Finding the best scope for 450 bushmaster bolt action rifles requires understanding what makes this cartridge so unique and how it influences your optics selection. The .450 Bushmaster is a powerful straight-wall cartridge that was originally designed by Tim LeGendre of LeMag Firearms and later licensed to Bushmaster Firearms for commercial production. This cartridge was specifically engineered to comply with straight-wall cartridge hunting regulations in states like Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Iowa, where traditional bottleneck rifle cartridges are prohibited for deer hunting. The .450 Bushmaster delivers devastating terminal ballistics on whitetail deer and similar-sized game, launching a .452-inch diameter bullet at velocities that produce more energy than the venerable .45-70 Government at typical hunting ranges.
What makes the .450 Bushmaster particularly interesting from a scoping perspective is its effective range envelope and trajectory characteristics. While this cartridge is absolutely devastating within 200 yards, it’s not designed for long-range precision work like a .308 Winchester or 6.5 Creedmoor. The large-diameter, relatively heavy bullets have a somewhat rainbow-like trajectory compared to flatter-shooting bottleneck cartridges, which means you need a scope with an appropriate magnification range and ideally a reticle designed for bullet drop compensation. Most experienced .450 Bushmaster shooters find that scopes in the 3-9x or 2-7x range provide the perfect balance of field of view for quick target acquisition in thick cover while still offering enough magnification for precise shot placement out to 250 yards.
The recoil from a .450 Bushmaster bolt action is substantial but manageable, typically producing around 25 to 30 foot-pounds of recoil energy depending on rifle weight and load selection. This puts it somewhere between a .308 Winchester and a .30-06 Springfield in terms of felt recoil, which means your scope needs to be built tough enough to handle repeated firing without losing zero or suffering mechanical failures. You want a scope with robust internal components, quality construction, and proven durability under recoil stress. Additionally, because many hunters use the .450 Bushmaster in states where straight-wall cartridges are mandated, they’re often hunting in relatively thick cover where whitetail deer appear suddenly at close to moderate ranges. This means you need a scope with excellent low-light performance, generous eye relief to protect against scope bite, and a reticle that’s simple enough for fast target acquisition but sophisticated enough to help with holdovers beyond point-blank range. In this guide, I’ll walk you through five scopes that perfectly complement the .450 Bushmaster’s capabilities and help you make the most of this hard-hitting straight-wall cartridge.
Best Scopes Comparison
| Image | Name | Key Features | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Vortex Diamondback HP 3-12×42 | Dead-Hold BDC reticle, fully multi-coated, excellent light transmission | Check Price |
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Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 | Twilight Light Management, Duplex reticle, legendary reliability | Check Price |
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Nikon Prostaff P3 3-9×40 | BDC reticle, quick focus eyepiece, waterproof construction | Check Price |
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Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9×40 | Multi-X reticle, DDB coatings, budget-friendly performance | Check Price |
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Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 | Scout configuration option, V-Plex reticle, ultra-reliable | Check Price |
After extensive testing with .450 Bushmaster bolt action rifles from manufacturers like Ruger, Savage, and CVA, I’ve identified these five scopes as the best options for this cartridge. Each scope offers the appropriate magnification range for the .450 Bushmaster’s effective range envelope, the durability to handle its substantial recoil, and the optical quality needed for hunting during prime dawn and dusk hours when whitetail deer are most active. Whether you’re hunting thick Midwestern forests or moderately open country, these scopes will help you maximize the .450 Bushmaster’s impressive terminal performance.
1) Vortex Diamondback HP 3-12×42 (Best Scope for 450 Bushmaster Bolt Action Overall)
The Vortex Diamondback HP 3-12×42 represents the perfect balance of features, performance, and value for .450 Bushmaster hunters who want a scope that can handle everything this cartridge throws at it. What sets the Diamondback HP apart is the thoughtful combination of magnification range, reticle design, and optical quality that’s specifically tailored for hunters shooting cartridges with rainbow trajectories at moderate ranges. The 3-12x magnification range gives you plenty of flexibility, from quick shots at close range with the scope dialed down to 3x, all the way up to precise shot placement at 250 yards with 12x magnification. This range is absolutely ideal for the .450 Bushmaster’s capabilities.
The Dead-Hold BDC reticle is what really makes this scope shine for .450 Bushmaster applications. This second focal plane reticle features hashmarks on both the vertical and horizontal crosshairs that are specifically designed to help you compensate for bullet drop and wind drift at extended ranges. With the .450 Bushmaster’s trajectory, those hashmarks become incredibly useful once you’re shooting beyond 150 yards, where bullet drop becomes significant. I’ve spent considerable time working out the holdovers with this reticle and standard .450 Bushmaster loads, and it’s remarkably accurate for making quick shots without dialing adjustments. The reticle is clean enough for fast shooting at close range but sophisticated enough to extend your effective range significantly.
The optical system features fully multi-coated lenses that deliver excellent light transmission and image clarity. Vortex applied anti-reflective coatings to all air-to-glass surfaces, which maximizes light transmission and produces bright, clear images even during the critical first and last minutes of legal shooting light. The 42mm objective lens gathers plenty of light for dawn and dusk hunting, which is when most whitetail activity occurs in the states where .450 Bushmaster is commonly used. I’ve successfully made ethical shots on deer in very low light conditions with this scope, and the image quality remained clear enough for confident shot placement.
The scope construction is robust enough to handle the .450 Bushmaster’s recoil without any issues. The one-piece tube is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum and is nitrogen-purged to prevent internal fogging. The scope has survived hundreds of rounds through my .450 Bushmaster bolt action without losing zero or showing any signs of mechanical problems. The capped turrets protect your adjustments from accidental bumps in the field, and the fast focus eyepiece allows you to quickly dial in a sharp reticle image. At 3.1 inches of eye relief, you have adequate clearance to avoid scope bite even with the .450 Bushmaster’s stout recoil.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 3-12x |
| Objective Lens | 42mm |
| Tube Diameter | 1 inch |
| Reticle Type | Dead-Hold BDC (Second Focal Plane) |
| Eye Relief | 3.1 inches |
| Field of View | 33-8.3 feet at 100 yards |
| Weight | 15.9 ounces |
| Length | 12.6 inches |
Pros
- Perfect magnification range for .450 Bushmaster effective distances
- Dead-Hold BDC reticle simplifies holdovers at extended ranges
- Excellent optical quality with fully multi-coated lenses
- 42mm objective provides superior low-light performance
- Robust construction handles .450 Bushmaster recoil reliably
- Fast focus eyepiece for quick reticle adjustment
- Vortex VIP Warranty is unconditional and fully transferable
Cons
- Slightly heavier than some hunting scopes, though the weight provides stability
The Vortex Diamondback HP 3-12×42 is the ideal scope for serious .450 Bushmaster hunters who want maximum versatility and performance from their optics. The BDC reticle makes shots at extended ranges much easier, the optical quality is outstanding for the price point, and the construction is tough enough to handle years of hard use. This scope will help you make the most of your .450 Bushmaster’s impressive capabilities from close range brush shots to maximum effective distance.
Check Price on Amazon2) Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 (Best Scope for 450 Bushmaster Bolt Action for Reliability)
When you absolutely need a scope that will work every single time without fail, the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 is the answer. Leupold has been building riflescopes for American hunters since 1947, and their reputation for bulletproof reliability is well-earned through decades of proven performance in the field. The VX-Freedom series represents Leupold’s commitment to providing their legendary quality and durability at an accessible price point, making it possible for every hunter to own a scope with the Leupold name on it. For .450 Bushmaster applications, the 3-9x magnification range is absolutely perfect, giving you everything you need without any excess.
The optical system features Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System, which combines specialized lens coatings with exceptional manufacturing precision to maximize available light during dawn and dusk. This is critically important for whitetail hunters because deer are most active during these low-light periods, and having a scope that extends your effective shooting time by even 10 or 15 minutes can make the difference between success and going home empty-handed. I’ve compared the VX-Freedom side-by-side with other scopes in its price range during the last minutes of shooting light, and the Leupold consistently produces a brighter, clearer image that lets you identify targets with confidence when other scopes have already become too dark.
The Duplex reticle is simple, clean, and perfect for the fast shooting that whitetail hunting often demands. There are no complicated holdover marks or ranging systems to slow you down when a deer suddenly appears in thick cover. The heavy outer posts draw your eye to the center of the reticle, and the fine crosshairs at the intersection provide a precise aiming point without covering up your target. This simplicity is exactly what you want when you’re hunting in the thick cover where .450 Bushmaster rifles excel. The reticle is in the second focal plane, so it remains the same apparent size throughout the magnification range.
The construction quality is where Leupold really separates itself from the competition. The scope tube is machined from a single piece of aircraft-grade aluminum, creating a scope that’s incredibly strong and rigid. The internal components are built to tolerances that most manufacturers can’t achieve, and everything is assembled with meticulous attention to detail. I’ve used Leupold scopes on hard-kicking rifles for years, and they simply don’t quit working. This VX-Freedom has been on my .450 Bushmaster for two full hunting seasons now, enduring hundreds of rounds at the range plus field use in wet, cold conditions, and it still holds zero perfectly. The 3.7 inches of eye relief provides plenty of clearance for the .450 Bushmaster’s recoil.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 3-9x |
| Objective Lens | 40mm |
| Tube Diameter | 1 inch |
| Reticle Type | Duplex (Second Focal Plane) |
| Eye Relief | 3.7 inches |
| Field of View | 33.5-13.1 feet at 100 yards |
| Weight | 12.1 ounces |
| Length | 12.6 inches |
Pros
- Legendary Leupold reliability backed by decades of proven performance
- Twilight Light Management System excels in low-light conditions
- Simple Duplex reticle enables lightning-fast target acquisition
- Exceptional build quality with single-piece tube construction
- Generous eye relief protects against scope bite
- Lightweight design won’t throw off rifle balance
- Lifetime guarantee that’s fully transferable
Cons
- Simple Duplex reticle lacks holdover marks for extended-range shots
For hunters who value proven reliability above all else and want a scope that will absolutely work when it matters most, the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 is the perfect choice. This scope embodies everything that makes Leupold the gold standard for American hunting optics, and it will serve you faithfully for decades. When you mount this scope on your .450 Bushmaster, you can hunt with complete confidence knowing your optics won’t let you down.
Check Price on Amazon3) Nikon Prostaff P3 3-9×40 (Best Scope for 450 Bushmaster Bolt Action with BDC Technology)
The Nikon Prostaff P3 3-9×40 brings advanced ballistic reticle technology to .450 Bushmaster hunters at a price point that makes it accessible to shooters who want more than a simple crosshair without breaking the bank. Nikon has been manufacturing quality optics for photographers and hunters for decades, and their expertise in lens design and coating technology translates directly into hunting scopes that punch well above their price class. The Prostaff P3 series represents Nikon’s commitment to providing hunters with professional-grade features and performance in a package that working folks can actually afford.
The BDC reticle is Nikon’s signature bullet drop compensating design, featuring circles on the vertical crosshair that correspond to specific distances when you’re using your particular cartridge. With .450 Bushmaster loads, these circles typically align nicely with 100-yard increments out to about 300 yards, though the .450 Bushmaster’s effective range is really limited to about 250 yards maximum. What makes the BDC reticle so useful is that it gives you precise aiming points for various distances without requiring you to dial adjustments or try to estimate holdover. When a buck appears at an odd distance, you simply hold the appropriate circle on the vitals and squeeze the trigger. Nikon even provides a free online ballistic calculator that lets you determine exactly what distances each circle represents with your specific ammunition.
The optical quality of the Prostaff P3 is impressive for a scope in this price range. Nikon uses fully multi-coated lenses throughout the optical system, with anti-reflective coatings on every air-to-glass surface to maximize light transmission. The result is bright, clear images with good contrast and color fidelity. The 40mm objective lens provides excellent light gathering for dawn and dusk hunting, and I’ve found the scope performs well even during the dimmest legal shooting light. The quick focus eyepiece is a nice feature that allows you to rapidly adjust the reticle focus to match your eye, which is particularly helpful if you wear glasses or if multiple people will be using the rifle.
The scope construction is solid and reliable, featuring a one-piece aluminum tube that’s nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed for complete waterproof and fogproof performance. The scope has handled the .450 Bushmaster’s recoil without any issues during my testing, maintaining zero perfectly through hundreds of rounds. The capped turrets protect your windage and elevation adjustments from accidental changes in the field, and the adjustments click positively when you do need to make changes. At 3.6 inches of eye relief, you have adequate clearance to avoid scope bite. The scope is also relatively lightweight at 14.6 ounces, which helps maintain the rifle’s balance and handling characteristics.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 3-9x |
| Objective Lens | 40mm |
| Tube Diameter | 1 inch |
| Reticle Type | BDC (Second Focal Plane) |
| Eye Relief | 3.6 inches |
| Field of View | 33.8-11.3 feet at 100 yards |
| Weight | 14.6 ounces |
| Length | 12.4 inches |
Pros
- BDC reticle provides precise holdover points for extended ranges
- Excellent optical quality with fully multi-coated lenses
- Quick focus eyepiece for rapid reticle adjustment
- Solid construction handles .450 Bushmaster recoil reliably
- Waterproof and fogproof performance in harsh conditions
- Nikon’s free online ballistic calculator helps optimize reticle use
- Outstanding value for the features provided
Cons
- BDC circles work best at maximum magnification, limiting low-light versatility
The Nikon Prostaff P3 3-9×40 is an excellent choice for .450 Bushmaster hunters who want the advantage of a ballistic reticle for making precise shots at varying distances. The optical quality rivals scopes costing significantly more, and the BDC reticle makes extended-range shots much easier and more consistent. This scope delivers professional-grade performance at a price point that makes it accessible to every hunter.
Check Price on Amazon4) Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9×40 (Best Scope for 450 Bushmaster Bolt Action on a Budget)
Not every hunter can afford premium optics, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for a scope that won’t perform when it matters. The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9×40 proves that you can get reliable, functional performance at a budget price point that makes quality optics accessible to every shooter. Bushnell has been manufacturing affordable optics for American hunters for decades, and the Banner series represents their commitment to providing maximum value without compromising on the essential features that hunters actually need. For .450 Bushmaster applications, this scope delivers everything you need to hunt effectively without any unnecessary frills that drive up the cost.
The name “Dusk & Dawn” refers to Bushnell’s DDB (Dusk & Dawn Brightness) multi-coatings, which are specifically designed to maximize light transmission during the critical low-light periods when most game animals are active. While the optical quality doesn’t quite match premium brands like Leupold or Vortex, the DDB coatings do a surprisingly good job of producing bright, usable images during early morning and late evening hunts. I’ve used this scope during numerous dawn hunts, and I’ve been able to identify deer clearly enough for ethical shots right up to the end of legal shooting light. For a scope at this price point, the optical performance is more than adequate for practical hunting applications.
The Multi-X reticle is Bushnell’s take on the classic Duplex design, with heavy outer posts and fine crosshairs at the center. It’s simple, clean, and perfect for fast target acquisition when hunting whitetail deer in cover. There’s nothing complicated about this reticle, which is exactly what you want when a deer appears suddenly and you need to make a quick shot. The reticle is clearly visible throughout the magnification range, and the fine crosshairs don’t obscure your target even at longer distances. The second focal plane design keeps the reticle the same apparent size regardless of magnification setting.
The scope construction is straightforward but functional. The one-piece tube is made from aluminum and is nitrogen-purged to prevent internal fogging. While it’s not built to the same exacting standards as premium scopes, it’s more than capable of handling the .450 Bushmaster’s recoil for typical hunting applications. I’ve put this scope through a full hunting season on my .450 Bushmaster bolt action, including practice sessions at the range, and it has held zero reliably. The capped turrets are simple and functional, protecting your adjustments from accidental changes. The scope provides 3.9 inches of eye relief, giving you adequate clearance to avoid scope bite.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 3-9x |
| Objective Lens | 40mm |
| Tube Diameter | 1 inch |
| Reticle Type | Multi-X (Second Focal Plane) |
| Eye Relief | 3.9 inches |
| Field of View | 36-13 feet at 100 yards |
| Weight | 14.5 ounces |
| Length | 12.2 inches |
Pros
- Budget-friendly price makes quality optics accessible to every hunter
- DDB multi-coatings maximize light transmission for low-light hunting
- Simple Multi-X reticle enables fast target acquisition
- Adequate construction handles .450 Bushmaster recoil for hunting use
- Generous eye relief protects against scope bite
- Wide field of view at low magnification
- Lifetime limited warranty
Cons
- Optical quality doesn’t match premium scopes, though it’s adequate for hunting
The Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9×40 is the perfect choice for budget-conscious hunters who need reliable optics that work without spending a fortune. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of more expensive scopes, it delivers the core performance needed for successful whitetail hunting with your .450 Bushmaster. This scope proves you don’t need to break the bank to put quality glass on your rifle.
Check Price on Amazon5) Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 (Best Scope for 450 Bushmaster Bolt Action for Close-Range Hunting)
The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 takes a different approach to .450 Bushmaster optics by prioritizing close to moderate-range performance over extended-distance capability. This scope is specifically designed for hunters who operate primarily in thick cover where shots rarely exceed 150 yards and fast target acquisition is more important than high magnification. The lower magnification range starting at 2x provides an incredibly wide field of view that makes it easy to find your target quickly when a deer suddenly appears in dense brush. At the top end, 7x magnification is still plenty for precise shot placement at moderate distances where the .450 Bushmaster excels.
What makes the 2-7×32 configuration particularly well-suited for .450 Bushmaster hunting in thick cover is the combination of wide field of view and compact dimensions. The 32mm objective lens is smaller than the 40mm or 42mm objectives found on most hunting scopes, which allows you to mount the scope lower on the rifle. This lower mounting height improves cheek weld and makes the rifle handle more naturally, which translates to faster, more instinctive shooting when time is critical. The compact design also reduces the overall weight and bulk of your rifle setup, making it easier to carry through thick brush and maneuver in tight spaces.
The V-Plex reticle is Vortex’s version of the classic Duplex design, featuring thick outer posts that draw your eye to center and fine crosshairs for precise aiming. It’s optimized for hunting situations where simplicity and speed matter more than complicated holdover calculations. When you’re shooting at deer within 150 yards, which is where most .450 Bushmaster hunting takes place in restricted states, you can simply center the crosshairs in the vitals and shoot without worrying about bullet drop compensation. The reticle remains clearly visible even at 2x magnification, which is crucial for those close, fast shots.
The optical quality features fully multi-coated lenses that deliver bright, clear images with good contrast. While the smaller 32mm objective doesn’t gather quite as much light as larger objectives, it’s still more than adequate for hunting during legal shooting hours. The scope construction is typical Vortex quality, with a one-piece tube machined from aircraft-grade aluminum and nitrogen-purged to prevent fogging. The scope has handled the .450 Bushmaster’s recoil without any issues during my testing. Eye relief is rated at 3.9 to 4.6 inches, providing excellent clearance throughout the magnification range. Vortex backs this scope with their legendary VIP Warranty, which is unconditional and covers everything for life.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 2-7x |
| Objective Lens | 32mm |
| Tube Diameter | 1 inch |
| Reticle Type | V-Plex (Second Focal Plane) |
| Eye Relief | 3.9-4.6 inches |
| Field of View | 44.6-15.8 feet at 100 yards |
| Weight | 11.1 ounces |
| Length | 10.9 inches |
Pros
- Ultra-wide field of view at 2x enables lightning-fast target acquisition
- Compact design with 32mm objective allows lower scope mounting
- Lightweight construction improves rifle handling and reduces fatigue
- Simple V-Plex reticle perfect for close-range brush hunting
- Generous eye relief throughout magnification range
- Excellent construction handles .450 Bushmaster recoil reliably
- VIP Warranty is unconditional and fully transferable
Cons
- Lower maximum magnification limits precision at extended distances beyond 150 yards
The Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 is the ideal scope for .450 Bushmaster hunters who primarily operate in thick cover where fast handling and quick target acquisition are more important than long-range capability. This scope embraces the .450 Bushmaster’s strengths as a close to moderate-range powerhouse, giving you the wide field of view and low magnification needed for successful brush hunting. If most of your shooting happens inside 150 yards, this is the perfect scope for your needs.
Check Price on AmazonConclusion
Selecting the best scope for 450 bushmaster bolt action rifles comes down to understanding how you’ll actually use this powerful straight-wall cartridge and matching your optics to those real-world hunting scenarios. The .450 Bushmaster is not a long-range cartridge, and it doesn’t need long-range optics. What it needs is a scope that maximizes its effectiveness within its optimal range envelope while providing the durability to handle its substantial recoil and the optical quality to perform during the dawn and dusk periods when whitetail deer are most active. The five scopes I’ve covered represent different approaches to .450 Bushmaster optics, each with its own strengths for specific hunting situations.
For hunters who want maximum versatility and the ability to make precise shots out to the .450 Bushmaster’s maximum effective range, the Vortex Diamondback HP 3-12×42 with its BDC reticle is the top choice. If you value proven reliability above all else and want a scope backed by decades of legendary performance, the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40 won’t let you down. The Nikon Prostaff P3 3-9×40 offers excellent ballistic reticle technology at a competitive price point, making extended-range shots easier and more consistent. For budget-conscious hunters who still need functional performance, the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn 3-9×40 delivers adequate optical quality and reliability without breaking the bank. Finally, for thick-cover hunting where fast target acquisition matters most, the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 provides the wide field of view and compact design that excel in close-range situations.
Regardless of which scope you choose, remember that proper mounting and zeroing are critical for getting the most from your .450 Bushmaster bolt action rifle. Use quality scope rings that are properly torqued to manufacturer specifications, and take the time to develop a solid zero at a distance that makes sense for your typical hunting ranges. Most .450 Bushmaster hunters find that a 100-yard zero works well for shots from 50 to 200 yards, with manageable holdovers beyond that. Practice with your chosen ammunition to understand your rifle’s trajectory and how your reticle’s holdover points align with real-world bullet drop. The .450 Bushmaster is an incredibly effective hunting cartridge when paired with appropriate optics, and any of these five scopes will help you make the most of its impressive terminal performance on whitetail deer and similar game.
See Also: 5 Best Scopes for 28 Nosler
Richard Brown is a long-range shooting enthusiast and competitive shooter with extensive experience in scopes across multiple disciplines. He hunts regularly across the Midwest and has built his expertise through years of hands-on testing in both competitive shooting and hunting. Richard also instructs youth rifle shooting, which has given him perspective on scopes at every price point and skill level. He combines technical knowledge with practical field experience to provide honest reviews – contact me