When it comes to rifles, it's essential to understand the difference between calibers to make the right choice. Two calibers that have gained significant popularity in recent times are the 450 Bushmaster and 224 Valkyrie. In this article, we'll discuss the origins, specifications, and potential uses of both the calibers, helping you make a well-informed decision.
Origin:
The 450 Bushmaster caliber was developed in 2007 by the legendary gun designer, Tim LeGendre. The initial purpose of this caliber was to meet the legal requirements for deer hunting in states such as Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana, where shotgun hunting was allowed, but not rifle hunting. Tim LeGendre's idea was to develop a big bore cartridge that can function through an AR-15 platform, leading to the birth of the 450 Bushmaster.
The 224 Valkyrie caliber, on the other hand, was launched by Federal Premium Ammunition in 2017. This caliber's primary aim was to provide a long-range, high-velocity cartridge for hunters and shooters who prefer AR-15-style rifles.
Specifications:
The 450 Bushmaster cartridge measures .452 inches in diameter, with an overall length of 2.26 inches. It has a maximum pressure of 38,500 pounds per square inch (psi), and the bullet weight ranges between 200-300 grains. The muzzle velocity for 450 Bushmaster rounds ranges from 1,800-2,200 feet per second (fps), with an energy range of 2,000-2,800 foot-pounds (ft-lbs).
On the other hand, the 224 Valkyrie caliber measures .224 inches in diameter, with an overall length of 2.26 inches. It has a maximum pressure of 55,000 psi and bullet weights range from 60-90 grains. The muzzle velocity of the 224 Valkyrie rounds ranges from 2,800-3,300 fps, with an energy range of 1,450-1,500 ft-lbs.
Potential Uses:
The 450 Bushmaster caliber is ideal for short-range shooting, making it an excellent choice for deer and hog hunting in the dense woods of the eastern United States. This caliber can effectively take down large game animals at a maximum distance of 200 yards.
On the other hand, the 224 Valkyrie caliber is perfect for long-range shooting, making it an excellent choice for shooting sports such as PRS, varmint hunting, and precision rifle shooting. This caliber can shoot accurately at distances of up to 1,000 yards.
In conclusion, both the 450 Bushmaster and 224 Valkyrie calibers are excellent choices for hunting and shooting. Moriarti Armaments is here to assist you in choosing your favorite AR-15 platform caliber, the choice of caliber is yours.