shooting the 450 bushmaster?

[wilsonpenfam]

Is anyone shooting the new 450 bushmaster cartridge? if so how do you like the accuracy, price of ammo, performance? have you used it to hunt big game with?

[Colorado Osprey]

With the .451-.452 use of pistol bullets, I'm not sure I would take it big game hunting. Rifle 45 cal bullets like the 45/70 use .458 bullets with heavier jackets.

[Troublco]

The bullet issue was one of the big reasons I wound up going with a .458 SOCOM. The pistol bullets limit the weight of available bullets. I didn't want to try using a pistol bullet on big game out too far. Having said all that, within its limitations I've heard it works quite well but have not shot it myself.

Here's a link to the 450 Bushmaster Forum for more info:

http://450bushmaster.net/

[claimbuster]

Been hunting pigs with the 450 Bushy for two years. Killed four pigs with it so far. Four pigs, three shots. First two were killed at 160 +/- yds. with two quick shots. Two killed this past spring with one shot.

?????

A 250gr. FTX after passing through two small-medium pigs (100-120#). Bullet lodged in hide on opposite side of second pig after passing through the first. It fell out when we were skinning him.

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r258/jfwest/DSC_1690.jpg

You can use pistol bullets but why? The 250 gr. FTX was made for the Bushy.

The Bushy is a keeper in my book and will be back chasing pigs down in central Texas next spring.

You asked about accuracy, maybe this photo helps. BTW, that is 7 shots at 100 yds. I'm loading Hornady's 250gr. FTX over Lil' Gun.

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r258/jfwest/P1000025.jpg

[Colohunter]

My 450 is very accurate, I took it Elk hunting last year, but didn't have an opportunity to try it out. I would not be hesitant to shoot and Elk with it under 300 yards. After that the trajectory would need a little more calculation.

There is a 450 forum, some of those guys talked about swaging the .458 bullets down to use, but you really need a rifle length gas system rather than the carbine length that the rifles come with. (Even the 20" uppers from BM have a carbine gas system with a mock gas block at the rifle position.)