If you are in the market for the best 450 Bushmaster scopes, you have come to the right place. We have taken our time and created this post to help you navigate different options when looking to buy a .450 Bushmaster scope.
In the past few years, straight-walled cartridges have grown to become the go-to cartridge for most hunters. One of the most popular cartridges is the 450 Bushmaster.
This versatile large-bore cartridge is effective for hunting a wide variety of games irrespective of size. It is accurately at different ranges and packs some serious punch which gives it the ability to take down even the biggest game in one shot.
If you use the 450 Bushmaster as your hunting round, you should invest in a quality scope. A good scope will boost your shooting confidence by providing clearer and more detailed views of your target. The scope will also enhance your shooting precision and make your hunting expeditions more rewarding.
What Makes a Great 450 Bushmaster Scope?
For a scope to be great for use with the 450 Bushmaster, it must match the versatility of this popular straight-walled cartridge. First, the scope should have a variable and vast magnification to help you pursue targets with ease from close, medium to long ranges.
Secondly, the scope should have high-quality optical components. With high-quality optics, you are guaranteed that the scope will generate sight pictures that are rich in edge-to-edge clarity, brightness and sharpness. This way, you can hit the big game accurately, even in the not-so-ideal light conditions.
Furthermore, the scope should have robust housing to weather the recoil this cartridge generates. With quality construction, the scope will also be able to survive rough handling and any other punishment you subject it to.
Since the 450 Bushmaster is a hunting cartridge, the scope you get should be built for use in all weather conditions. It should be sealed full to prevent the entry of dust and moisture which is the greatest enemy of optics. Further, the scope should be fog resistant to ensure that both the exterior and interior lenses stay fog free.
A great 450 Bushmaster scope should also have a lightweight design. It will disperse the recoil effectively and be easy to carry in the field. Lastly, the scope should also be simple to use and be built to offer great accuracy which is vital when hunting.
5 Best 450 Bushmaster Scopes
Unfortunately, finding the best 450 Bushmaster scope is no mean feat because of the plethora of models available out there.
To help, we have a list that covers several top-scope options that work well with this round. Irrespective of the hunting activity you use the 450 Bushmaster for, these scopes will certainly fit the bill and make you a better hunter or shooter.
Without much ado, let’s dive right in.
1)Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
Leupold is a leading brand in the field of optics. It is known for its robust and versatile scopes, and the VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope delivers on that reputation. Built with adjustable 3-9x magnification, the scope is ideal for use at close quarters as well as long ranges.
The riflescope features a high-quality construction to ensure that it serves you well for many years. The rugged design stands up to anything you subject it to in the hunting field. Even better, the exterior lens is scratch-resistant for extra protection.
Another feature that makes the scope shine is optical finesse. Built with a Twilight Light Management System, the scope delivers stunning image brightness, even in poor lighting conditions.
The rifle scope is also built around the legendary Leupold’s Advanced Optical System which delivers the best-in-class glare reduction and outstanding resolution and clarity.
Furthermore, the scope is built with ease of use in mind. It has an ergonomic design to ensure ease of handling while on the field. It also features a lightweight design for mobility convenience and a Custom Dial System which gives you the ability to customize your turret to your exact ballistics as well as the environmental conditions.
This VX-Freedom is also guaranteed to work in any weather condition. You don’t have to worry about canceling your hunting trip due to weather changes as it is fully waterproof, dustproof and fog-resistant.
As one of the best 450 Bushmaster scopes, VX-Freedom delivers the best-in-class optics and unrivaled accuracy making it a worthy partner for your .450 Bushmaster hunting rifle. Expect a solid and reliable performance from this rifle scope.
Features
- 3-9x magnification range
- Duplex reticle
- Leupold’s Custom Dial System (CDS)
- Traditional eyepiece lock ring
- Second focal plane reticle
- Scratch resistant lenses
- 1-inch main tube
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Matte finish
- Twilight Light Management System
Pros
- Long eye relief
- Rugged and robust aluminum construction
- Lightweight, ergonomic design
- Crisp clear optics
Cons
- The parallax is fixed
- Non-illuminated reticle
2) Burris Fullfield IV 3-12x56mm 30mm SFP Rifle Scope
The Burris Fullfield IV 3-12x56mm is one the best 450 Bushmaster scopes for use in low light settings. It features a large 56mm objective lens which provides a large light-gathering platform. This not only enhances low-light performance but also provides a large field of view which is essential for easy tracking of fast-moving games.
Built with an adjustable 3x to 12x magnification, the scope is suitable for close to long-range hunting. To complement the vast magnification range, the scope features high-grade optical glass which provides outstanding brightness and clarity at every zoom setting, even in low light settings.
When it comes to construction, the scope is built on a 30mm main tube to provide room for adjustments and reticle movement. It is crafted with high-quality materials to be more rugged, reliable and durable even when you subject it to rough handling.
This rifle scope offers multiple reticle options for added convenience, and a lightweight design to ensure that it effectively disperses the recoil the 450 Bushmaster emits.
It also features premium, multi-coated lenses that reduce glare and light reflection. This enhances light transmission for edge-to-edge image brightness and clarity.
To top it all off, all Burris Fullfield IV scopes are waterproof and nitrogen filled to prevent fog buildup in the cold and rain. Outstanding performance in low light conditions, unrivaled accuracy and dependability are the main attributes that make Fullfield IV a top contender among the best 450 Bushmaster scopes.
Features
- 3-12x magnification range
- Waterproof and shockproof
- High-grade optical glass
- Nitrogen-filled 30mm main tube
- Ballistic e3 rear focal plane reticle
- Multi-coated lenses
- Finger adjustable turret knobs
Pros
- Bright and very useful illuminated reticle
- Lightweight
- Great light-gathering ability
- Easy to use
Cons
- Heavy
3)Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44mm SFP Rifle Scope
Introducing the Crossfire II 4-12x44mm SFP Rifle Scope. This Vortex scope is one of the best 450 Bushmaster scopes for beginners and budget buyers. Even with its budget-friendly cost, the scope harbors a wide selection of high-quality features suitable for numerous hunting and shooting applications.
The scope offers a lot of zoom power for the price. At close and medium ranges, it offers an ultra-wide field of view to make target finding and tracking easy. You can then increase the magnification from 4x to 12x when you are pursuing the game at extended ranges.
Moreover, the scope brings to the table fully multi-coated lenses which maximize light transfer and reduce loss of light through reflection. This allows you to shoot precisely from when the sun rises till when it sets.
Vortex makes weatherproof optics and this model is not any different. It features a waterproof and fog-proof main tube for operability even in adverse weather conditions. No matter the weather conditions this scope will get the job done.
The scope has a one-piece aluminum tube that is rigid enough to stand up to rough handling. The tube is then coated with a hard-cased anodized matte finish to prevent rust and corrosion, and keep your position hidden when you are hunting in broad daylight.
Other notable features included are turrets that are capped to provide external protection while in the field and a fast-focus eyepiece to help you acquire targets rapidly and keep the reticle in focus with ease. Surely Crossfire II 4-12X44 is one of the best 450 Bushmaster scopes.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Water, fog and shockproof construction
- Hard anodized finish
- Aircraft-grade aluminum housing
- 1-inch main tube
- Capped reset turrets
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle
Pros
- Great scope for the money
- Lightweight design
- Robust and reliable construction
- Clear glass
- Adequate eye relief
- Unlimited lifetime warranty
- Comes with a lens cloth and cover
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
4) Trijicon AccuPoint TR-22 2.5-10x56mm Rifle Scope
If you are looking to take your hunting skills to the next big level, you need a quality scope like the Trijicon AccuPoint TR-22 2.5-10x56mm Rifle Scope. It provides optimum aiming-point illumination for maximum hunting success, even in not-so-ideal lighting conditions. The outstanding low-light performance makes it one of the best 450 Bushmaster scopes.
This rifle scope is built to be nearly indestructible. It has a 30mm main tube crafted from 6061-T6 aluminum. This heavy-duty construction maximizes the scope’s durability and rigidness which is very important given the fierce recoil the 450 Bushmaster emits.
Further, the scope features fully multi-coated optics which yield bright and ultra-clear image views by maximizing light transmission. For all-weather reliability, the AccuPoint TR-22 is dust-proof and water-resistant up to 10ft.
It is also fog resistant to ensure that the optics stay fog-free when you move between two environments that have a large temperature and humidity gradient.
Another outstanding feature that makes TR22 AccuPoint a top contender among the best 450 Bushmaster scopes is the both-eye-open shooting design. This feature provides an ultra-clear aiming point while also ensuring that your situational awareness is increased.
Apart from that, the scope features quick and easy windage and elevation adjustments, and an easy-focus eyepiece that is comfortable to use with or without eyewear. When it comes to functionality you can’t beat this rifle scope.
Above all, the scope comes with a repositionable magnification lever that accommodates multiple rifle configurations and different shooting positions. Except for nothing short of brilliance when you include the TR22 AccuPoint in your hunting arsenal.
Features
- Ruggedized 6061-T6 aluminum design
- Waterproof and fogproof construction
- 30mm main tube
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Repositionable magnification lever
- Generous windage and elevation adjustment
- Second focal plane reticle
Pros
- Excellent low-light performance
- Edge-to-edge clarity
- Easy focus eyepiece
- Quick and easy adjustments
- Designed to work with different shooting positions and rifle configurations
Cons
- Fixed parallax
- Short eye relief on the maximum magnification power
- It’s not cheap
5) Bushnell AR Optics 3-9x40mm Rifle Scope
The Bushnell AR 3-9x40mm is another budget optic that works well with the 450 Bushmaster. Adding this rifle scope to your hunting rifle will bring you closer to distant targets and ensure that the shots you place on the game are not just accurate, but also ethical.
This versatile, mid-range scope has an adjustable magnification from 3x to 9x. This gives you the flexibility to hunt down games from close to medium ranges. It also features a large 40mm objective lens which maintains a low profile while ensuring that the images generated across the whole zoom range are clear.
In terms of construction, the 1-inch body tube of this scope is crafted from aluminum which maximizes durability, while remaining lightweight. It is also built with exposed turrets for ease of access and a throw-down power lever which makes magnification adjustment a breeze, from any shooting angle.
For added convenience, this rifle scope has comfortable eye relief and a modified duplex-style reticle that is easy to use, even for beginners. The scope also brings to the table a side-focus parallax adjustment which provides a parallax-free view from 10 yards to infinity.
Best of all, the scope’s housing is fully waterproof for use in any weather condition and shock resistant for greater durability. This versatile and powerful rifle scope is clearly one of the best 450 Bushmaster scopes for hunting at close and mid-range distances.
Features
- 3-9x zoom magnification
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Second focal plane reticle
- Aluminum housing
- Side parallax adjustment
- Exposed turrets
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Waterproof and shock-resistant
- Power throw-down lever
- Matte black finish
Pros
- Easy on the wallet
- Quality construction
- Crisp optics
- Intuitive and easy to use
- Comfortable eye relief
Cons
- Non-illuminated reticle
Further Reading
- Best Vortex Scope for 300 Win Mag
- Best Rifle Scopes for Elk Hunting
- Best Burris 450 Bushmaster Scopes
- Best Vortex Scopes for Deer Hunting
- Best Thermal Scopes for 200 Yards
How to Choose the Best 450 Bushmaster Scopes
Choosing the best 450 Bushmaster scopes is not something you do on a whip. You will want to purchase a scope that is loaded with every feature that will help you push your 450 Bushmaster to its full potential.
When making your selection, put into consideration the following factors.
Magnification
The magnification power of scope is one of the most important factors to consider. With the correct magnification power, you will be able to increase your odds of hitting the target accurately, based on whether you are hunting at close, medium, or long distances.
When it comes to hunting with the 450 Bushmaster, it is best to get a variable-power rifle scope that offers sufficient magnification power at different yardages.
Typically, a variable power scope with 3-9x zoom power is ideal for close to medium-range hunting, while a model with 4-12x magnification is more suitable for medium and long-range hunting.
Identify the distance you will hunting at, the type of game you will be hunting and the hunting environment. These three factors will help you find the right scope magnification.
Read: Best Scopes for 400 Yards
Illumination
It is best to get a 450 Bushmaster scope that offers adjustable brightness settings and an illuminated reticle as well.
With a variable brightness setting, you will have the flexibility to use the scope even in the not-so-ideal lighting settings.
Furthermore, having an illuminated reticle is essential when hunting in low-light settings. The illumination will provide contrast between the reticle and the image of the target and enhance your odds of putting the shot accurately.
Objective Lens
The objective lens of scope is responsible for light collection. Therefore, the larger the objective lens is, the more light it collects inside the scope.
Since the 450 Bushmaster is a short and medium-range round, you don’t need a scope with an ultra-large objective lens. It will be expensive, big and cumbersome to carry around.
Typically, a scope with a 40mm aperture will be sufficient. It will gather ample light needed for the generation of quality image views even in low-light settings. Besides, scopes with a 40mm aperture maintain a low profile so they are easy to carry around with ease.
Read: Best Vortex Scopes for 30-06 Rifles
Reticle
The next feature you should consider is the type of reticle scope. With the .450 Bushmaster being a medium-range straight-walled cartridge, a less complex reticle will suffice.
Typically, a duplex reticle will surface. You can also get a simple BDC reticle scope if you will be hunting in varying ranges where there might be an issue with estimating holdover.
When choosing a reticle, you should also consider your hunting skills. For a beginner, having a simple-to-use reticle will make your hunting more fun and rewarding.
Optical Quality
The optics quality of the scope is another important factor to consider. The best 450 Bushmaster scope should have high-quality glass and quality lens coatings as well.
When making your selection, go for a scope that is made with quality glass lenses you can afford. Scopes whose optics are made with ED, HD, or any other high-quality glass are the best. They offer clear and bright image views, even in less ideal lighting conditions.
The scope should also have quality lens coatings. The main role of lens coatings is to reduce glare and loss of light via reflection. This allows for good light transmission and brighter image views.
Read: Best Low Light Leupold Scopes
Durability
You will want to invest in a durable scope that will serve you for many years and offer reliable performance all through. The scope you get should have robust housing to weather around after a rough shock generated by the fierce 450 recoils.
The scope should also have durable housing to stand up to harsh environmental factors, rough handling, and the accidental falls and bumps you might encounter while hunting.
Scopes made from aircraft-grade aluminum or magnesium alloy are the best to choose from as they offer the ultimate durability.
Eye Relief
It is also important to take into account the amount of eye relief a scope offers. If you are new in the market, eye relief refers to the maximum distance from your eye to the scope’s eyepiece.
For a 450 Bushmaster scope, you need plenty of eye relief to ensure comfortable and safe glassing from this heavy recoiling round. Generally, a scope of 3.5 inches or more is safe to use with the 450 Bushmaster.
Read: Best Scout Scopes for M1A
Weight
The scope weight is the other factor to consider. With the plethora of 450 Bushmaster scopes available out there, it is best to pick a scope that has a lightweight design of not more than 2 pounds.
It will be portable, easy to use and simple to shoot with. In addition, a light scope will be more effective at dispersing heavy recoil compared to a bulky scope.
Read: Best 350 Legend Riflescopes
About the 450 Bushmaster
450 Bushmaster is a straight-walled rifle cartridge that was first developed by Tim LeGendre. It is a .45 caliber bullet that is designed to be used in standard M16s and AR-15s.
Due to the flat trajectory it offers, the 450 Bushmaster has grown to become a popular round for big game hunters.
It shoots accurately out to 200 yards and beyond depending on the firearm in use and the environmental conditions.
It also has a highly versatile design which makes it suitable for hunting boar, white-tail deer and among others.
What Magnification Do You Need?
The 450 Bushmaster is a great and versatile round suitable for big game hunting. Being a short and medium-range cartridge, you will only need a moderate magnification as too much optical power will be an overkill. Typically, a variable-powered scope with 3-9x or 4-12x magnification will suffice.
First Focal Plane or Second Focal Plane
Given that the 450 Bushmaster is a medium-range round with an effective shooting distance of about 250 yards, choosing between a first or a second focal plane scope will largely depend on individual preference.
A first focal plane scope means that the reticle shrinks or increases in size with a change in magnification. Typically, first focal plane scopes are the best for long-range shooting as they account for windage and holdover.
On the other hand, a second focal plane reticle maintains a constant size irrespective of the change in magnification. This means that it stays visibly clear at short ranges for greater shooting accuracy.
Read: Best Binoculars for Elk Hunting
Final Shot
The .450 Bushmaster is a versatile cartridge that deserves an equally versatile and reliable scope. The Best 450 Bushmaster scopes we have mentioned above offer the features you require to push your 450 Bushmaster to its full potential and make your hunting expeditions more rewarding.
Irrespective of the model that you end up choosing, we do hope that this guide has given you the insight into the best 450 Bushmaster scope. Which scope will you get for your .450 Bushmaster?