6 Best 450 Bushmaster Barrels in 2022 – A Comprehensive Guide

Benefits of Upgrading your .450 Bushmaster Barrel

The .450 Bushmaster was created as an alternative to the .45-70 Government and is a bigger and more powerful round that can take on large game targets. However, the basic premise hasn’t changed much since then. Nonetheless, there are several advantages that come with upgrading your barrel to accommodate such a powerful cartridge.

Bigger Game Hunting

As mentioned earlier, the .450 Bushmaster’s origin is rooted in the desire to hunt larger game and it acts as a simple entryway for hunters to take down large games, like a grizzly bear.

Legality

Depending on your state and their respective complicated legislation, the .450 Bushmaster might just be the only way for you to effectively hunt a deer with a rifle that’s within legal parameters i.e. longer than 16”.

Compatibility

The ability to hunt larger game can be as simple as upgrading your existing rifle and setup without making too many changes.

Preferable to a Shotgun

Of course, not everyone will agree to this point. Nonetheless, many will still find using a .450 Bushmaster on a rifle preferable to using it on a shotgun. This could also be an alternative route to complying with legislation.

Factors to Consider when Buying Bushmaster .450 Barrels

Before you purchase, you should be sure to keep the following considerations in mind:

Barrel Length

You must first consider the length as it’ll play a huge role in terms of maneuverability, accuracy, and recoil. In our review below, we will cover barrels ranging from 10 inches to 20 inches for you to pick the best one for your shooting style.

Rifle Build

You might also want to consider the type of rifle you’re using to ensure the barrels you get are not only hitting those specs but enhancing performance. One that might work amazingly on a Remington 700 might not be the best choice for an AR-15.

Recoil Control

Obviously, using ammunition as powerful as this packs a bigger punch and recoil will be a major concern. However, there are a few ways to mitigate this, including a heavier barrel, fluting, and absorption features.

Review of the Best .450 Bushmaster Barrel For Sale

Now that you have a better understanding of the .450 Bushmaster and know why swapping out your barrel to support this ammunition is a good idea, let’s take a look at the best .450 Bushmaster barrels available on the market.

We’ve gathered the best .450 Bushmaster barrels on our list today to enhance a variety of guns, so which would make the best barrel for you will depend on your preference as well as whether you have an AR-15 or Remington 700. For this reason, we’ve highlighted what each barrel is best at in our review below.

1. Brownells Premium – AR-15/M16 .450 Bushmaster Barrel – The Best 450 Bushmaster Overall

Brownells is a popular firearm component supplier and they’ve been in the industry long enough to know what works and what people want. With their extensive knowledge, the company has started producing plenty of great components and this barrel is one such example.

This best .450 bushmaster barrel was machined from 416R gun barrel steel with 5R button rifling under a partnership with Satern Barrels. The barrel features a stainless-steel finish and it looks just as great as it performs. This durable material is also able to resist moisture.

With a 1:20-inch barrel twist, this barrel performs well with a large variety of bullets. You even get a mid-length gas system and muzzle threaded for ¾-24 while the .936 gas blocks are accepted by the gas shoulder. On the opposite end, you’ll find dimples on the product that will help secure the gas block set screws to prevent movement. Included in the package is the bolt for a quick and painless assembly.

All this attention to detail and quality certainly pays off when it comes to shooting. Even with such powerful rounds, this barrel will produce minimal recoil, making it great for using with your scope as you’ll find minimal adjustments needed for the setup.

The 16” length is combined with solid metal construction to lend a heavy profile for great balance. While most should find this advantageous as compared to using longer barrels, this will also introduce a greater need for ear protection as it can get pretty loud.

It is notable that the barrel does appear somewhat over-gassed, of course, this is definitely preferable to the problems faced with under-gassing. Nonetheless, an adjustable gas block can be used as a simple fix for those who are bothered by this.

The bottom line is that the Brownells Premium AR-15/M16 .450 Bushmaster Barrel makes for an excellent opportunity for owners who want to take advantage of the Bushmaster with minimal compromise to their existing shooting style or setup. This barrel handles beautifully in the field.

You would like to this if:

1. You want a barrel that’s easy to assemble and can handle the most powerful ammo with minimal recoil.
2. You want high-quality construction from 416R stainless steel to resist moisture.
3. You want a 16” long barrel that’s well-balanced against its weight.

You might not like this if:

1. You don’t want something that’s somewhat over-gassed.
2. You don’t want to need ear protection as the 16” length creates louder noise.

2. Brownells .450 Bushmaster Barrel Stainless Steel – The Best .450 Ballistics 16 inch Barrel

Yet another barrel from Brownells, this barrel bills itself as more of a budget solution that still offers excellent value compared to similarly priced options. This barrel offers great construction for enhanced durability and performance without costing you an arm or leg.

The barrel features a button-rifled design that’s machined out of stressed-relieved 4150 GBQ mil-spec stainless steel that resists both corrosion and moisture to provide a cleaner experience and easier handling. Brownells even further provided a black nitride-finish coating which adds further protection on top of looking amazing.

This barrel uses a .875-inch gas-block that works great with many aftermarket products. The barrel comes with an 11/16×24 muzzle brake thread pitch and even comes with an 11-degree target crown and a 1:14 barrel twist rate to deliver a powerful and accurate shooting.

Other than that, Brownells has even included a bolt and a three-port muzzle brake to further enhance an already great value and low price. If you’re looking for a budget solution that delivers great quality, then this is definitely the barrel for you. You’ll not likely find another 16-inch solution that offers a better value than this.

The bottom line is that this is an amazing AR-15 .450 Bushmaster barrel for those who want to hunt larger games with their rifles without spending too much on a new barrel. The .450 Bushmaster barrel from Brownells is an excellent option that meets high standards at a lower price tag.

You would like this if:

1. You want a product that’s machined from stress-relieved 4150 GBQ mil-spec steel and coated with a black nitride finish for optimum corrosion resistance.
2. You want an excellent budget solution without sacrificing the quality that also includes the bolt and three-port muzzle brake for excellent value.

You might not like this if:

1. You want a performance-capable option as this may not perform as amazingly as the Brownells Premium Barrel discussed above.

3. Faxon Firearms Gunner Big Barrel Bore .450 Bushmaster – The Best .450 Bushmaster AR 15 Barrel

Faxon Firearms is a popular firearm parts manufacturer that never seems to disappoint, so it was inevitable that one of their barrels will end up on our list today. This is by far one of the best .450 barrels available for your AR-15 platform. Not only is this barrel made from the best materials and construction, but it also offers optimum durability to handle the higher power behind the .450 Bushmaster cartridge.

Starting off with a 4150 CMV steel body – one of the most durable metals available, the barrel is further finished off with a black nitride coating and nitride salt-bath to enhance its durability and corrosion resistance as well as to resist build-up. Less importantly, but still, a notable highlight, the reflection-proof design and finish leaves a beautiful and sleek aesthetic.

Offering 11/16-24 muzzle threads, a carbine-length gas system, and a 1:16 twist rate, this barrel is compatible with any .875” size gas block. It is also 16” long and provides a great, balanced profile that operates exceptionally smoothly with minimal recoil and an intuitive, straight projection.

As the component is perfectly constructed and is able to adapt very smoothly to your setup, this .450 Bushmaster barrel offers unmatched construction quality and materials to take a beating from high-powered cartridges and still perform faithfully for a very long time.

The bottom line is that this Faxon Firearms barrel is a solid answer to .450 Bushmaster compatibility for your AR-15 to support .450 Bushmaster capabilities. This product from Faxon Firearms has certainly set the bar high with a tank-like, AR-15 compatible product that’s priced very well.

You would like this if:

1. You want a great value barrel that provides excellent construction from super-strong 4150 CMV steel and black nitride and salt-bath finished for optimum corrosion-resistance.
2. You want smooth operation with minimal recoil that delivers minimal trajectory spin for high accuracy even when handling higher powered rounds.

You might not like this if:

1. You want .450 barrels that have options in terms of barrel weight or length to suit your preference.

4. Tromix .450 Bushmaster Barrel & Bolt Combo – The Best .450 Bushmaster Pistol Barrel For Sale

Tromix is a lesser-known brand and you might be too familiar with this, but they produce barrels that offer a great opportunity to expand your horizons and maybe even change that. For those who want to bring out the best in high-powered shooting, then this barrel will be the one to trust as it delivers the quality you need without the plethora of length and weight options.

Nonetheless, you should not settle on a balance that you’re not comfortable with or one that doesn’t suit your setup. With this, you have the freedom to choose from an 18” lightweight barrel at 1.61 pounds, a 16” lightweight barrel at 1.51 pounds, a 16” mid-weight barrel at 1.96 pounds, or a 12.5” mid-weight barrel that weighs 1.60 pounds.

Regardless of your choice, you’ll receive a 1:24 twist Chrome-moly barrel with an 11/16-24 threaded muzzle. Additionally, the bolt head of the barrel even features gas rings, an extractor, and an ejector. However, this does not come with a bolt carrier or a firing pin.

Depending on which barrel choice you select, there are different gas blocks. The 18” and lightweight 16” barrel features a .750” gas block, whereas the other two comes with a .865” gas block. However, they’re all machined from stainless steel and finished with a black nitride coating to deliver enhanced corrosion-resistance for exceptionally smooth operation.

Additionally, these best .450 Bushmaster barrels are very competitively priced, especially for those looking to customize their length and weight to complement their setup. The bottom line is that this competitively-priced component provides a quality solution and is the best choice to customize your setup.

You would like this if:

1. You want competitively priced .450 Bushmaster barrels that are made of stainless steel construction and black nitride coating.
2. You want the best .450 Bushmaster barrels that come with different barrel weights and lengths to choose from.

You might not like this if:

1. You want a barrel from a popular brand as Tromix is not as well known as its competitors.

5. Ritch’s Precision Guns .450 Bushmaster 10.5” Length – The Best .450 Bushmaster 10.5-inch Barrel

Sometimes, the best .450 Bushmaster barrels come from boutique manufacturers that many gun owners may miss due to the difficulty in finding trustworthy reviews. In this case, Ritch’s Precision Guns has created the best 10.5” long AR-15, .450 Bushmaster barrel without the expensive boutique prices.

Machined from 416R stainless steel this barrel features three-polygonal rifling and a 1×18 twist. And since the 10.5” barrel doesn’t come with fluting thanks to its length leaving no room in front of the gas block. At this length, the difference is negligible.

One thing we really like about this is the options available. Since these barrels are custom-ordered, each is made to your specifications. You have the freedom to choose a .450 & .458 standard without the aforementioned fluting, or a semi-bull with a .875” has block or bull with a .936” gas block.

Additionally, you even have the option for the barrel to come with threads or crown. You have a choice of 11 degrees target crown, 11/16×24 threads per inch, or 5/8×32 threads per inch. Other than that, this barrel also comes in a variety of finishes. You can choose from a black shot-peened, a light machined polish with laser engraving or a cerakote barrel finish. If you pick cerakote finish, you even get to pick from a dozen of colors. However, you can still opt for no finish if you prefer to have it finished elsewhere to your own specifications.

Needless to say, you will certainly not find this many options with a barrel that’s mass-produced. So these barrel options really provide you with the ability to truly customize the transition of giving your AR-15 the ability to take advantage of .450 Bushmaster capabilities. It is difficult to find a 10.5” barrel, but to find one for the .450 Bushmaster cartridge and one with so many customizability options? This is certainly one that will truly let you turn the rifle into your own.

Considering all the features and options available, you might expect this to cost a lot. But in fact, Ritch’s Precision Guns are incredibly competitive. The only downside to getting this is that since it’s custom-made, it will take 2-4 weeks to produce this, on top of shipping time.

So, the bottom line is that finding the best component sometimes means having to look into smaller sellers, and getting a quality 10.5” barrel length designed for the .450 Bushmaster is one such case. Ritch’s Precision Guns not only produces an excellent firearm part, but it gives many customizable features at a competitive price to create a gun that’s truly yours.

You might like this if:

1. You want a high-quality 416R stainless steel that offers a wide range of customizations for the profile, threads, crown, or barrel finish.
2. You want the best 10.5” .450 Bushmaster barrel for the AR-15.
3. You want a competitively priced barrel for a boutique option.

You might not like this if:

1. You need a barrel immediately as this requires a longer production time than large-scale manufacturers.

6. GLFA Barrel/Bolt Combo .450 Bushmaster – The Best Remington 700 .450 Bushmaster Barrel

Made in Michigan, these barrels are produced to the quality and specification standards that local hunters need and want. If you have a Remington 700, then this GLFA barrel may very well help you take advantage of the .450 Bushmaster ammo. However, the options are relatively limited for a great build that can take the increased pressure of such a powerful ammo.

Converting a Remington 700 properly requires a lot of research that can potentially make intrusive changes to the build. Thankfully, this barrel comes to the rescue with a solid construction that’s designed for the .450 Bushmaster. If you happen to have a Remington 700, make sure you don’t waste time trying to research the best way to build up your gun as this barrel gives you a great instant solution.

This 18-inch stainless steel barrel and bolt combo will even work with a mil-spec AR-15 upper receiver. It also features a 0.750” diameter gas block journal with a mid-length gas system and an 11/16×24 threading. The barrel also offers a 1:24” rate of twist and M4 feed ramps.

In terms of recoil and accuracy, this barrel is on par with the other non-Remington 700 builds on the list. Additionally, this barrel adds very little weight for an 18” barrel at only about 2.5 pounds. Despite the length, you’ll still be able to maintain maneuverability without sacrificing accuracy or between-shot recovery time.

We also really appreciate the fact that although this barrel arguably fits a niche market, it provides very little competition in terms of quality and specs plus GLFA has even made it very affordable. That said, many resellers are taking advantage of this by substantially upping the price, so do be wise and follow our link to get the best prices around.

The bottom line is that this affordable barrel is built to the specs you need for a .450 Bushmaster on a Remington 700. While there are certainly better barrels for other builds out there, this is the perfect one for a Remington 700.

You would like this if:

1. You want the best .450 barrel that’s built for the Remington 700 that’s also relatively lightweight.
2. You want an 18” barrel that’s made of stainless steel construction that offers great value.

You might not like this if:

1. You are not using a Remington 700 as there are better barrels available out there for other builds.

Conclusion

Given the current complexity in the legislation, the .450 Bushmaster makes plenty of sense for many hunters who need a different barrel to shoot anything from deer to larger game. Hopefully, our guide today has given you enough information to understand the benefits of swapping out your barrel. Pick a barrel from our list and you can rest assured knowing that you have a quality Bushmaster .450 barrel that offers top-notch quality and better performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is The Best Twist Rate For 450 Bushmaster?

The barrel’s twist rate indicates the number of inches a bullet travels upon being fired. For instance, a twist rate of 1:6 indicates that the bullet travels 6 inches before rotating entirely. The best twist rate for 450 Bushmaster scopes would be between 1:14 to 1:20 to optimize performance of your rifle.