.450 Bushmaster
The straight-wall sledgehammer — decisive on deer and hogs inside 200 yards, with recoil and trajectory that both remind you it's a big pistol bullet moving fast.
Family
Rifle
Introduced
2007
Origin
Tim LeGendre concept, Bushmaster and Hornady, USA
History
Inspired by Jeff Cooper's 'Thumper' concept of a big-bore AR, Tim LeGendre's .45 Professional was licensed to Bushmaster and standardized with Hornady around 2007 as the .450 Bushmaster. It idled along until Midwestern straight-wall deer regulations made it a star, offering serious close-range power from ARs and bolt guns alike. It anchors the heavy end of the straight-wall category.
What it's used for
Iconic platforms
AR-15s with .450 barrels, Ruger American Ranch, and Mossberg Patriot bolt guns.
Common load types
Polymer-tip and soft point hunting loads.
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