.450 Bushmaster Ballistics
Big-bore thumper designed by Tim LeGendre and Hornady for large game at moderate range. Common in straight-wall states for deer hunting. Uses standard AR-15 bolt with dedicated magazines.
Cartridge Specifications
Common Bullet Weights and Types
Muzzle Velocity by Barrel Length
Muzzle Energy by Barrel Length
Bullet Drop Table
Values in inches. 16-inch barrel reference data. Positive values rise above line of sight, negative values fall below.
| Load | Zero | 100 yd | 200 yd | 300 yd | 400 yd | 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 158 gr FTX | 200 yd | 2.8 | 0 | -14 | -42 | - |
| 250 gr FTX | 200 yd | 3.5 | 0 | -16 | -47.5 | - |
| 260 gr Fusion | 200 yd | 3.7 | 0 | -16.5 | -49 | - |
Wind Drift at 10 mph Crosswind
Drift in inches at a 90 degree full value wind. Estimated from muzzle velocity and G1 ballistic coefficient.
| Load | 100 yd | 200 yd | 300 yd | 400 yd | 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 158 gr FTX | 9.4 | 18.8 | 28.2 | 37.6 | 47 |
| 250 gr FTX | 10.3 | 20.6 | 30.8 | 41.1 | 51.4 |
| 260 gr Fusion | 10.4 | 20.8 | 31.2 | 41.6 | 52 |
Effective Range by Application
Barrel Twist Rate Recommendations
Published Load Data
| Weight | Type | Barrel | MV (fps) | ME (ft-lb) | BC (G1) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 158 gr | FTX | 16 in | 2,350 | 1,937 | 0.21 | Hornady .450 Bushmaster 158gr FTX published load data |
| 158 gr | FTX | 18 in | 2,400 | 2,020 | 0.21 | Hornady .450 Bushmaster 158gr FTX published load data |
| 158 gr | FTX | 20 in | 2,450 | 2,105 | 0.21 | Hornady .450 Bushmaster 158gr FTX published load data |
| 250 gr | FTX | 16 in | 2,150 | 2,566 | 0.21 | Hornady .450 Bushmaster 250gr FTX published load data |
| 250 gr | FTX | 18 in | 2,200 | 2,686 | 0.21 | Hornady .450 Bushmaster 250gr FTX published load data |
| 250 gr | FTX | 20 in | 2,240 | 2,785 | 0.21 | Hornady .450 Bushmaster 250gr FTX published load data |
| 260 gr | Fusion | 16 in | 2,100 | 2,546 | 0.215 | Federal Fusion .450 Bushmaster 260gr published specs |
| 260 gr | Fusion | 18 in | 2,150 | 2,668 | 0.215 | Federal Fusion .450 Bushmaster 260gr published specs |
| 260 gr | Fusion | 20 in | 2,190 | 2,768 | 0.215 | Federal Fusion .450 Bushmaster 260gr published specs |
Data Disclaimer
Ballistic data is approximate and varies by ammunition lot, barrel condition, altitude, and temperature. Data sourced from Hornady .450 Bushmaster 158gr FTX published load data; Hornady .450 Bushmaster 250gr FTX published load data; Federal Fusion .450 Bushmaster 260gr published specs. Always confirm zero and trajectory with your specific firearm.
Pick the right barrel
Twist rate should match the bullet weights you plan to shoot. See barrel steel grades, profiles, chamber types, and twist rate guidance on the barrel specs page, then jump into the builder to filter barrels chambered in .450 Bushmaster.