Background and History
450 Bushmaster
The 450 Bushmaster, a relative newcomer to the big bore scene, has quickly gained popularity. Its development was driven by a desire to create a powerful straight-walled cartridge that could be effectively used in the AR-15 platform. The cartridge was a collaborative effort, with Hornady and Bushmaster Firearms International playing key roles. The design prioritizes terminal performance, making it ideally suited for hunting in areas with restrictions on bottlenecked cartridges. This often applies in states where hunting with certain cartridges is regulated. The 450 Bushmaster’s straight-walled design ensures compliance, broadening its appeal across the country. The primary intended purpose of the 450 Bushmaster is for hunting medium to large game at moderate ranges. The cartridge delivers considerable energy at impact, making it a formidable choice for whitetail deer, black bear, and similar-sized animals. The AR-15 platform offers advantages like modularity and rapid follow-up shots, making the 450 Bushmaster a versatile option for various hunting scenarios.
444 Marlin
The 444 Marlin, on the other hand, has a longer and richer history. Born from the legendary Marlin Firearms Company, it was developed to provide more power and range compared to the established 44 Magnum. The 444 Marlin built upon the foundation of the 44 Magnum, but it was designed to chamber in a lever-action rifle. This provided hunters with a familiar platform with increased power and effective range. The 444 Marlin’s launch in the mid-sixties was pivotal, it bridged the gap between traditional pistol cartridges and larger rifle cartridges. The primary intended use of the 444 Marlin is hunting medium to large game. The cartridge’s flat trajectory and substantial downrange energy have made it a trusted choice for generations of hunters. The 444 Marlin continues to be a favorite among lever-action enthusiasts and hunters who value ease of use and reliability in the field.
Ballistics and Performance Comparison
The 450 Bushmaster and 444 Marlin, despite both being big bore cartridges, exhibit distinct ballistic characteristics. These differences are essential to understand when choosing the best cartridge for your hunting needs.
Bullet Size and Weight
The 450 Bushmaster typically utilizes bullets with a .452-inch diameter, with a range of bullet weights commonly used. While a 250-grain bullet is a popular choice for hunting applications, other weights, such as 260-grain, 275-grain and 300-grain bullets, are readily available. The 450 Bushmaster is also commonly paired with hollow-point, soft-point, and other specialized bullet profiles. The heavier bullets deliver greater penetration and energy at impact.
The 444 Marlin shares the same .429-inch bullet diameter as the 44 Magnum, but has a larger case capacity, allowing it to push heavier bullets at higher velocities. Common bullet weights range from 240 grains to 300 grains. The heavier projectiles are well-suited for hunting game such as deer and bear. The 444 Marlin bullets also come in various designs, including soft points and jacketed hollow points.
Muzzle Velocity and Energy
When it comes to muzzle velocity and energy, there are notable differences. The 450 Bushmaster, often fired from a shorter barreled rifle, typically has a muzzle velocity of around 2200-2300 feet per second (fps) with a 250-grain bullet. The muzzle energy is in the range of 2700 foot-pounds. The 444 Marlin, on the other hand, with a longer case and usually a longer barrel, boasts a higher muzzle velocity. A 240-grain bullet can achieve around 2400 fps, while a 265-grain bullet can maintain a muzzle velocity of about 2200 fps. The muzzle energy of the 444 Marlin is usually in the vicinity of 2700-2800 foot-pounds, making it slightly more powerful than the 450 Bushmaster at the muzzle.
Trajectory and Effective Range
Trajectory and effective range are crucial considerations for any hunting situation. The 450 Bushmaster has a relatively flat trajectory out to about 200 yards. Beyond that, the bullet drop becomes more significant. A hunter using the 450 Bushmaster should be aware of the bullet drop at longer ranges and compensate accordingly. The effective range of the 450 Bushmaster is generally considered to be around 200 yards for ethical hunting.
The 444 Marlin also has a flatter trajectory compared to other traditional lever-action cartridges. However, the trajectory is still not as flat as that of many modern, high-velocity cartridges. A 240-grain bullet will typically drop a few inches at 200 yards. The 444 Marlin has a slightly longer effective range compared to the 450 Bushmaster, extending to approximately 250 yards. However, precise range estimation and wind compensation are key factors in achieving success at longer distances.
Terminal Performance
Terminal performance is arguably the most crucial aspect of a hunting cartridge. The 450 Bushmaster excels at delivering massive shock at close to medium range. The large-diameter bullets create a significant wound channel, contributing to rapid incapacitation of the target animal. Its straight-walled design helps ensure good penetration, even through heavy bone or thick hide. The 444 Marlin, with its larger case capacity and heavier bullets, also delivers excellent terminal performance. The cartridge’s substantial energy transfer creates devastating results in the field. The heavier bullets retain momentum and penetrate deeply, delivering consistent performance on larger game. Both cartridges are known for delivering quick, humane kills when placed correctly.
Rifle Platforms and Availability
The rifle platforms available for each cartridge differ significantly, offering hunters distinct options to consider.
450 Bushmaster
The 450 Bushmaster is predominantly chambered in the AR-15 platform. This offers a high degree of modularity, allowing users to customize their rifles with various accessories, such as optics, lights, and slings. The AR-15 platform also offers rapid follow-up shots, important for scenarios where a second shot might be necessary. Besides the AR-15, the 450 Bushmaster is available in a limited number of bolt-action rifles.
444 Marlin
The 444 Marlin is almost exclusively chambered in lever-action rifles. The most famous of these rifles is the Marlin 1895, a classic lever-action that has become synonymous with the cartridge. Lever-action rifles are known for their reliability, ease of use, and traditional appeal. The lever-action platform also allows for rapid follow-up shots, making it efficient for hunting in close quarters.
Comparison
The relative availability of rifle platforms is a factor to consider. AR-15 style rifles chambered in 450 Bushmaster are generally easy to find, due to the popularity of the AR-15 platform. The ease of customizing the AR-15 also is a strong selling point for this platform. Lever-action rifles chambered in 444 Marlin are also available and typically easy to find, especially from manufacturers like Marlin. The overall costs of the rifles vary depending on brand, features, and included accessories. In both cases, the market for each cartridge has many options available that can fit the needs of most hunters.
Ammunition Availability and Cost
Understanding ammunition availability and cost is a practical aspect of choosing between the 450 Bushmaster and 444 Marlin.
450 Bushmaster
The 450 Bushmaster has gained popularity, so factory ammunition is widely available from major manufacturers such as Hornady, Federal, and Winchester. Ammunition prices are moderate, depending on the bullet weight and construction. Reloading components, including bullets, brass, and powders, are readily accessible, making handloading a viable option for those who prefer a customized approach. Handloading allows for fine-tuning loads for specific applications.
444 Marlin
The 444 Marlin also benefits from having a long history. Factory ammunition is also available from several major manufacturers, with a good variety of bullet weights and types. Ammunition costs are comparable to the 450 Bushmaster. Handloading is also a very popular option for this round, which lets hunters fine-tune their loads.
Comparison
Comparing the overall costs, both cartridges have similar costs for factory ammunition. Handloading can reduce the cost per round, especially if you already own the necessary equipment. The availability of components is good for both, so this is not a major deciding factor.
Recoil and Handling
Recoil and handling characteristics influence the shooting experience and affect the shooter’s ability to maintain accuracy and control.
The 450 Bushmaster, fired from an AR-15 platform, typically has a moderate recoil. The heavier weight of most AR-15 rifles compared to lever-action rifles helps to absorb some of the recoil. The recoil is generally manageable for most shooters, but it can become more pronounced with lighter rifles or from the bench.
The 444 Marlin, typically chambered in lever-action rifles, has a more significant recoil. The higher energy of the cartridge and the generally lighter weight of lever-action rifles contribute to a more noticeable kick. The recoil is manageable for experienced shooters, but may be a challenge for beginners. Proper technique and the use of recoil pads can help mitigate the recoil.
The overall handling of the rifles also varies. AR-15 rifles chambered in 450 Bushmaster are generally considered easy to handle and operate. The modular design allows for customization to the shooter’s preference. The lever-action rifles chambered in 444 Marlin are also easy to handle, but the reloading process through the tube magazine is slower than a magazine-fed AR-15.
Advantages and Disadvantages
To summarize, the 450 Bushmaster and 444 Marlin each have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these differences will help you make an informed choice.
450 Bushmaster
The 450 Bushmaster’s advantages include its potentially lighter weight, high accuracy at shorter ranges, and the modularity offered by the AR-15 platform. The cartridge has become very popular, giving shooters a wide variety of choices in rifles and accessories. However, it is subject to straight-walled cartridge restrictions, limiting its use in some regions. The performance of the round can be limited at longer distances.
444 Marlin
The 444 Marlin offers the advantage of more energy downrange, a longer effective range, and familiarity and ease of use. The lever-action platform offers quick follow-up shots and great reliability in the field. However, the cartridge often has a higher recoil, and is available in a more limited number of platforms.
Ideal Uses and Recommendations
Knowing the ideal applications for each cartridge is essential when making a decision.
450 Bushmaster
The 450 Bushmaster is best suited for hunting in areas with straight-walled cartridge restrictions, or where ranges are generally closer. It excels in situations where a powerful, accurate cartridge is needed at moderate distances. Its effectiveness makes it ideal for whitetail deer, black bear, and similar game.
444 Marlin
The 444 Marlin is ideally suited for brush hunting and situations where longer distances might be needed. Its impressive energy at impact ensures reliable performance on bigger game. The ease of use of the lever-action rifle makes it well-suited for hunting on foot.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on the individual hunter’s specific needs, hunting conditions, and preferences. Consider your primary hunting location, the types of game you intend to pursue, and your comfort level with recoil. Both cartridges are capable of putting down game cleanly and humanely, when used within their effective range.
Conclusion
In the head-to-head comparison of the 450 Bushmaster and 444 Marlin, both cartridges stand out as potent choices for hunters. The 450 Bushmaster, with its modularity and efficient performance at shorter ranges, excels in areas with straight-walled cartridge restrictions. The 444 Marlin, with its higher energy and extended range, delivers exceptional results for brush hunting and beyond. The final decision ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the specifics of the hunting scenarios you anticipate. Carefully consider the trajectory, terminal performance, and rifle platform characteristics. Choose the cartridge that best suits your hunting style and the terrain you hunt in. Both offer a powerful, reliable experience in the field.
