The .450 Bushmaster is a powerful, hard-hitting cartridge designed for medium to large game at relatively short ranges. Its significant recoil and specific ballistic profile demand an optic that is not only durable enough to withstand the punishment but also features a reticle optimized for its quick drop. Choosing the wrong scope can lead to missed opportunities and frustration in the field.
Whether you’re hunting in dense brush or pursuing a trophy in open timber, the right sighting system is crucial for harnessing the full potential of this formidable round. From close-quarters red dots to versatile low-power variable optics and traditional hunting scopes, we’ve compiled a list of top-tier options to ensure your 450 Bushmaster is accurately and reliably topped.
Our Top Picks for 450 Bushmaster Scopes
- Aimpoint CompM4s Red Dot Reflex Sight
- Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9×50 SFP Riflescope
- BURRIS FullField II 3-9×40 Rifle Scope
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
- Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm Riflescope
- Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9×40 BDC Reticle
- Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle 3-9×40
- Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm SFP Rifle Scope
Aimpoint CompM4s Red Dot Reflex Sight
For fast, close-range engagements typical in thick brush, the Aimpoint CompM4s is an outstanding choice. This red dot sight offers unlimited eye relief and a parallax-free design, allowing for rapid target acquisition on moving game. Its robust construction is built to military standards, ensuring it can handle the sharp recoil of the 450 Bushmaster without losing zero.
The advanced lens system provides exceptional light transmission and optical clarity, while the 2 MOA dot is precise enough for accurate shots at moderate distances. With an incredibly long battery life, this sight is ready for action whenever you are. The included anti-reflective device helps conceal your position from game.
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 3-9×50
The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9×50 is a fantastic all-around hunting scope for the 450 Bushmaster. The large 50mm objective lens gathers ample light, making it effective during the low-light conditions of dawn and dusk. It features a forgiving eye box and long eye relief, which is a significant safety benefit on a hard-kicking rifle.
This model comes with the Straight-Wall BDC reticle, which is specifically calibrated for the trajectory of cartridges like the 450 Bushmaster. The fully multi-coated lenses enhance light transmission and provide bright, clear sight pictures. It’s a solid, reliable scope that offers excellent performance for its category.
BURRIS FullField II 3-9×40 Rifle Scope
The Burris FullField II has long been a trusted name among hunters seeking premium features without a premium price. Its high-grade optical glass delivers excellent brightness and clarity, which is further improved by Hi-Lume multicoating for enhanced performance in low-light situations and reduced glare.
This scope uses larger, precision-ground lenses for superior light transmission compared to many scopes in its class. The durable one-piece tube and positive steel-on-steel windage and elevation adjustments provide reliable and repeatable performance, shot after shot, making it a dependable partner for your Bushmaster.
Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Leupold is synonymous with American-made quality and rugged reliability. The VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm is built to be lightweight and tough, featuring the Twilight Light Management System to extend shooting light in the critical minutes at dawn and dusk. Its scratch-resistant lenses are guaranteed for life.
With a waterproof and fog-proof construction, this scope is ready for any weather condition you encounter in the field. The generous eye relief is particularly welcome on a .450 Bushmaster, and the crisp, clean reticle options provide a clear aiming point for making an accurate shot.
Sig Sauer Whiskey3 3-9x40mm Riflescope
Sig Sauer brings its expertise in precision optics to the hunting world with the Whiskey3. This scope offers a versatile 3-9x magnification range ideal for the effective range of the 450 Bushmaster. It is built on a 1-inch main tube and is both waterproof and shockproof.
The Whiskey3 features fully multi-coated lenses for maximum brightness and a non-slip zoom ring for easy magnification changes. Its intuitive controls and reliable construction make it a solid, no-nonsense optic that will perform reliably on your heavy-hitting rifle.
Nikon Buckmasters II 3-9×40 BDC Reticle
While Nikon has exited the riflescope market, the Buckmasters II remains a popular and capable used or closeout option. It is known for its exceptional optical clarity and bright sight picture, thanks to Nikon’s fully multi-coated lenses and high-quality glass.
The BDC reticle is designed to help compensate for bullet drop, which is useful for the arcing trajectory of the .450 Bushmaster at longer distances. As a durable and well-respected scope from a renowned optics company, it continues to be a valuable find for hunters.
Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Multi-X Reticle 3-9×40
The Bushnell Banner series is specifically engineered for performance in low-light conditions, a key consideration for many hunters. The Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coating is applied to the lenses to maximize light transmission when game is most active.
This scope provides a good balance of features and affordability. It is built to be waterproof and fog-proof, and the Multi-X reticle offers a simple, uncluttered aiming point for fast shooting. It’s a practical and effective scope for the budget-conscious hunter.
Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm SFP Rifle Scope
For the hunter who wants maximum versatility, the Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm is an excellent Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO). On 1x power, it functions like a red dot for lightning-fast close-range shots. You can then zoom up to 6x magnification for more precise shots at distance.
These scopes are known for their durability and clear optics. The illuminated reticle options are beneficial in low light, and the true 1x setting makes target acquisition very quick. An LPVO like this provides a fantastic “do-it-all” solution for a .450 Bushmaster rifle used in varied environments.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Scope For 450 Bushmaster Rifle
Choosing the best scope for your 450 Bushmaster rifle isn’t just about picking the one with the highest price tag. It’s about matching the optic to the cartridge’s unique characteristics and your primary shooting application. The 450 Bushmaster is a hard-hitting, short-to-medium range cartridge known for its effectiveness on large game like deer and boar. Because of this, your scope needs to be tough, clear, and suited for relatively close, fast shots. Here’s what I always consider.
First, think about magnification. For most hunting scenarios with the 450 Bushmaster, you don’t need a high-power scope. A low-power variable optic (LPVO) in the 1-4x, 1-6x, or 1-8x range is often the perfect fit. This gives you a wide, fast field of view for close-range brush shooting at 1x power, but you can easily zoom in for a more precise shot out to 150-200 yards. A fixed power scope, like a 3x prism, is also a solid, simple option.
Next, the reticle is critical. I prefer a reticle that helps me take advantage of the cartridge’s trajectory. A simple duplex is fine, but a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) reticle calibrated for the 450 Bushmaster’s heavy drop is a game-changer. It provides holdover points so you can aim directly on target at various distances without fiddling with turrets. Make sure the reticle is in the second focal plane (SFP); this keeps the reticle size constant and easy to see at low power, which is where you’ll need it most.
Durability and construction are non-negotiable. The 450 Bushmaster generates significant recoil, so your scope must be built to handle it. Look for scopes made from a single piece of 30mm or 34mm aircraft-grade aluminum tube. Gas purging with argon or nitrogen is essential for fog-proof performance, and fully multi-coated lenses maximize light transmission for those crucial low-light moments at dawn and dusk.
Finally, don’t forget about eye relief. A scope with generous, consistent eye relief (I look for at least 3.5 inches) is a must for a stout recoiling rifle like this. It keeps the scope from getting too close and personal with your eyebrow during firing. By balancing these factors—magnification, reticle, durability, and eye relief—you can confidently select a scope that turns your 450 Bushmaster into a highly effective tool for the field.
FAQ
What magnification range is best for a 450 Bushmaster?
For the vast majority of hunting situations, a low-power variable optic (LPVO) is the best scope for a 450 Bushmaster rifle. I find that a 1-4x, 1-6x, or 1-8x scope offers the perfect versatility. You can use the 1x setting like a red dot for quick shots in thick cover, and then dial up the magnification for a more precise aim on a deer standing at 150 yards. High magnification scopes (like 4-16x) are overkill for this cartridge’s effective range.
Is a BDC reticle necessary for the 450 Bushmaster?
It’s not strictly necessary, but I think it’s a huge advantage. The 450 Bushmaster bullet drops significantly past 150 yards. A BDC reticle that is specifically calibrated for common 450 Bushmaster loads gives you instant holdover points. This means you don’t have to guess how high to aim or waste time adjusting turrets; you just use the corresponding reticle mark for the distance. It makes ethical, longer-range shots much faster and more confident.
How important is eye relief on a 450 Bushmaster scope?
Extremely important. This is a cartridge with substantial recoil. A scope with short eye relief can lead to a nasty cut on your brow, a condition often called “scope bite.” I always recommend looking for a scope that offers a minimum of 3.5 inches of eye relief. This provides a safe and comfortable buffer between you and the scope during recoil, making for a much more pleasant shooting experience.
Can I use a red dot sight on my 450 Bushmaster?
You absolutely can, especially if you only plan on taking shots inside of 100 yards. A quality red dot is very fast for close-range target acquisition. However, you give up any magnification for making precise shots at longer distances. For the ultimate versatility across the 450 Bushmaster’s entire effective range, I believe a low-power variable scope is a better all-around choice.
What is the effective range of a 450 Bushmaster for hunting?
While the cartridge is capable of reaching out further, its practical and ethical hunting range on medium to large game is generally considered to be around 250 yards. The bullet experiences a steep drop in trajectory and energy beyond that point. Most hunters, myself included, try to set up shots within 150-200 yards to ensure a clean, humane harvest. This limited range is another reason why a high-magnification scope is unnecessary.