Best .450 Bushmaster Magazines: Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

The .450 Bushmaster is a respectable and yet hugely overlooked round. Its purpose is to provide the AR-15 with much more firepower to bring down big game on the North American continent. Today the .450 is available for many firearms beyond the AR-15, including bolt action rifles such as the Ruger GSR and the Ruger American.

Here’s a summary of our top .450 Bushmaster magazine picks:

Summary Table of the .450 Bushmaster Magazines

	ASC .450 Bushmaster Magazine	5 rounds Durable 410 stainless steel body will be long lasting and rust and corrosion resistant Comes with a self-lubricating marlube finish Follower is polymer	$30 Shop NowClick to read my review
	D&H .450 Bushmaster Magazine	4 rounds Made in the United States Built out of aircraft grade aluminum Not ideal for tactical uses as four rounds is rather low	$26 Shop NowClick to read my review
	Bushmaster .450 Bushmaster Magazine	5 rounds Single stack follower ensures good reliability Stainless steel construction is very sturdy and corrosion resistant 5 rounds is not ideal for tactical or non-hunting scenarios	$28 Shop NowClick to read my review
	C Products Defense .450 Bushmaster Magazine	5 or 7 rounds The special black hard coating of CPD ensures smooth operation Internal bracing has been improved to prevent unwanted jam Some AR-15s may have issues with external dimensions	$32 Shop NowClick to read my review
	Duramag .450 Bushmaster Stainless Steel Rifle Magazine	Smooth and reliable feeding Thick corrosion-resistant coating and sturdy construction Internal bracing prevents double-stacking Often out of stock	$24 Shop NowClick to read my review

.450 Bushmaster Quick History

The .450 Bushmaster was developed by Tim LeGendre in collaboration with LeMag Firearms. It earned its name because it is officially licensed through Bushmaster Firearms International.

LeGendre designed the .450 Bushmaster to be compatible with standard AR-15 (as well as M16 and M4) rifles. All that’s required is a new upper receiver assembly and likely a new magazine (we’ll discuss magazines in detail later). The inspiration for the round originally came from the renowned firearms expert Jeff Cooper, who had a profound influence on modern firearm tactics.

Cooper appreciated the AR-15 platform but found the 5.56x45mm NATO and .223 Remington rounds insufficient for hunting large North American game. He advocated for a larger caliber, which led LeGendre to create the .45 Professional cartridge based on Cooper’s vision. Bushmaster then worked with Hornady to shorten this cartridge slightly to accommodate a flex-tipped bullet, resulting in the .450 Bushmaster we use today. Essentially, the .450 Bushmaster is a shortened version of the .45 Professional.

Why Go with the .450 Bushmaster Round?

In many respects, the .450 Bushmaster is similar to the .45-70 Government: it’s not a caliber known for long-range performance. However, at moderate distances, it delivers significant stopping power. It’s capable of taking down large game animals such as grizzly bears and moose.

If you own an AR-15 chambered in 5.56 and are looking to upgrade it for hunting big game in North America, converting to .450 Bushmaster components can be an effective solution (you’ll mainly need to replace the upper receiver). Although you can use 5.56 magazines with .450 Bushmaster rounds, investing in dedicated .450 Bushmaster magazines is generally a better choice to ensure reliable feeding. While the .450 rounds will fit into 5.56 magazines, they may not feed consistently.

The .450 Bushmaster is a high-pressure round designed to propel .452” bullets efficiently. It provides a flat trajectory out to about 200 yards. By zeroing your .450 Bushmaster at 150 yards, you can anticipate a drop of nearly five inches at 200 yards and a rise of just under two inches at 100 yards. Like the .45-70 Government, the .450 Bushmaster is not a precision round for long-range shooting but excels in delivering powerful impacts at moderate distances.

The .450 Bushmaster Usefulness

Currently, the AR-15 platform is the most prevalent rifle system for the .450 Bushmaster cartridge, and the magazines we will review later are all designed specifically for the AR-15.

Technically, the .450 Bushmaster can fit as a single-stack round in double-stack 5.56 AR-15 magazines. A 30-round 5.56 magazine can hold 13 rounds of .450 Bushmaster, a 20-round magazine can hold 9 rounds, and a 10-round magazine can accommodate 5 rounds.

However, while 5.56 magazines can physically hold .450 Bushmaster rounds, they may not feed reliably. Metal GI-style magazines are generally more compatible with .450 Bushmaster than polymer options like those from Lancer or Magpul. For optimal performance and reliability in your .450 Bushmaster AR, it’s best to use magazines specifically designed for this cartridge. We also offer additional guides on related topics, such as .450 Bushmaster muzzle brakes.

If you’re planning to convert your 5.56 AR to .450 Bushmaster, it’s advisable to stock up on a variety of magazines. This brings us to our next subjectU

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How Many Magazines Do You Really Need?

Having a good supply of spare magazines is always a wise decision for several reasons.

Magazines can experience wear and tear, such as external damage or weakened springs, which can lead to feeding problems. Additionally, magazines can easily be misplaced or lost. The .450 Bushmaster faces the added challenge of being less popular than rounds like 5.56 or .308. Consequently, manufacturers prioritize producing magazines for these more common calibers first. Therefore, if there were ever a shortage, .450 Bushmaster magazines might be harder to find compared to more widely used options.

The real question is not whether you should stock up on extra magazines, but how many you should have on hand. I recommend having about five magazines per caliber. While this may seem excessive to some, it ensures that you always have a few reliable magazines available, even if one or two fail. Fortunately, magazines are relatively affordable, so it’s not necessary to cut back on this essential item.

Buyer’s Guide the Best .450 Bushmaster Magazines

These are the most important factors to consider when looking for a new magazine for your .450 Bushmaster rifle:

Materials

Magazines are generally constructed from either robust polymer or aluminum. Both materials are effective, but they have different characteristics. Aluminum magazines tend to be more durable and have a longer lifespan, though they are heavier.

On the other hand, polymer magazines, like those produced by Lancer or Magpul, are popular for their quality and lighter weight.

Feeding and Design

Many magazines designed specifically for the .450 Bushmaster struggle with feeding issues due to flaws in the feed lips or the follower design.

Therefore, simply purchasing a magazine labeled for .450 Bushmaster does not guarantee reliable performance. It’s essential to conduct thorough research to ensure you select a magazine that will function effectively—like the top three options we will explore later.

Capacity

Similar to other AR-15 magazines, .450 Bushmaster magazines come in various sizes. However, magazines holding fewer than ten rounds are quite common for this caliber. This is because the .450 Bushmaster is primarily used for hunting rather than tactical applications.

The 5 Best .450 Bushmaster Magazines

Having discussed what to consider when choosing a magazine and the advantages and disadvantages of the .450 Bushmaster round, here is a list of the best .450 Bushmaster magazines available on the market today:

Ammunition Storage Components .450 Bushmaster Magazine 5 Round

This is a five-round AR-15 magazine designed specifically for the .450 Bushmaster round, manufactured by ASC (Ammunition Storage Company). Constructed from 410 stainless steel, it offers excellent resistance to rust and corrosion while being sturdy enough to handle the .450 Bushmaster cartridge. The magazine is further treated chemically to enhance its rust and corrosion resistance, addressing a common issue with metal magazines.

Additionally, ASC applies a marlube finish to these magazines, providing self-lubricating properties that prevent chipping from extended use. This finish also helps the magazine repair minor scratches on its own. The magazine’s curved design ensures a comfortable grip.

The follower is made of polymer rather than metal, but it features an effective anti-tilt mechanism. The floorplate is constructed from durable 300 stainless steel.

In summary, the ASC .450 Bushmaster magazine offers several valuable features, including a self-lubricating finish, a stainless steel body, and a non-reflective surface to minimize glare. It is a durable and cost-effective choice for a .450 Bushmaster rifle, ideal for those seeking a magazine that resists wear and tear.

D&H .450 Bushmaster 4 Round AR-15 Magazine

D&H earns a spot on this list due to the extensive craftsmanship that goes into each of their magazines. Based in Wisconsin, D&H products are proudly American-made and constructed from high-grade aircraft aluminum and steel, heat-treated for exceptional durability. This level of quality is comparable to the standards used in making the AR-15 itself, not just its magazines.

Additionally, D&H rigorously tests samples from each production batch, subjecting them to various stresses and environmental conditions to ensure reliable performance. Each magazine is also Teflon hard coat anodized on the exterior to provide complete resistance against rust and corrosion.

The main drawback of this magazine is its four-round capacity, which, while adequate for hunting, is relatively low for other uses, such as tactical applications. For comparison, 5.56 magazines can hold more .450 rounds.

Although the D&H magazine’s four-round capacity might not be ideal for tactical scenarios, it is undeniably well-crafted and durable. Priced as the most affordable option on this list, the D&H magazine stands out for its high-quality materials and rigorous testing, making it a top contender among .450 Bushmaster magazines.

Bushmaster .450 Bushmaster AR-15 Magazine

For those who prefer to use factory components, the Bushmaster .450 AR-15 magazine is a solid option for your Bushmaster .450 rifle. Established in 1973 and headquartered in North Carolina, Bushmaster has become synonymous with the AR-15 platform.

This five-round magazine is not ideal for tactical use due to its capacity, but it is well-suited for hunting. Its lower capacity also makes it compliant with regulations in states that restrict high-capacity magazines.

The design of this magazine is based on the classic USGI AR-15 magazine style. It is made from robust, rust-resistant stainless steel and features a standard black finish that minimizes glare and helps reduce sunlight reflection.

If you’re seeking a magazine for your .450 Bushmaster AR-15 that combines a classic look with durable construction, the Bushmaster magazine is an excellent choice.

C Products Defense .450 Bushmaster Magazine

C Products Defense utilizes some of the most advanced manufacturing technologies available, and their magazines, known as Duramag, are among the most durable on the market. Consequently, the C Products Defense .450 Bushmaster magazines are an excellent choice.

These magazines feature corrosion-resistant and friction-reducing finishes typical of high-quality magazines. They are specifically designed with dimensions that accommodate .450 Bushmaster rounds. The manufacturer uses a special 0.02 gauge stainless steel to enhance internal dimensions, allowing for improved round stacking and significantly reducing the risk of jams. The 400 series heat-treated stainless steel also has a matte black finish, which minimizes glare and visibility.

Instead of simply adapting a standard AR-15 magazine with a .450 Bushmaster follower, the body of this magazine is engineered to fit the flat .450 Bushmaster cartridge case. Additionally, the follower’s internal bracing is reinforced to provide better round stabilization.

As a result, this .450 Bushmaster magazine is more durable and feeds more reliably than many other options. However, it cannot be converted to a standard AR-15 magazine, and its external dimensions may not fit all AR-15s.

In summary, CPD magazines stand out for their advanced features and long-lasting performance, making them an exceptional choice.

Duramag .450 Bushmaster Stainless Steel Rifle Magazine

The magazine’s reliability comes from the fact that the magazine body is built to accommodate the followers of huge bore magazines. It is made of heat-treated steel with a manganese phosphate finish, making it very durable and resistant to corrosion in high-stress tactical or target situations.

In addition, your magazine will be safe from damage over long days at the range thanks to the steel floor plate. High-stress target and defensive situations won’t affect the smoothness or reliability of the feeding, thanks to the steel spring and follower and steel feed lips.

The large bore magazines have the same solid, familiar feel as standard AR-15 magazines. You won’t notice significant differences when handling the weapon if you’re used to operating conventional magazines and AR-15 controls.

Wrap Up: Best .450 Bushmaster Magazines

Remember that the reliability of your rifle is only as strong as its weakest component, which is often the magazine. Even the highest-quality, most dependable rifle will not function properly if paired with subpar magazines.

Additionally, with the .450 Bushmaster round, you need to be particularly cautious. While there are many high-quality magazines designed for the 5.56 that might seem compatible, they don’t always work reliably with the .450 Bushmaster. Always verify compatibility before purchasing.

The magazines discussed here are both affordable and reliable, and any one of them should serve you well for an extended period.

You might also like to read:

• Best .450 Bushmaster Muzzle Brakes
• Ruger American Predator Hands-On Review: Best Budget Rifle?
• Best .450 Bushmaster Barrels