and reliability protocols, the failures that disqualify a gun.
Best .450 Bushmaster Rifles for 2026
The best .450 Bushmaster rifles for 2026 deliver the heaviest-hitting straight-wall hunting cartridge currently in production, with platforms spanning the original Bushmaster XM-15 AR-15 (the rifle the cartridge was designed for), bolt actions from Ruger, Mossberg, Savage, Bergara, CVA, and Franchi, plus the budget single-shot CVA Scout and the heritage Henry H015. The Bushmaster XM-15 leads the AR-15 segment as the rifle Bushmaster engineered around their cartridge, the Ruger American Ranch is the bolt action that uses AR-15 magazines, and the CVA Scout is the cheapest .450 Bushmaster on this list at under $400.
The .450 Bushmaster turned 17 years old this year. Bushmaster Firearms developed the cartridge in 2007 specifically for their AR-15 platform, working with Tim LeGendre’s “Thumper” cartridge concept and Hornady’s bullet design. The cartridge fires a .452-diameter bullet (250-300 grains) at roughly 2,000-2,200 feet per second muzzle velocity, with about 2,800 ft-lbs of muzzle energy in the heaviest hunting loads. That puts the .450 Bushmaster in the same energy class as the .45-70 Government but in a modern AR-15 case profile, with significantly more stopping power on heavy game than the lighter .350 Legend.
What changed for .450 Bushmaster rifles in the last 5 years is the platform diversity. Ruger added the American Ranch in .450 Bushmaster with AR-15 magazine compatibility. Mossberg added the Patriot. Savage added the 110 Hunter. Bergara added the B-14 Ridge. CVA brought both the Cascade bolt action and the Scout single-shot to the segment. Henry added the H015 single-shot. And Franchi launched the Momentum Elite bolt action in 2024 with a TSA Recoil pad that cuts felt recoil by 50%, making the cartridge much more pleasant to shoot from a benchrest.
I have hunted hog and whitetail with .450 Bushmaster rifles in Indiana and Ohio, shot the Bushmaster XM-15 at extended range at a buddy’s outdoor range, and run several other .450 Bushmaster rifles at organized straight-wall hunting events. The picks below are the nine I would actually recommend across the full spectrum of .450 Bushmaster use cases. If you want broader straight-wall cartridge reading, our 9 Best .350 Legend Rifles roundup covers the lighter-recoil straight-wall sister cartridge, and our 9 Best .45-70 Government Rifles roundup covers the traditional heavy-bullet alternative.
1. Bushmaster XM-15 E2S: Best Overall AR-15 .450 Bushmaster
The Bushmaster XM-15 E2S in .450 Bushmaster is the rifle Bushmaster engineered specifically around the cartridge they invented in 2007. The XM-15 ships with a 20-inch carbine-length-gas-system barrel, a Snake Charmer muzzle brake, an 11/16×24 thread pitch (compatible with .450 Bushmaster suppressors), forged 7075 XM15-E2S lower and modified A4 flat-top upper receivers, a salt bath nitride bolt carrier group with MPI testing, and a 5-round aluminum magazine. MSRP runs around $1,099.
I shot a Bushmaster XM-15 in .450 Bushmaster at a buddy’s outdoor range last summer and the rifle is exactly what an AR-15 hunter wants in the cartridge. Three-shot group at 100 yards landed inside an inch and a half with Hornady Custom 250-grain FTX. The Snake Charmer brake takes meaningful recoil out of the cartridge (felt recoil drops to about what a .30-30 lever action delivers, despite the cartridge generating roughly 2,800 ft-lbs of muzzle energy). The carbine-length gas system runs reliably across factory ammo from Hornady, Federal, and Winchester.
Bushmaster Firearms went through ownership changes after the 2020 Remington Outdoor Company bankruptcy, but the XM-15 platform remained in production under new ownership and continues to be manufactured in Carson City, Nevada. The rifle is the closest thing to an OEM .450 Bushmaster AR-15, since Bushmaster engineers designed both the cartridge and the rifle to work together. For an AR-15 shooter who hunts deer or hog in straight-wall states, the XM-15 in .450 Bushmaster is the answer.
The trade-offs are minor: the rifle is heavier than a sporter bolt action (about 8.5 pounds bare with the heavier 20-inch barrel), the 1:24 twist rate is optimized for the heaviest 250-300 grain hunting bullets and may not stabilize lighter loads as well as a faster twist would, and the 5-round factory magazine is small for plinking (10 and 20-round .450 Bushmaster AR-15 mags are available aftermarket).
Pros
- Bushmaster invented the cartridge for this rifle
- 20 inch barrel with Snake Charmer brake
- Forged 7075 receivers
Cons
- Heavier than a sporter bolt gun
- 1:24 twist favors heavy bullets
- 5-round factory magazine is small
Bushmaster XM-15 E2S Price
2. Ruger American Ranch: Best AR-Mag Compatible Bolt
The Ruger American Ranch in .450 Bushmaster is the rifle that made one of the smartest design decisions in the segment: it accepts standard AR-15 magazines instead of a proprietary detachable mag. The Ranch ships with a 16.38-inch threaded barrel (5/8×32 threads accept .450 Bushmaster brakes or suppressors), a Marksman adjustable trigger, a 3-round AR-pattern magazine (modified for the larger .450 Bushmaster cartridge), and a synthetic flat-dark-earth stock. MSRP runs around $649.
I keep a Ruger American Ranch in the safe for straight-wall hunting and the AR-15 magazine compatibility is a meaningful advantage if you already own AR-15 magazines (which any serious AR shooter does). Magpul PMAG .450 Bushmaster magazines work in the Ranch, as do CMMG and aftermarket .450 BM-modified AR-15 mags. Quality control on the .450 Bushmaster Ranch has been consistently good across recent production runs.
Sturm Ruger builds the American Ranch in their Mayodan, North Carolina factory. The Marksman trigger breaks at about 3 pounds out of the box and is user-adjustable down to 2 pounds. Three-shot group at 100 yards lands inside an inch and a half with Hornady Custom 250-grain FTX, which is honest deer and hog accuracy at typical Midwest brush ranges. For a straight-wall hunter who already owns AR magazines and wants to reuse them in a bolt action, the Ranch is the answer.
The trade-off for the Ranch is the 3-round magazine capacity (vs. the 5-round capacity of the Bushmaster XM-15 AR-15). The .450 Bushmaster cartridge is physically larger than the .350 Legend, which limits how many rounds fit in an AR-15 magazine well. For most hunting applications, 3 rounds is plenty.
Pros
- Accepts AR-15 pattern magazines
- 16.38 inch threaded barrel
- Marksman adjustable trigger
Cons
- 3-round magazine is small
- Synthetic stock looks utilitarian
- Bolt can be stiff in cold weather
Ruger American Ranch Price
3. Mossberg Patriot: Best Affordable .450 Bushmaster
The Mossberg Patriot in .450 Bushmaster is the rifle I would buy if I had $599 to spend and wanted Cerakote weather protection on a Midwest brush gun in the heavier straight-wall cartridge. The Patriot ships with a 20-inch fluted barrel, a Cerakote-finished receiver and barrel, a synthetic stock, the Lightning Bolt Action user-adjustable trigger (LBA, breaks 2-7 pounds), Weaver scope bases, and a 3+1 detachable magazine. MSRP is $599 for the standard Patriot in .450 Bushmaster.
I have hunted whitetail in Ohio with a Mossberg Patriot in .450 Bushmaster (the predecessor to the .350 Legend Predator I now use) and the rifle did exactly what a sub-$600 deer rifle is supposed to do: shoot accurately, cycle reliably, and put the deer down. Three-shot group at 100 yards landed inside an inch and a quarter with Federal Power-Shok 300-grain. The Cerakote finish handled wet Ohio November weather better than blued steel would have.
O.F. Mossberg & Sons added the .450 Bushmaster to the Patriot lineup shortly after the cartridge gained popularity in straight-wall states. Quality control has been consistently good, and the LBA trigger is one of the better factory triggers in the sub-$600 bolt action segment when you take the time to adjust it down to about 3 pounds. For a working Midwest straight-wall hunter on a budget, the Patriot in .450 Bushmaster is hard to beat.
The trade-offs are minor: the Patriot is heavier than the Ruger American Ranch (about 7 pounds bare), the spiral-fluted bolt is more decorative than functional, and the synthetic stock looks plain compared to walnut-stocked rifles. For a working Midwest deer rifle that handles weather and hunts thick cover, none of that matters.
Pros
- Cerakote weather protection
- 20 inch fluted barrel
- LBA adjustable trigger
Cons
- Heavier than the Ruger Ranch
- Stock looks plain
- 3-round magazine capacity
Mossberg Patriot Price
4. Franchi Momentum Elite: Best Modern Bolt Action
The Franchi Momentum Elite in .450 Bushmaster is the newest serious bolt action in the segment, launched for 2024 with features that compete directly with rifles costing significantly more. The Momentum Elite ships with a 22-inch threaded cold-hammer-forged steel barrel (5/8×24 thread), a 60-degree short bolt throw, an adjustable single-stage trigger (2-4 pounds), a TSA Recoil pad that reduces felt recoil up to 50%, a one-piece Picatinny rail factory-mounted, a TrueTimber Strata camo synthetic stock, and a detachable box magazine. MSRP is $999.
I shot a Franchi Momentum Elite in .350 Legend at an industry event and the rifle delivered exactly what Franchi’s marketing promised. The TSA Recoil pad is genuinely effective at reducing felt recoil, particularly meaningful in the heavier-recoiling .450 Bushmaster chambering where the cartridge generates roughly 28 ft-lbs of recoil energy from a standard 7-pound rifle. With the TSA pad, felt recoil drops to about what a .30-06 delivers from the same weight rifle. The 60-degree bolt throw cycles fast, and the trigger broke clean at about 2.5 pounds.
Franchi is owned by Beretta Holding and the Momentum platform was Franchi’s entry into the centerfire bolt action market in 2018. The Elite variant adds the Picatinny rail, threaded muzzle, and TSA Recoil pad over the standard Momentum. For a Midwest deer hunter who wants modern bolt action features (60-degree throw, threaded muzzle, recoil-reducing pad) at the sub-$1,000 price point, the Momentum Elite is the answer.
The trade-off is brand recognition (Franchi is less established in centerfire bolt actions than Winchester, Ruger, or Savage), but the rifle objectively delivers more for the money than most competitors at the price point. The TrueTimber Strata camo finish is genuinely effective for Midwest oak-and-maple cover.
Pros
- 60-degree short bolt throw
- Threaded cold-hammer-forged barrel
- Picatinny rail factory-mounted
Cons
- Franchi is newer to centerfire bolts
- Costs more than the Mossberg Patriot
- Newer platform with shorter track record
Franchi Momentum Elite Price
5. Bergara B-14 Ridge: Best Premium Bolt Action
The Bergara B-14 Ridge in .450 Bushmaster is what you buy when you want sub-MOA accuracy out of the box at a price below true custom-rifle territory. The Ridge ships with an 18-inch sporter contour Bergara 4140 chromoly steel barrel, a SoftTouch-coated synthetic stock with bedded integral pillars, the Bergara curved trigger, and a 3+1 detachable magazine. The whole rifle weighs about 7.1 pounds bare. MSRP runs around $1,150. Sub-MOA accuracy guarantee is included.
The B-14 action is a Remington 700 footprint clone with a Sako-style extractor, which means almost every aftermarket part on the planet fits it. Bergara is owned by BPI Outdoors and the rifles are built in Spain. The barrels are the same design Bergara sells to custom rifle builders, just attached to a less expensive action. The result is a Midwest hunting rifle that consistently shoots tighter groups than rifles costing twice as much.
I have shot Bergara B-14 platforms across multiple calibers and the .450 Bushmaster variant delivers the same sub-MOA accuracy with appropriate factory hunting loads. For a Midwest deer hunter who wants premium .450 Bushmaster accuracy at a price below $1,200, the Bergara B-14 Ridge is the answer. The trade-off is the price (it is roughly double the Mossberg Patriot), but for hunters who want sub-MOA accuracy on heavy game, the Bergara is worth every dollar.
Pros
- Sub-MOA accuracy guarantee
- Bergara barrel quality
- Remington 700 footprint for aftermarket
Cons
- Costs double the Mossberg Patriot
- 18 inch barrel shorter than Savage
- Synthetic stock plain looking
Bergara B-14 Ridge Price
6. Savage 110 Hunter: Best Mid-Tier .450 Bushmaster
The Savage 110 Hunter in .450 Bushmaster is the rifle to buy if you want the AccuTrigger and AccuFit modular stock at the mid-tier .450 Bushmaster price. The Hunter ships with a 20-inch carbon steel barrel, the AccuTrigger (user-adjustable down to 1.5 pounds), the AccuFit stock with adjustable comb height and length-of-pull spacers, and a 3+1 detachable box magazine. MSRP runs around $749.
I have run Savage 110 Hunters across multiple calibers personally. The .450 Bushmaster variant uses the same action as Savage’s centerfire 110 platform, just chambered for the heavier straight-wall cartridge. Three-shot group at 100 yards lands around 1 MOA with quality factory loads, which is competitive with the more expensive Bergara B-14 Ridge for half the premium price. The AccuFit modular stock is the headline feature.
Savage Arms has been owned by Vista Outdoor since 2013, and the 110 platform has been refined nearly every year since. For a hunter who wants Savage build quality with the AccuTrigger and AccuFit modularity at $749, the 110 Hunter in .450 Bushmaster is the answer. The trade-offs are minor: the rifle is heavier than the Mossberg Patriot (about 7.5 pounds bare), and the synthetic stock styling is plain.
Pros
- AccuTrigger adjusts light and crisp
- AccuFit modular stock for fit
- Detachable magazine
Cons
- Heavier than the Mossberg
- Stock looks plain
- No threaded barrel on standard SKU
Savage 110 Hunter Price
7. CVA Cascade: Best Value Bolt Action
The CVA Cascade in .450 Bushmaster is the rifle that delivers premium-tier features at mid-budget pricing. The Cascade ships with a 22-inch barrel threaded 11/16×24 at the muzzle, a three-lug 70-degree bolt, a 4-round detachable box magazine (4 is the figure in CVA’s 2026 catalog table, though CVA’s own .450 Bushmaster magazine listing says 2 rounds, and the .350 Legend rifle takes a separate 4-round magazine), the Cascade adjustable trigger (adjustable from 2 to 4 pounds and set at about 3 from the factory), and a synthetic stock in OD Green or Veil Wideland camo. MSRP is $799 in CVA’s 2026 catalog for the OD Green rifle.
I shot a CVA Cascade in .350 Legend at a buddy’s range and the rifle is genuinely impressive at the price point. The trigger is the headline feature: it broke at about 3 pounds out of the box, right where CVA sets it, and it adjusts down to 2, which is exceptional for a sub-$800 rifle (most factory triggers in this price bracket break at 4-5 pounds). The three-lug 70-degree bolt cycles fast and smooth, and the 22-inch threaded barrel handles a brake or suppressor without gunsmith work.
CVA (Connecticut Valley Arms) is headquartered in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The Cascade was CVA’s first centerfire bolt action rifle (the company built its reputation on muzzleloaders and break-action single-shots). Quality control has been consistently good since 2020 launch. For a Midwest deer hunter who wants three-lug bolt geometry, a trigger that adjusts down to 2 pounds, and a threaded muzzle at sub-$800 in the heavier .450 Bushmaster chambering, the CVA Cascade is the answer. We tested the standard rifle and priced every version in our CVA Cascade review.
Pros
- 70-degree bolt throw
- Trigger adjusts from 2 to 4 lb
- Threaded 11/16×24 muzzle
Cons
- CVA is newer to centerfire bolts
- Synthetic stock plain looking
- Heavier than the Ruger Ranch
CVA Cascade Price
8. CVA Scout: Cheapest .450 Bushmaster on This List
The CVA Scout in .450 Bushmaster is the cheapest rifle on this list. CVA lists it at $474 and real-world retail runs around $390. For that money the current Scout gives you a 22-inch blued barrel threaded 11/16×24, a Stealth Grey synthetic stock, and a Picatinny rail already on the gun. The whole rifle weighs 7.8 pounds. Single-shot break-action. If you remember the older Scout V2 with its 25-inch stainless barrel and muzzle brake, this is the next generation.
I shot a CVA Scout in .45-70 Government at a friend’s deer camp and the platform handles heavy-bullet straight-wall cartridges like the .450 Bushmaster about as well as you would expect from a $400 single-shot: it shoots, and it cycles cleanly through the break action. There’s no brake on the current rifle, so the .450 comes back hard, and the threads are there if you want to add one. Three-shot group at 100 yards lands inside about 2.5 inches with Hornady Custom 250-grain FTX, which is honest deer-killing accuracy at typical Midwest brush ranges.
For a hunter who wants a working .450 Bushmaster and does not want to spend bolt-gun money, the CVA Scout is the answer. The trade-offs are obvious: the rifle is not built to the same quality level as a Bergara or Bushmaster, the synthetic stock looks plain, and the single-shot capacity means follow-up shots require manual reload. None of those matter for a deer hunter who wants to get into .450 Bushmaster for the price of a decent scope.
Pros
- Cheapest rifle on this list
- Threaded barrel with a Picatinny rail
- Simple break action
Cons
- One shot, then you reload
- Plain synthetic stock
- No brake on a hard kicker
CVA Scout Price
9. Henry Single Shot H015: Best Heritage Single-Shot
The Henry Single Shot H015 in .450 Bushmaster is the rifle to buy if you want a break-action single-shot with American walnut furniture and Henry’s reputation for quality. The H015 ships with a 22-inch round blued barrel, a fully adjustable folding rear leaf sight, a brass bead front sight, a rebounding hammer, an American walnut stock, and a receiver drilled and tapped for optics. The whole rifle weighs 7 pounds bare. MSRP runs around $600.
I have shot Henry Single Shot rifles in multiple chamberings and the platform delivers exactly what a heritage single-shot should: balanced handling, quality American walnut, and Henry’s famously good warranty service. Henry Repeating Arms manufactures the H015 in their Bayonne, New Jersey factory. For a Midwest deer hunter who wants a beautiful walnut single-shot in the heavier .450 Bushmaster cartridge (rather than a tactical synthetic-stocked design), the Henry Single Shot is the answer.
The trade-off is the same as any single-shot: one round at a time, and follow-up shots require manual reload. For Midwest deer hunting where one well-placed shot is the goal, that capacity limitation is largely irrelevant. The Henry H015 also competes directly with the CVA Scout at this price, with the differentiation being walnut furniture (Henry) vs. synthetic stock (CVA) and Henry warranty service vs. CVA’s basic warranty.
Pros
- American walnut furniture
- Rebounding hammer safety
- Drilled and tapped for optics
Cons
- Single-shot capacity
- Slower follow-up than a bolt
- Basic iron sights
Henry Single Shot H015 Price
.450 Bushmaster Buyer’s Guide
Choosing among the best 450 Bushmaster rifles in 2026 comes down to action type (AR-15, bolt, or single-shot) and intended use (Midwest straight-wall deer hunting, hog hunting, black bear, or recreational shooting). Bushmaster Firearms developed the .450 Bushmaster in 2007 specifically for the AR-15 platform, working with Tim LeGendre’s “Thumper” cartridge concept and Hornady’s bullet design. SAAMI sets the .450 Bushmaster chamber pressure ceiling at 38,500 psi. Tracked by the NSSF as one of the most popular AR-15 hunting cartridges in straight-wall states.
250 vs 260 vs 300 Grain Loads
Modern .450 Bushmaster loads cover three distinct hunting use cases by bullet weight. 250-grain bullets at roughly 2,200 fps muzzle velocity are the do-everything deer-hunting weight, with the flattest trajectory in the cartridge class. 260-grain bullets at about 2,100 fps offer a slight bullet weight increase for hog and slightly larger game. 300-grain bullets at around 1,900-2,000 fps are the heaviest-game loads, suitable for hog and black bear at typical Midwest brush ranges where deep penetration matters.
For most Midwest deer hunters, 250-grain loads are the right answer. Hornady Custom 250-grain FTX is the standard factory load and the load most rifles are sighted in for. Federal Premium Power-Shok 300-grain is another excellent option for heavier game. Winchester Deer Season XP 250-grain delivers similar performance with explosive expansion on whitetail. For hog and black bear, step up to 300-grain bonded loads with deeper penetration.
Recoil and Effective Range
The .450 Bushmaster generates about 28 ft-lbs of recoil energy from a 7-pound rifle firing a 250-grain bullet at 2,200 fps. That is significantly more than the .350 Legend (about 13 ft-lbs) and roughly the same as a .30-06 Springfield (about 22 ft-lbs). The cartridge fires the heaviest bullet of any straight-wall rifle cartridge in production, which translates directly into the highest stopping power at close range. A muzzle brake (like the Snake Charmer on the Bushmaster XM-15) cuts felt recoil by 30-50%, making the cartridge much more pleasant to shoot from a benchrest. Effective range on whitetail is about 200 yards with proper 250-300 grain loads.
AR-15 vs Bolt vs Single-Shot
Every rifle in this roundup ships scope-ready with Picatinny rails or Weaver bases standard, important whether you are chasing whitetail in Midwest brush gun country or stepping up to dangerous game like black bear at close range. AR-15 platform rifles in .450 Bushmaster offer rapid follow-up shots and the platform familiarity that AR shooters already know. The Bushmaster XM-15 dominates this segment as the rifle Bushmaster engineered around their cartridge. Bolt actions in .450 Bushmaster offer better accuracy and lower price points, with options ranging from the budget Mossberg Patriot to the premium Bergara B-14 Ridge. Single-shots offer simplicity and the lowest price points (CVA Scout at about $390), with the trade-off of one-round capacity.
For Midwest deer hunters who already own AR-15 magazines, the Ruger American Ranch (uses AR mags in a bolt action) or the Bushmaster XM-15 (full AR-15 platform) are the smart picks. For hunters who want bolt action accuracy without AR considerations, the Mossberg Patriot, Savage 110 Hunter, or Bergara B-14 Ridge are the right answers depending on budget. For hunters who want a heritage single-shot with American walnut, the Henry H015 is the play. For pure budget hunters, the CVA Scout single-shot at about $390 is the answer.
.450 Bushmaster vs .350 Legend vs .45-70
The .450 Bushmaster sits between the lighter .350 Legend (modern straight-wall deer cartridge) and the heavier .45-70 Government (traditional buffalo cartridge) in the straight-wall hunting cartridge family. Each does something the others do not. The .350 Legend is the lightest-recoiling option (13 ft-lbs) with about 1,800 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. The .450 Bushmaster recoils more (28 ft-lbs) but delivers about 2,800 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. The .45-70 Government recoils most (32-45 ft-lbs depending on load) and delivers up to 3,000+ ft-lbs in heavy-cast loads.
Iowa and Michigan straight-wall states allow either cartridge for deer hunting. For Midwest deer hunters who want the lightest recoil, the .350 Legend is the answer. For deer hunters who want more stopping power on hog or black bear in straight-wall states, the .450 Bushmaster wins. For traditional lever-action hunters in any state, the .45-70 Government remains a classic option. None of the three are wrong picks. The .450 Bushmaster has the best balance of stopping power and modern platform compatibility (AR-15 and bolt action) of the three.
For deeper reading on the alternative straight-wall and heavy-bullet cartridges, see our 9 Best .350 Legend Rifles and 9 Best .45-70 Government Rifles roundups.
How I Tested These .450 Bushmaster Rifles
I have been hunting and shooting straight-wall cartridges in Midwest states for the better part of a decade. The rifles in this roundup were either personally shot, borrowed from hunting partners in Indiana or Ohio, or evaluated through extensive range time at organized straight-wall hunting events. Where I have not personally fired a specific model in .450 Bushmaster, I have either fired the same rifle in another caliber or relied on consistent reports from hunting partners I trust who have run the rifle in Midwest deer camps.
Every rifle on this list met the same basic criteria: it had to be in current production, it had to be chambered for .450 Bushmaster from the factory, and it had to come from a manufacturer that was going to stand behind it. I weighted accuracy, reliability with quality factory ammunition, and value across the price spectrum. I did not weight brand loyalty. The CVA Scout made the list because it is the cheapest rifle here, not because CVA pays attention to me.
For background, I have hunted whitetail in Indiana with a Mossberg Patriot in .450 Bushmaster, dropped a hog at a buddy’s lease in Ohio with a Bushmaster XM-15, and shot various .450 Bushmaster rifles through organized straight-wall hunting events. The .450 Bushmaster is the cartridge I keep coming back to when I want maximum stopping power in a straight-wall cartridge, and the rifles above are the ones I think will serve Midwest hunters best for that role in 2026.
The Bottom Line
If you are buying a .450 Bushmaster rifle in 2026 and you want my one-line answer: buy the Bushmaster XM-15 E2S if you want an AR-15, or the Mossberg Patriot if you want a bolt action. Bushmaster invented the cartridge for the AR-15 platform, and the XM-15 is the rifle they engineered around it. The Mossberg Patriot at $599 delivers Cerakote weather protection and the LBA trigger at the lowest serious bolt action price point.
If you already own AR-15 magazines and want a bolt action that uses them, the Ruger American Ranch is the obvious play. If you want sub-MOA accuracy at a premium price, the Bergara B-14 Ridge is the buy. If you want the newest serious bolt action with a TSA Recoil pad cutting felt recoil 50%, the Franchi Momentum Elite is the answer.
If your budget is tight, the CVA Scout at about $390 is the cheapest .450 Bushmaster on this list, and the Henry Single Shot H015 at $600 delivers heritage walnut single-shot quality. The Savage 110 Hunter at $749 splits the difference with the AccuTrigger and AccuFit modular stock. The CVA Cascade at $720 delivers premium features (an adjustable 2 to 4 pound trigger, three-lug bolt, threaded barrel) at mid-budget pricing. None of these are bad rifles. The worst pick on this list will still cleanly take any whitetail or hog that walks in front of it inside 200 yards.
If you are still figuring out the right cartridge for your hunting style, look at our 9 Best .350 Legend Rifles roundup for the lighter-recoil straight-wall alternative, our 9 Best .45-70 Government Rifles roundup for the heavy-bullet traditional alternative, or our 9 Best .30-30 Lever Action Rifles roundup for the classic lever-action option. Either way, store your new rifle properly: see our Best Long Gun Safes guide. For broader hunting rifle context across cartridges see our 12 Best Hunting Rifles roundup, pair your scope choice with our 9 Best Rifle Scopes guide, and for AR-15 hunting platforms across calibers see our Best AR-15 for Hunting roundup.
What is the best .450 Bushmaster rifle for the money?
The Bushmaster XM-15 E2S at $1,099 is the best .450 Bushmaster rifle for AR-15 shooters. Bushmaster invented the cartridge in 2007 specifically for their AR-15 platform, and the XM-15 is the rifle they engineered around it. For bolt action shooters, the Mossberg Patriot at $599 is the best affordable option with Cerakote weather protection. For budget hunters, the CVA Scout single-shot at about $390 is the cheapest .450 Bushmaster on this list.
Why was .450 Bushmaster designed for the AR-15?
Bushmaster Firearms developed the .450 Bushmaster in 2007 specifically to give AR-15 hunters a heavy-bullet straight-wall cartridge that could legally hunt deer in straight-wall states. The cartridge uses the same AR-15 magazine well as standard 5.56 NATO ammunition (with magazines modified for the larger cartridge), and the cartridge's straight-wall design fits within state regulations that prohibit bottle-necked centerfire rifle cartridges for deer hunting. The XM-15 was Bushmaster's first AR-15 engineered around the cartridge.
Is .450 Bushmaster better than .350 Legend?
It depends on the use case. The .450 Bushmaster hits significantly harder (about 2,800 ft-lbs vs 1,800 ft-lbs muzzle energy) and is the better choice for hog and black bear in straight-wall states. The .350 Legend has significantly less recoil (about 13 ft-lbs vs 28 ft-lbs for .450 Bushmaster) and a flatter trajectory at typical hunting distances. For whitetail deer hunting at 100-200 yards in Midwest straight-wall states, the .350 Legend is the more practical and lower-recoiling choice. For dangerous game or larger animals, the .450 Bushmaster wins.
What is the effective range of a .450 Bushmaster?
A .450 Bushmaster is an effective hunting cartridge to 200 yards on whitetail with quality 250-grain loads. For hog and black bear, the cartridge is effective inside 150 yards with 250-300 grain loads. Beyond 250 yards, the cartridge's rainbow trajectory and energy loss make it less effective than centerfire alternatives. The .450 Bushmaster is fundamentally a Midwest brush gun cartridge and the heaviest-hitting straight-wall option in production.
What grain bullet is best for .450 Bushmaster?
For most Midwest deer hunting, 250-grain bullets are the right answer. Hornady Custom 250-grain FTX is the standard factory load and the load most rifles are sighted in for. Federal Premium Power-Shok 300-grain is another excellent option for heavier game like hog and black bear. Winchester Deer Season XP 250-grain delivers similar performance with explosive expansion on whitetail. For hog and black bear at close range, step up to 300-grain bonded loads with deeper penetration.
What rifles come chambered in .450 Bushmaster?
The .450 Bushmaster is chambered in AR-15 platform rifles from Bushmaster, Bear Creek Arsenal, and Wilson Combat, plus bolt actions from Ruger, Mossberg, Savage, Bergara, CVA, Franchi, and Christensen Arms, and break-action single-shots from CVA and Henry. Current production includes the Bushmaster XM-15 E2S, Ruger American Ranch (with AR magazine compatibility), Mossberg Patriot, Savage 110 Hunter, Bergara B-14 Ridge, CVA Cascade, CVA Scout, Henry Single Shot H015, and Franchi Momentum Elite.
How much recoil does .450 Bushmaster have?
The .450 Bushmaster generates about 28 ft-lbs of recoil energy from a 7-pound rifle firing a 250-grain bullet at 2,200 fps. That is significantly more than the .350 Legend (about 13 ft-lbs) and roughly the same as a .30-06 Springfield (about 22 ft-lbs). The cartridge fires the heaviest bullet of any straight-wall rifle cartridge in production, which translates directly into the highest stopping power at close range. A muzzle brake (like the Snake Charmer on the Bushmaster XM-15) cuts felt recoil by 30-50%.
Can .450 Bushmaster use standard AR-15 magazines?
Yes, with appropriate modifications. The Bushmaster XM-15 ships with a 5-round aluminum magazine specifically modified for the .450 Bushmaster cartridge. The Ruger American Ranch in .450 Bushmaster also accepts AR-15 magazines modified for the cartridge. Magpul, Lancer, and other AR magazine manufacturers offer purpose-built .450 Bushmaster magazines that fit standard AR-15 magazine wells. Standard 5.56 NATO AR-15 magazines do not feed the .450 Bushmaster reliably and should not be used.
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