The .450 Bushmaster is a powerful, large-caliber cartridge that was designed for hunting large game, self-defense, and tactical applications. The versatility of this round makes it suitable for a variety of firearms, but one important consideration for any shooter or hunter is the barrel length.
Choosing the right barrel length can have a significant impact on velocity, accuracy, recoil, and overall performance. In this blog, we’ll explore the different barrel length options for the .450 Bushmaster—10.5", 16", 18", and 20"—and discuss the pros and cons of each. By the end, you'll have a clearer understanding of which option might be best suited for your needs.
Barrel Lengths for .450 Bushmaster: A Quick Overview
The .450 Bushmaster cartridge is capable of delivering impressive power, and the barrel length can affect its velocity, accuracy, and overall handling. Here's a quick look at the options:
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10.5" Barrel
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16" Barrel
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18" Barrel
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20" Barrel
Each length offers different trade-offs when it comes to performance, maneuverability, and specific use cases.
1. 10.5” Barrel: Compact and Tactical
Pros:
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Maneuverability: A 10.5" barrel is the shortest commonly available option for the .450 Bushmaster. This makes it ideal for close-quarter combat (CQB), tactical situations, or hunters who need to move through dense brush.
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Reduced Weight: The shorter barrel results in a lighter firearm, which can be a benefit for hunters or shooters on long treks or in scenarios requiring a quick draw.
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Shorter Sight Radius: Although not ideal for long-range accuracy, the shorter sight radius is sufficient for close-range encounters.
Cons:
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Reduced Velocity: With a shorter barrel, you lose velocity, which is critical for maximizing the effectiveness of the .450 Bushmaster. Expect a decrease in muzzle velocity, which could mean less kinetic energy on target and potentially reduced accuracy at longer ranges.
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Increased Recoil: A shorter barrel can exacerbate recoil, making the rifle more challenging to control, especially when shooting multiple rounds in quick succession.
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Reduced Accuracy at Longer Ranges: The 10.5" barrel is best suited for short-range work. If you're planning to use your rifle for longer-range shots, this barrel length may not provide the level of accuracy you're looking for.
Ideal Use:
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Close-range tactical situations (self-defense, home defense)
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Hunting in dense woods or areas where mobility is key
Pros:
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Good Velocity and Energy: The 16" barrel strikes a balance between velocity and portability. You still get a decent velocity boost over the 10.5" barrel, which can translate into better energy downrange and increased accuracy at medium ranges.
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Moderate Recoil: The recoil is more manageable compared to the shorter barrel, making this a good compromise for shooters who want better control while still keeping the gun fairly compact.
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Versatile Use: This barrel length is versatile enough for a wide range of applications, from hunting to tactical use. It's the most common length for rifles chambered in .450 Bushmaster.
Cons:
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Limited Range: Although it offers better performance than the 10.5" barrel, the 16" barrel may still not be the best choice for long-range precision shooting, especially if you're trying to make shots over 200 yards.
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Still a Bit Bulky: While it's more portable than a 20" barrel, the 16" barrel might still feel a little large for some, particularly if you need to maneuver quickly in tight spaces.
Ideal Use:
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A mix of hunting and tactical applications
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Medium-range shooting (100-200 yards)
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Situations where portability and performance need to be balanced
3. 18” Barrel: Extended Range with Better Stability
Pros:
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Improved Velocity: The 18" barrel strikes an excellent middle ground, providing a noticeable increase in velocity over the 16" version. The extra length improves muzzle velocity, which can mean more effective energy on target.
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Better Accuracy: A longer barrel provides a more stable platform, improving accuracy, especially for those who want to stretch their shots a little farther (200-300 yards).
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Manageable Recoil: The increased length also helps tame recoil, making it easier to handle compared to shorter barrels.
Cons:
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Increased Length and Weight: At 18", the rifle becomes noticeably longer and heavier, which may sacrifice some portability.
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Slightly Less Maneuverable: While it still offers relatively good maneuverability compared to the 20" barrel, it might not be the best option for very tight spaces or fast-paced tactical situations.
Ideal Use:
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Hunting large game at medium to long ranges
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Precision shooting at 200-300 yards
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Shooters who prioritize both performance and accuracy but can handle a slightly heavier rifle
4. 20” Barrel: Maximum Performance
Pros:
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Maximum Muzzle Velocity: A 20" barrel will extract the maximum potential from the .450 Bushmaster cartridge. Expect the best possible velocity and energy, making it the most powerful option for both accuracy and downrange performance.
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Best for Long-Range: If you're targeting game at 300 yards or more, the 20" barrel is the top choice. It will maintain a flatter trajectory and ensure maximum power at longer distances.
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Enhanced Accuracy: The increased barrel length provides a longer sight radius, improving your accuracy and precision, especially with optics.
Cons:
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Increased Length and Weight: This is the longest and heaviest option. The 20" barrel sacrifices mobility for performance, making it less suitable for tactical operations or hunting in dense forests.
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Less Maneuverability: While it offers superior performance, the 20" barrel is less maneuverable in tight spaces or for quick follow-up shots.
Ideal Use:
Conclusion: Which Barrel Length is Best for You?
Choosing the right barrel length for your .450 Bushmaster rifle boils down to what you intend to use it for:
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10.5” Barrel: Best for close-range tactical situations where maneuverability and compactness are key.
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16” Barrel: A solid all-around choice for hunting, tactical applications, and medium-range shooting.
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18” Barrel: Offers improved velocity and accuracy for longer-range hunting and shooting.
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20” Barrel: Ideal for long-range precision shooting where maximum velocity and accuracy are required.
If you're looking for a balanced rifle that can handle a variety of situations, the 16” barrel is probably your best bet. However, if you're focused on long-range hunting or shooting, the 20” barrel will provide the best performance. The 18” barrel offers a nice compromise between performance and handling, making it an excellent choice for shooters who want a bit more range without sacrificing too much maneuverability.
No matter what length you choose, the .450 Bushmaster is a formidable cartridge, and the right barrel length will depend on your specific needs and shooting style. Happy shooting!
