450 Bushmaster vs 308 Winchester: Choosing the Right Rifle Cartridge

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Featured Remington Ammo

When it comes to taking down big game, two cartridges have proved their worth in their respective categories: the 450 Bushmaster and the 308 Winchester. Both will deliver a level of accuracy, energy, and reliability that puts meat in the freezer with ease.

While they share some similarities, the two rounds were designed for very different purposes. On one hand, the 450 Bushmaster was built as a big-bore powerhouse that is a considerable force in a straight-wall arena. It delivers massive stopping power inside 200 yards. On the other hand, we have the iconic 308 Winchester. Born for versatility, it is a flat-shooting cartridge loaded with a 30-caliber bullet that performs highly in deer camps, elk country, and ranges across America.

If you’re trying to decide which rifle belongs in your hands this season, you’re gonna need some more info. Up next, we've got a full breakdown of how the 450 Bushmaster and 308 Win stack up against each other, so hopefully you’ll be able to decide which one is best for you.

308 Winchester

450 Bushmaster

Overview of 450 Bushmaster and 308 Win

450 Bushmaster: A Straight-Wall Powerhouse

Designed as a straight-walled cartridge, the 450 Bushmaster is a big-bore cartridge that hits with authority and can drop big game where they stand. It fires a large, .452-inch-diameter bullet that weighs between 250 and 300 grains. The momentum and energy behind this bullet produce impressive knockdown power at close to medium ranges.

Developed for hunters in states with straight-wall cartridge regulations, the 450 Bushmaster gives rifle hunters the stopping force once reserved for shotguns and muzzleloaders, but in a rifle platform that extends effective range and improves accuracy.

Key Attributes:

Bullet Diameter: .452”.
Typical Bullet Weight: 250–300 grains.
Muzzle Velocity: Around 2,100 fps.
Ideal For: Whitetail, black bear, hogs, and similar-sized game.
Popular in scout-style rifles.
Long action.

Remington Product Spotlight: Remington Premier AccuTip 450 Bushmaster. From its patented Power Port Tip to its bonded core, Premier® AccuTip delivers match-grade accuracy and stunning on-game performance.

308 Win: The Proven All-Around Performer

Few cartridges in history have earned the respect that the 308 Win has. It’s accurate, powerful, and adaptable. It is at home in the whitetail woods, the mountains, or the long-range line.

The 308 Win fires a smaller, lighter bullet compared to the 450 Bushmaster, but it moves at a much higher velocity. That means flatter trajectories, less bullet drop, and better long-range performance. It’s one of the most widely used cartridges in the world, hands down.

Key Attributes:

Bullet Diameter: .308”.
Typical Bullet Weight: 150–180 grains.
Muzzle Velocity: Around 2,600–2,800 fps.
Ideal For: Deer, elk, pronghorn, and long-range targets.
Popular in bolt actions and AR-10 platforms.
Short action.

Remington Product Spotlight: Remington Core-Lokt Tipped 308 Win. Core-Lokt Tipped is flatter, faster, and deadlier. Designed to expand with iconic mushrooming, Core-Lokt Tipped ammo delivers consistent performance season after season.

Box of Remington Core-Lokt Tipped open on ground

Power and Stopping Ability

When you’re hunting big game, the horsepower behind your cartridge matters.

Up close, 450 Bushmaster ammo delivers unrivaled brute force as its heavy bullets pack plenty of momentum and energy with every shot. This cartridge is no stranger to producing one-shot drops inside 200 yards. If you’re chasing black bears, big whitetails, or hogs in thick country, you should consider 450 Bushmaster ammo. That big bullet expands wide and dumps its energy quickly, creating a devastating wound channel.

Then, on the other hand, we have the 308 Win. This cartridge relies on speed and efficiency, not sheer size. Its 30-caliber bullet travels faster and retains energy downrange thanks to its sleek profile and higher BC, making it effective on game at longer distances. A well-placed 308 will deliver adequate terminal performance on big game well past 200 yards.

Both cartridges will absolutely get the job done. The defining details ultimately boil down to how far your typical shot really is.

Accuracy and Effective Range

450 Bushmaster: The Best Choice for Short to Mid-Range Hunt

The developers of the 450 Bushmaster did not envision it as a long-range cartridge. The heavy bullet drops quickly past 200 yards, but inside that window, its performance is impressive compared to other straight-wall cartridges and shotgun slugs. Hunters who get into thick nasty river bottoms or Midwest farmland, where most shots are 100 yards or less, understand it’s the right tool for the job.

308 Win: A Better Choice for Large Game at Distances

It is known that the 308 Win is one of the gold standards amongst short-action cartridges. Its flat trajectory and consistent performance make it a top choice for hunters who take slightly longer shots or hunt under western skies. It maintains speed, resists wind drift, and remains effective beyond traditional deer-hunting ranges with the right load. If you’re hunting spanning prairies, canyons, or big country where shots stretch out, 308 Win ammo gives you an edge over the 450 Bushmaster, but don’t think it won’t dominate in the Whitetail woods either.

308 Winchester vs. 450 Bushmaster Ballistic Table

Recoil Comparison

Recoil can affect your ability to make accurate shots and is a significant factor in determining how comfortable your shooting experience will be.

The 450 Bushmaster will undoubtedly deliver a strong kick to your shoulder. To put it into perspective, it feels more like a 12-gauge slug than a standard rifle round. However, there is always a trade-off: for those who encounter close shots, it’s well worth it. This is obviously betting on your ability to make a chip shot; hopefully, that’s a safe bet.

By contrast, the 308 Win offers moderate recoil compared to other high-powered cartridges, making it one that most shooters can handle. This balance makes it easier to recover quicker and send accurate follow-ups downrange if you missed your mark.

If you’re recoil-sensitive or plan to spend a lot of time at the range, the 308 Win will feel noticeably easier on the shoulder. However, all recoil is manageable with enough practice and proper form.

Ammo Availability and Cost

As one of the most popular cartridges on the market, it's doubtful you will not find 308 ammo at your local retailer. Whether it is target shooting ammo or loads designed for hunting, there will be plenty of options, and you can resort to online marketplaces if you somehow can’t find what you’re seeking.

The 450 Bushmaster is a bit newer to the market and less common, though its popularity has grown tremendously in recent years. 450 Bushmaster Ammo is more limited and often costs more per box, but that’s expected for a cartridge used in certain scenarios, e.g., straight-wall states or states where the specialized big-bore round is less common.

For most shooters, 308 Win is the more affordable option. For hunters in straight-wall states, the 450 Bushmaster remains the go-to choice.

Man in back of truck with deer and cooler

Bullet Styles and Grain Weight Considerations

Both cartridges offer solid flexibility in terms of bullet styles and weights, but their roles in the woods still differ.

Expect 450 Bushmaster bullets to be heavier than a 308 bullet. Most hunting loads fall between 250 and 300 grains and are optimized for controlled expansion and deep penetration on big-bodied game. There are also target loads on the market, so you can practice without spending more on hunting ammo.

On the other hand, expect the 308 Win to offer a much broader range of bullet weights and styles. The bullets loaded in these cartridges span from light 150-grain loads to larger 180-grain loads for elk or black bear. Core-Lokt, Core-Lokt Tipped, Premier Long Range, UMC, and many more product lines give shooters every option they could need for distance, accuracy, and terminal performance on specific game.

Which Cartridge Is Right for You?

Both the 450 Bushmaster and 308 Winchester have earned their place in the field, they just serve different purposes.

Here are some things to consider about the 450 Bushmaster:

You hunt in a straight-wall state
Most of your shots are inside 200 yards
You prefer heavy, momentum-packing bullets that can take down big-bodied game.

Leaning more towards a 308? Here are some key considerations to think about:

You hunt open terrain or take longer shots
You want a versatile cartridge that’s is proven on many species
You value availability, affordability, and all-around performance

Whether you’re chasing Midwest whitetail in thick timber or glassing elk ridges out West, Remington rifle ammo delivers the accuracy, consistency, and confidence hunters have trusted for generations.

Shop our top-rated rifle ammo lineup and load up with Remington, the first name in American hunting tradition.

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