.450 Bushmaster

[.45fmjoe]

Does anyone know if Bushmaster has plans to just sell uppers in .450 Bushmaster? Has anyone seen a complete rifle yet, had a chance to fire one? I'm going to keep an eye out at the gun show this weekend, but I'm just curious if anyone has any info.

[LastRites]

They will be selling uppers, but why would you want it when there are other rounds that fit the large bore bill better? Only time the test of time will tell.

[Iraq Ninja]

The uppers are listed on the Bushmaster website. I am seriously thinking of getting one, simply because it iseems a bit more difficult to get uppers and ammo for the other choices. In the long run, I think the 450 will be more popular, due to the fact that Hornady is behind it and giving it a lot of press. They are also targeting the hunting market.

It will be like the BETA vs VHS wars of old. I like the SOCOM round, but I like being able to go into a store and buying a box of ammo when I need to. I don't want to have to reload, worry about finding brass, etc.

The other big bore options may be a little better, but is it really that much better? I intend to use it for Hogs and Hoodlums and it does fine for these animals.

[Armati]

I am looking at the same thing. I want to hunt wee little piggies in Florida 'glades'.

I also like the sound big bore rounds make on steel. Poppers go down like you mean it!

The .450 Bushmaster is almost affordable at just a bit more than a dollar a round. The .458 SOCOM and .50 Beowulf are running around two dollars a round.

[Jaeger]

What would make the SOCOM round a better choice than the 450 Bushmaster?

[SHIVAN]

Bullet selection & bullet construction are one of the biggest positives for the 458 SOCOM. The Bushmaster is using .451 pistol type bullets. The 458 SOCOM uses .458 rifle type bullets.

I've also never understood the "buy it at a store" fascination with esoteric calibers like these. So long as online stores have it in stock, or you are a reloader, what does it matter what is in the brick & mortar shop on the corner??

[Armati]

Good points, but two bucks a round? I think I would want to shoot at least 100 rounds of it just to get the feel for the ballistics.

Anyway, I think the big bore AR prize will go to the outfit with the best aftermarket. Hornady brings a lot to the table.

[SHIVAN]

Good points, but two bucks a round?

405gr - 458 SOCOM

$1.4365/rd (405gr SOCOM) vs. $1.3495/rd (250gr Bushmaster)

Toss up.

500gr 458 SOCOM also available from same site above.

[Jaeger]

Oh yeah, I'd much rather be able to use rifle bullets. Thanks for the info.

[556]

Oh yeah, I'd much rather be able to use rifle bullets. Thanks for the info.

In my opinion you might want to reconsider using large bore rilfe bullets if your hunting with the AR.

Most rifle bullets have thick jackets and will barely expand if at all with the low velocity these thumpers have out of the AR at 100 to 200 yards.

Anyway, have experience hunting with the .50 beowulf and barnes 325 & 375gr X pistol bullets. Inside of 100 yard shots on Bear and Moose bullets completely penatrate with exellent wound channel. Have recovered bullets between 100 & 200yards with nice expansion.

But then again slow moving non-expanding heavy projectiles do amazing things on game.