The 450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom For Sale is a hard-hitting, straight-walled cartridge designed for hunting large game at moderate ranges, particularly in states that restrict the use of bottlenecked cartridges for deer hunting. When paired with Hornady Custom ammunition, the .450 Bushmaster reaches its full potential, delivering exceptional accuracy, consistent performance, and devastating terminal ballistics. If you’re considering purchasing .450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom for sale, this comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know, from its key features and specifications to its performance, applications, legal considerations, and where to find the best deals.

What is .450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom? A Perfect Match for Big Game

The .450 Bushmaster is a powerful cartridge developed by Tim LeGendre of LeMag Firearms and later popularized by Bushmaster Firearms International. It’s designed to provide AR-15 platform rifles with the capability to take down large game animals like deer, hogs, and even bears at ranges up to 250 yards.

Hornady Custom ammunition is a premium line of ammunition manufactured by Hornady, a renowned ammunition manufacturer known for its quality and innovation. Hornady Custom ammunition is loaded with high-quality components and carefully selected powders to ensure consistent performance and accuracy. When combined, the .450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom pairing delivers exceptional results.

Key Specifications of .450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom (250 Grain FTX)

Let’s examine the core specifications of the most popular .450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom load, the 250-grain FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding):

• Caliber: .450 Bushmaster
• Bullet Weight: 250 grains
• Bullet Type: Hornady FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding)
• Muzzle Velocity: 2200 fps (feet per second)
• Muzzle Energy: 2686 ft-lbs (foot-pounds)
• Ballistic Coefficient (BC): .210 (approximate)
• Application: Hunting (Deer, Hog, Bear)

These specifications highlight the .450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom’s impressive power and suitability for taking down large game.

Design and Features: Why Hornady Custom FTX Bullets Excel

The .450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom ammunition utilizes the innovative FTX bullet, which is specifically designed for optimal performance in lever-action and AR-platform rifles chambered in straight-walled cartridges.

1. Flex Tip Technology

The FTX bullet features a soft, flexible polymer tip that allows for safe use in tubular magazines (common in lever-action rifles) while also initiating expansion upon impact. This controlled expansion ensures maximum energy transfer and a quick, humane kill.

2. InterLock Ring

The Hornady FTX bullet incorporates an InterLock ring, which mechanically locks the core and jacket together. This prevents core-jacket separation during expansion, ensuring deep penetration and consistent performance.

3. Secant Ogive Profile

The FTX bullet features a secant ogive profile, which provides a flatter trajectory and improved accuracy compared to traditional round-nose bullets.

4. Consistent Manufacturing

Hornady Custom ammunition is manufactured to exacting standards, ensuring consistent bullet weight, powder charge, and overall cartridge dimensions. This consistency translates to improved accuracy and reliability.

5. High-Quality Components

Hornady Custom ammunition uses only the highest quality components, including premium brass cases, reliable primers, and carefully selected powders. This ensures consistent performance and long-term reliability.

Performance and Ballistics: Unleashing the Power of .450 Bushmaster

The .450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom ammunition delivers impressive performance and ballistics, making it a top choice for hunters seeking a powerful and accurate cartridge.

Ballistics

Here’s a general ballistic chart for the .450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom 250-grain FTX load (Note: Actual ballistics may vary depending on rifle and atmospheric conditions):

Range (Yards)	Velocity (fps)	Energy (ft-lbs)	Bullet Drop (Inches)
Muzzle	2200	2686	-1.5 (Sight Height)
50	2050	2336	+1.8
100	1910	2025	+2.5
150	1775	1748	+1.5
200	1645	1502	-1.5
250	1520	1285	-6.5

As you can see, the .450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom retains significant energy out to 250 yards, making it effective for taking down large game at moderate ranges.

Accuracy

The .450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom ammunition is known for its excellent accuracy. In a well-tuned rifle, it’s capable of producing sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) groups at 100 yards. This accuracy is crucial for making ethical and effective shots on game animals.

Terminal Performance

The FTX bullet is designed to expand rapidly upon impact, creating a large wound cavity and transferring significant energy to the target. This results in quick and humane kills. The InterLock ring ensures that the bullet retains its weight and penetrates deeply, even through tough hide and bone.

Recoil

The .450 Bushmaster produces significant recoil, especially in lightweight AR-15 platform rifles. However, the recoil is manageable with proper technique and the use of a muzzle brake or recoil pad.

Applications: Where Does .450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom Excel?

The .450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom ammunition is primarily designed for hunting large game, but it can also be used for other applications.

Hunting

The .450 Bushmaster is an excellent choice for hunting deer, hogs, and bears at moderate ranges. Its powerful ballistics and reliable terminal performance make it a highly effective hunting cartridge. It’s particularly popular in states that restrict the use of bottlenecked cartridges for deer hunting.

Hog Hunting

The .450 Bushmaster is a devastating hog hunting cartridge. Its powerful ballistics and reliable expansion make it effective for taking down even the largest and toughest hogs.

Self-Defense

While not its primary purpose, the .450 Bushmaster can be used for self-defense in situations where extreme stopping power is required. However, its heavy recoil and limited magazine capacity may make it less suitable for some users.

Legal Considerations: Know Your Hunting Regulations

Before using .450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom ammunition for hunting, it’s crucial to understand the hunting regulations in your state and local area.

Cartridge Restrictions

Some states restrict the use of certain cartridges for hunting specific game animals. Be sure to check your local regulations to ensure that the .450 Bushmaster is legal for hunting the species you intend to pursue.

Magazine Capacity Restrictions

Some states have laws that restrict the capacity of magazines used for hunting. Be sure to check your local laws to ensure that your rifle’s magazine capacity is legal for hunting in your area.

Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits

Be aware of the hunting seasons and bag limits for the species you intend to hunt.

Hunter Education Requirements

Many states require hunters to complete a hunter education course before they can obtain a hunting license.

Where to Find .450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom For Sale: Your Buying Options

Finding .450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom for sale can sometimes be challenging, as it’s a popular cartridge that can be in high demand. Here are some of the best places to look:

Local Gun Stores

Local gun stores are a great place to start your search. They offer the opportunity to talk to knowledgeable staff and to purchase ammunition in person.

Online Retailers

Many online retailers sell ammunition, including .450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom. Some popular online retailers include:

• Brownells: A well-known and reputable source for ammunition and gun parts.
• MidwayUSA: Offers a wide selection of ammunition, reloading supplies, and gun accessories.
• Palmetto State Armory: Known for its competitive prices and frequent sales.
• Ammunition Depot: Specializes in ammunition sales and often has a good selection of .450 Bushmaster.

When purchasing ammunition online, be sure to choose a reputable retailer and to comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Gun Shows

Gun shows can be a good place to find .450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom for sale, but be sure to do your research and compare prices before making a purchase.

Check Hornady’s Website

Sometimes, Hornady’s website will list retailers that carry their ammunition. This can be a helpful way to find local sources.

.450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom vs. Other Ammunition: How Does It Compare?

The .450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom is often compared to other popular hunting cartridges. Here’s a brief comparison:

.450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom vs. .450 Bushmaster Other Brands

While other brands offer .450 Bushmaster ammunition, Hornady Custom is generally considered to be a premium option due to its high-quality components and consistent performance. Other brands may be more affordable, but they may not offer the same level of accuracy or reliability.

.450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom vs. .458 SOCOM

The .458 SOCOM is another popular large-bore AR-15 cartridge. It offers similar ballistics to the .450 Bushmaster but uses a different case design. The .458 SOCOM is generally more expensive and less readily available than the .450 Bushmaster.

.450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom vs. 12 Gauge Slug

A 12-gauge slug offers significantly more power than the .450 Bushmaster, but it also produces much more recoil. The .450 Bushmaster is a more manageable option for many shooters, especially in an AR-15 platform.

Reloading .450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom: A Cost-Effective Option

Reloading your own .450 Bushmaster ammunition can be a cost-effective way to save money and to customize your loads for specific purposes. Hornady offers reloading components for the .450 Bushmaster, including FTX bullets, brass cases, and reloading data.

Maintaining Your .450 Bushmaster Rifle: Keeping It Running Smoothly

Proper maintenance is essential for ensuring the reliability and longevity of your .450 Bushmaster rifle. Here are some basic maintenance tips:

• Clean Regularly: Clean your rifle after each shooting session or at least every few months.
• Lubricate Properly: Use a high-quality gun lubricant to keep the moving parts running smoothly.
• Inspect Regularly: Inspect your rifle for any signs of wear or damage.
• Replace Worn Parts: Replace any worn parts promptly to prevent malfunctions.
• Use Quality Magazines: Use high-quality magazines that are specifically designed for the .450 Bushmaster.

Conclusion: .450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom – A Powerful and Reliable Choice

The .450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom ammunition is a powerful and reliable choice for hunters seeking a hard-hitting cartridge for large game. Its innovative FTX bullet, consistent performance, and excellent accuracy make it a top contender in the straight-walled cartridge market. Whether you’re hunting deer, hogs, or bears, the .450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom can deliver the stopping power you need to get the job done. By understanding its features, specifications, performance, applications, and legal considerations, you can make an informed decision about whether it’s the right ammunition for you. And with numerous options available to find .450 Bushmaster Hornady Custom for sale, you’re sure to find one that fits your needs and budget. Remember to prioritize safety, responsible gun ownership, and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Happy hunting!