450 Bushmaster Made My AR 3x More Powerful

Published on March 22, 2023
Duration: 14:26

This guide details converting an AR-15 to fire the .450 Bushmaster cartridge, primarily as a compliance measure for ATF pistol brace regulations. It involves installing a 16-inch or longer .450 Bushmaster upper receiver. The video also highlights the cartridge's effectiveness for hunting in 'straight-wall' states and discusses a 'scope eye' injury as a cautionary tale regarding recoil management.

Quick Summary

The .450 Bushmaster cartridge significantly increases an AR-15's power, using heavy 250-300 grain bullets at ~2200 fps. It's ideal for hunting larger game and complies with 'straight-wall' cartridge regulations in many states. Conversion involves installing a 16-inch minimum barrel upper receiver.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and 'Scope Eye' Injury
  2. 01:08ATF Pistol Brace Ban Context
  3. 03:41Cartridge Comparison: .223 vs .450 Bushmaster
  4. 05:08Popularity and 'Straight-Wall' States
  5. 06:21The 'Scope Eye' Incident Explained
  6. 07:46Accuracy and Affordable .450 Bushmaster Options
  7. 09:40Power Testing and Ballistics Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make my AR-15 more powerful?

One effective method is converting your AR-15 to fire the .450 Bushmaster cartridge. This involves installing a .450 Bushmaster upper receiver with a barrel at least 16 inches long, significantly increasing projectile size and energy compared to standard AR-15 calibers like .223 Remington.

What are the benefits of the .450 Bushmaster cartridge?

The .450 Bushmaster offers substantially more power, using heavier bullets (250-300 grains) at high velocities (around 2200 fps). This makes it ideal for hunting larger game and effective in states with 'straight-wall' cartridge hunting regulations.

Is the .450 Bushmaster suitable for AR-15 platforms?

Yes, the .450 Bushmaster is designed to function within the AR-15 platform, often requiring a specific upper receiver assembly. It provides a significant power upgrade, making an AR-15 more capable for hunting and defense applications.

What is 'scope eye' and how can it be avoided?

'Scope eye' is an injury from a rifle scope hitting the shooter's face during recoil. It's often caused by improper stock fit or excessive recoil. Using appropriate shooting techniques, ensuring proper eye relief on your scope, and using a stock designed for the firearm's recoil can help prevent it.

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