A 450 Ballistics Chart is a detailed numerical graph that tracks the velocity energy and bullet drop of the four hundred fifty Bushmaster straight wall cartridge. This visual data tool helps hunters and target shooters understand the exact flight path of large caliber projectiles over various distances. By studying these specific metrics marksmen can calculate precise optical holdovers for ethical game harvesting. Utilizing this chart ensures superior accuracy when taking large game in areas with straight wall cartridge hunting restrictions.
450 Ballistics Chart
| Manufacturer | Bullet Weight | Bullet Type | Ballistic Coefficient | Sectional Density | Muzzle Velocity | Velocity At 100 Yards | Velocity At 200 Yards | Velocity At 300 Yards | Velocity At 400 Yards | Velocity At 500 Yards | Muzzle Energy | Energy At 100 Yards | Energy At 200 Yards | Energy At 300 Yards | Energy At 400 Yards | Energy At 500 Yards | Trajectory At 100 Yards | Trajectory At 200 Yards | Trajectory At 300 Yards | Trajectory At 400 Yards | Trajectory At 500 Yards |
| Hornady Black | 250 gr | FTX | 0.210 | 0.175 | 2200 fps | 1840 fps | 1520 fps | 1255 fps | 1060 fps | 935 fps | 2686 ft lbs | 1879 ft lbs | 1282 ft lbs | 874 ft lbs | 624 ft lbs | 485 ft lbs | 0.0 in | 10.5 in Low | 38.5 in Low | 92.5 in Low | 180.0 in Low |
| Hornady Custom | 250 gr | FTX | 0.210 | 0.175 | 2200 fps | 1840 fps | 1520 fps | 1255 fps | 1060 fps | 935 fps | 2686 ft lbs | 1879 ft lbs | 1282 ft lbs | 874 ft lbs | 624 ft lbs | 485 ft lbs | 0.0 in | 10.5 in Low | 38.5 in Low | 92.5 in Low | 180.0 in Low |
| Winchester Deer Season | 250 gr | Extreme Point | 0.210 | 0.175 | 2200 fps | 1845 fps | 1525 fps | 1260 fps | 1065 fps | 940 fps | 2686 ft lbs | 1889 ft lbs | 1291 ft lbs | 881 ft lbs | 630 ft lbs | 490 ft lbs | 0.0 in | 10.4 in Low | 38.2 in Low | 91.8 in Low | 178.5 in Low |
| Federal Power Shok | 300 gr | Jacketed Hollow Point | 0.160 | 0.210 | 1900 fps | 1545 fps | 1250 fps | 1045 fps | 915 fps | 820 fps | 2404 ft lbs | 1590 ft lbs | 1040 ft lbs | 727 ft lbs | 558 ft lbs | 448 ft lbs | 0.0 in | 16.0 in Low | 55.0 in Low | 125.0 in Low | 240.0 in Low |
| Remington Core Lokt | 260 gr | Soft Point | 0.195 | 0.182 | 2180 fps | 1810 fps | 1490 fps | 1230 fps | 1045 fps | 925 fps | 2743 ft lbs | 1891 ft lbs | 1281 ft lbs | 873 ft lbs | 630 ft lbs | 494 ft lbs | 0.0 in | 11.2 in Low | 40.5 in Low | 96.5 in Low | 188.0 in Low |
| Federal Premium | 275 gr | Barnes Expander | 0.200 | 0.193 | 2100 fps | 1750 fps | 1445 fps | 1195 fps | 1020 fps | 910 fps | 2692 ft lbs | 1870 ft lbs | 1275 ft lbs | 872 ft lbs | 635 ft lbs | 505 ft lbs | 0.0 in | 12.0 in Low | 43.5 in Low | 102.5 in Low | 198.5 in Low |
| Barnes VOR TX | 250 gr | TSX | 0.205 | 0.175 | 2200 fps | 1835 fps | 1510 fps | 1245 fps | 1055 fps | 930 fps | 2686 ft lbs | 1869 ft lbs | 1265 ft lbs | 860 ft lbs | 618 ft lbs | 480 ft lbs | 0.0 in | 10.6 in Low | 39.0 in Low | 93.5 in Low | 182.0 in Low |
| Bear Creek Ballistics | 240 gr | Copper Hollow Point | 0.220 | 0.168 | 2300 fps | 1950 fps | 1635 fps | 1360 fps | 1150 fps | 1005 fps | 2819 ft lbs | 2026 ft lbs | 1424 ft lbs | 985 ft lbs | 704 ft lbs | 538 ft lbs | 0.0 in | 8.8 in Low | 32.5 in Low | 78.5 in Low | 155.0 in Low |
| Winchester Super X | 250 gr | Power Point | 0.190 | 0.175 | 2200 fps | 1820 fps | 1495 fps | 1230 fps | 1040 fps | 920 fps | 2686 ft lbs | 1838 ft lbs | 1240 ft lbs | 839 ft lbs | 600 ft lbs | 469 ft lbs | 0.0 in | 10.8 in Low | 40.0 in Low | 95.5 in Low | 186.5 in Low |
| Underwood Ammo | 250 gr | Xtreme Penetrator | 0.180 | 0.175 | 2200 fps | 1800 fps | 1475 fps | 1210 fps | 1025 fps | 905 fps | 2686 ft lbs | 1798 ft lbs | 1207 ft lbs | 812 ft lbs | 583 ft lbs | 454 ft lbs | 0.0 in | 11.0 in Low | 41.5 in Low | 99.5 in Low | 194.0 in Low |
This specialized layout illustrates exactly how straight wall geometries affect the overall aerodynamics and downrange flight performance of heavy forty five caliber bullets.
Understanding The 450 Ballistics Chart
Evaluating the data reveals that despite having massive initial power these large projectiles experience significant atmospheric drag over open distances.
Understanding these exact limitations is absolutely critical for ethical hunting and proper shot placement in the field.
Velocity Analysis
Reviewing the velocity metrics shows that the Bear Creek Ballistics 240 grain Copper Hollow Point is the fastest factory load in the entire table.
It leaves the muzzle at an impressive 2300 feet per second which gives it a significant advantage over heavier traditional options.
As we look further downrange the enormous frontal area of these bullets causes them to shed velocity extremely fast.
The Federal Power Shok 300 grain Jacketed Hollow Point starts at a slow 1900 feet per second and drops to a sluggish 820 feet per second by the five hundred yard mark.
This rapid velocity loss proves that the cartridge was engineered exclusively for crushing power at short to medium ranges rather than maintaining supersonic flight over long open valleys.
Energy Analysis
Muzzle energy dictates the absolute physical shock that an animal absorbs upon initial bullet impact.
The table data highlights that the Bear Creek Ballistics 240 grain Copper Hollow Point generates the highest initial strike force with 2819 foot pounds of muzzle energy.
Classic options like the Hornady Black 250 grain FTX also deliver incredibly powerful blows generating 2686 foot pounds of energy at the barrel exit.
Downrange energy retention clearly shows the severe limitations of utilizing blunt nose projectiles for extended shots.
By the time the Hornady Black 250 grain FTX reaches three hundred yards it only retains 874 foot pounds of its original kinetic force.
This massive reduction in energy confirms that hunters should strictly limit their shots to distances where the bullet maintains enough power to ensure a rapid ethical harvest.
Trajectory Analysis
Analyzing the trajectory profile with a standard one hundred yard zero clearly demonstrates the massive gravitational curve this straight wall cartridge experiences.
The flattest shooting factory load in the chart is the Bear Creek Ballistics 240 grain Copper Hollow Point which exhibits a drop of 32.5 inches at three hundred yards.
In sharp contrast the heavy Federal Power Shok 300 grain Jacketed Hollow Point plunges drastically dropping 55.0 inches at the exact same distance.
Once the projectile passes two hundred yards the trajectory becomes a steep rainbow arc that requires massive optical holdovers.
Shooters must completely understand that misjudging the distance to a target by just twenty yards can result in a complete miss when shooting past two hundred yards.
Ballistic Coefficient Analysis
The ballistic coefficient values listed in the table reveal the inherent aerodynamic limitations of straight wall hunting cartridges.
The Bear Creek Ballistics 240 grain Copper Hollow Point holds the highest rating in this specific category with a score of 0.220.
Traditional blunt configurations like the Federal Power Shok 300 grain Jacketed Hollow Point feature a noticeably lower aerodynamic rating of just 0.160.
These incredibly low numbers explain exactly why the massive projectiles lose velocity and energy so rapidly when flying through open air.
The blunt nose profiles simply cannot slice through atmospheric resistance causing them to act like deployed parachutes in the wind.
Sectional Density Analysis
Sectional density directly influences how stable a hunting bullet remains during flight and how deeply it penetrates thick targets upon arrival.
The chart confirms that the Federal Power Shok 300 grain bullet possesses the absolute highest sectional density rating of 0.210.
Lighter 240 grain and 250 grain hunting options exhibit noticeably lower sectional density values ranging from 0.168 to 0.175.
A higher sectional density means the bullet concentrates its heavy physical mass over a smaller cross sectional area forcing it deeper into the vital cavity.
This specific data guarantees that hunters pursuing incredibly tough animals should completely rely on the heavier 300 grain projectiles to maximize deep tissue penetration.
Best Factory Loads Based On The Chart
For Extreme Flat Trajectory inside two hundred yards the Bear Creek Ballistics 240 grain Copper Hollow Point is the absolute best choice available.
For Precision Deer Hunting the Hornady Custom 250 grain FTX provides a perfectly balanced trajectory with an exceptionally reliable terminal expansion profile.
If Maximum Initial Velocity is your primary goal the Bear Creek Ballistics 240 grain Copper Hollow Point takes the top spot by reaching 2300 feet per second.
When seeking Maximum Retained Energy at medium distances the Bear Creek Ballistics 240 grain Copper Hollow Point wins easily by preserving 1424 foot pounds of strike force at two hundred yards.
For Heavy Brush Hunting the Federal Power Shok 300 grain Jacketed Hollow Point offers unmatched sectional density for smashing through thick barriers.
Key Takeaways From The Chart
The fastest factory load in the entire chart at the muzzle is the Bear Creek Ballistics 240 grain Copper Hollow Point at 2300 feet per second.
The highest initial muzzle energy is produced by the Bear Creek Ballistics 240 grain Copper Hollow Point at 2819 foot pounds.
The highest retained kinetic energy at two hundred yards belongs to the Bear Creek Ballistics 240 grain Copper Hollow Point at 1424 foot pounds.
The flattest trajectory at three hundred yards is achieved by the Bear Creek Ballistics 240 grain Copper Hollow Point with 32.5 inches of total bullet drop.
The highest overall ballistic coefficient listed is the Bear Creek Ballistics 240 grain Copper Hollow Point at 0.220.
The best overall medium range hunting performer based on combined energy retention and trajectory metrics is the Hornady Custom 250 grain FTX.
Common 450 Bullet Weights
The unique straight wall case capacity allows ammunition manufacturers to utilize a highly versatile spectrum of projectile weights optimized for distinct shooting applications.
240 Grain
The 240 grain projectile weight is a highly specialized lightweight offering designed specifically for maximum muzzle velocity and extremely flat mid range flight.
Typical muzzle velocity for this specific weight easily breaks the 2300 feet per second barrier creating a laser accurate flight path inside one hundred and fifty yards.
The primary advantage of this weight is the significantly reduced mid range bullet drop making it exceptionally easy to use on fast moving deer.
The main disadvantage is that the lighter overall mass limits deep penetration on heavy quartering shots involving thick bone.
This specific weight is best applied in general target practice and open field white tailed deer hunting where extreme penetration is not entirely mandatory.
250 Grain
The 250 grain projectile represents the absolute gold standard and the most popular factory loaded weight for this specific straight wall cartridge.
Typical muzzle velocity sits comfortably around 2200 feet per second generating an immense hydrostatic shock upon initial target impact.
The primary advantages of 250 grain options are brilliant terminal expansion manageable recoil and incredibly wide availability on retail shelves.
The primary disadvantage is that these specific bullets still suffer from poor aerodynamics limiting their ethical range to roughly two hundred and fifty yards.
This weight is the absolute ideal choice for dedicated deer hunters operating in restricted midwestern states who require absolute reliability.
260 Grain
The 260 grain projectile weight represents a slightly heavier middle ground for shooters wanting classic soft point performance and reliable mass retention.
Typical muzzle velocity is roughly 2180 feet per second which translates into incredibly consistent accuracy and heavy terminal bone crushing force.
The single biggest advantage of this weight is its traditional jacketed soft point design which holds together beautifully when encountering heavy shoulder muscles.
The primary disadvantage is that factory ammunition utilizing this specific weight usually lacks modern polymer tips for improved aerodynamic flight.
This weight is the ultimate choice for marksmen carrying a classic bolt action rifle in the deep woods for versatile wildlife harvesting.
275 Grain
The 275 grain bullet is a premium monolithic copper option designed to guarantee absolutely perfect weight retention and deep linear penetration.
Typical muzzle velocity hovers around 2100 feet per second maintaining immense structural momentum without fragmenting into small pieces.
The advantage of the 275 grain monolithic bullet is its unmatched ability to cleanly pass completely through large game animals leaving a massive exit wound.
The main disadvantage is the increased cost of premium solid copper projectiles compared to standard exposed lead core hunting options.
This extreme weight is universally recommended for pursuing large tough game animals like elk or black bear where deep reliable penetration is absolutely essential.
300 Grain
The 300 grain bullet represents the absolute heaviest mainstream option for commercial factory loaded ammunition in this large bore caliber.
Typical muzzle velocity drops down to around 1900 feet per second yielding incredible close quarters momentum and massive terminal shock.
The major benefit is that it provides the highest sectional density available guaranteeing the bullet will smash straight through heavy brush without deflecting entirely off course.
The disadvantage is the massive rainbow trajectory arc making rapid follow up shots on distant targets incredibly difficult without making huge elevation adjustments.
This heavyweight class is universally recommended for dedicated thick timber hunters pursuing large feral hogs in dense impenetrable environments.
Effective Range
Understanding the realistic physical limits of this legendary straight wall cartridge helps shooters select the correct equipment for their specific hunting goals.
Target Shooting
For standard paper targets the effective range easily spans from fifty yards all the way out to two hundred yards using quality factory ammunition.
At these moderate distances the massive heavy projectile remains comfortably stable keeping its flight path highly predictable through varying atmospheric conditions.
Extreme Long Range Shooting
When participating in extreme long range activities expert marksmen absolutely must realize that this cartridge was never designed for extreme distances.
Shooting past three hundred yards is highly discouraged because the bullet drops incredibly fast and loses almost all of its ethical terminal hunting energy.
Military Applications
This specific cartridge concept was originally inspired by military professionals looking for a massive thumper round for close quarters combat situations.
The goal was to deliver a heavy large diameter projectile that could instantly neutralize targets with a single shot at close distances.
Today its military connection remains purely historical serving primarily as an incredibly popular civilian big game hunting tool.
Competition Shooting
Within local sporting rifle matches the cartridge performs admirably at all standard distances out to roughly two hundred meters.
At extreme distances the massive bullet drop requires veteran shooters to utilize specialized optical scopes with custom bullet drop compensating reticles.
Factors That Affect 450 Ballistics
External environmental atmospheric variables and physical firearm attributes combine to completely alter how a heavy bullet behaves once it leaves the muzzle.
Barrel Length
Barrel length plays a critical role in determining exactly how much velocity the cartridge can generate before the massive bullet exits into the open atmosphere.
A standard twenty inch barrel allows the fast burning powder inside the straight wall case to completely ignite maximizing the initial velocity push.
Shorter sixteen inch tactical barrels can cause a massive loss of velocity which noticeably diminishes hollow point expansion downrange.
Bullet Weight
Bullet weight dictates the core fundamental relationship between quick initial exit speed and late flight momentum conservation over open hunting ground.
Lighter 240 grain bullets leave the barrel much faster but lose speed quickly due to drag whereas heavier 300 grain bullets start slower but penetrate deeper.
Bullet Construction
The physical exterior design of the projectile whether it is an exposed lead core a hollow point or a polymer tipped variant heavily affects flight efficiency.
Polymer tipped bullets track significantly better because they absolutely minimize flight imbalances and slice through the air slightly cleaner than hollow points.
Ballistic Coefficient
The ballistic coefficient measures exactly how easily a bulky bullet overcomes raw air resistance during its journey to the distant target.
A higher ballistic coefficient directly reduces vertical bullet drop mathematically and massively minimizes the lateral drift caused by harsh crosswinds.
Altitude
High altitude mountain environments feature incredibly thin air which drastically reduces the aerodynamic drag forces acting against a flying bullet in motion.
Shooters operating in elevated mountain ranges will notice slightly flatter overall pathways and much higher retained velocities than those shooting near sea level.
Temperature
Air temperature heavily impacts atmospheric density with freezing cold temperatures creating denser air that slows down flying projectiles much faster over distance.
Additionally extreme ammunition temperature fluctuations can completely alter powder burn rates inside the brass cartridge causing unexpected changes in initial muzzle velocity.
Wind
Due to the incredibly poor aerodynamic profile of straight wall big bore bullets crosswinds have a profound and massive effect on the downrange trajectory.
A strong continuous crosswind will push the bullet sideways over long distances requiring precise windage alignment based on detailed ballistic chart evaluations.
Zero Distance
The specific distance at which a hunting rifle is physically zeroed determines the entire mathematical arc of the flight trajectory relative to the optic.
An inappropriate zero distance can cause the heavy bullet to impact several inches high at close range leading to frustrating misses on deer.
Best Zero Distance
Choosing the absolute correct zero distance establishes an incredibly efficient baseline for maintaining accuracy at various hunting distances.
100 Yard Zero
A one hundred yard zero is highly popular and considered the absolute gold standard among civilian hunters utilizing straight wall cartridges.
The primary advantage is that it aligns the sights perfectly for close quarters timber engagements where the vast majority of deer harvests occur.
The main disadvantage is that the bullet will drop noticeably when taking unexpected shots at deer standing near the two hundred yard line.
This zero is best for general target practice baseline rifle testing and ensuring total mathematical simplicity when hunting in incredibly thick brush.
200 Yard Zero
A two hundred yard zero serves as an exceptional general purpose baseline for hunters anticipating shots across open agricultural fields.
As demonstrated in our primary chart utilizing a two hundred yard zero keeps the bullet path relatively flat through the first one hundred and fifty yards of travel.
The disadvantage is a significant mid range rise near one hundred yards which requires the hunter to aim slightly low to hit the vital zone.
This zero is highly recommended for field marksmen who require instant readiness out to two hundred yards without adjusting their optical turrets.
300 Yard Zero
A three hundred yard zero is an incredibly specialized and generally discouraged configuration utilized only by extreme experimental shooters.
The massive advantage is that it completely eliminates the need to hold high when engaging distant animals right at the absolute extreme edge of the effective range.
The severe disadvantage is that the bullet flies massively higher than the line of sight at close distances which absolutely guarantees high misses on typical targets.
This approach is strictly reserved for dedicated field testing and should generally be avoided for ethical hunting applications.
1000 Yard Zero
A one thousand yard zero is physically impossible and entirely theoretical for any straight wall cartridge hunting rifle.
The major detriment of attempting this zero is that the bullet trajectory would form a massive artillery arc making hits mathematically impossible.
The heavy blunt projectile simply lacks the velocity and aerodynamic efficiency to ever reach this extreme distance.
This zero is strictly an academic absurdity and should never be applied to practical tactical shooting scenarios or standard hunting operations.
450 Compared To Similar Cartridges
To understand exactly where this legendary straight wall cartridge stands it helps to compare its performance against other prominent big bore options.
| Cartridge | Velocity | Energy | Trajectory At 200 Yards | Ballistic Coefficient | Effective Range | Recoil | Overall Performance |
| 450 Bushmaster | 2200 fps | 2686 ft lbs | 10.5 in Low | 0.210 | 250 yd | Heavy | Modern Straight Wall Standard |
| 45 70 Government | 2050 fps | 2800 ft lbs | 14.0 in Low | 0.230 | 250 yd | Heavy | Historic Big Bore Powerhouse |
| 350 Legend | 2250 fps | 1800 ft lbs | 8.5 in Low | 0.220 | 200 yd | Low | Soft Shooting Deer Cartridge |
| 400 Legend | 2250 fps | 2400 ft lbs | 9.0 in Low | 0.230 | 250 yd | Moderate | Excellent Medium Bore Balance |
| 50 Beowulf | 1900 fps | 2800 ft lbs | 16.0 in Low | 0.150 | 150 yd | Severe | Maximum Close Quarters Impact |
The major difference shown above is that the four hundred fifty absolutely dominates the smaller straight wall legends in raw kinetic energy. It delivers incredible large diameter mass making it the premier choice when massive tissue damage is prioritized over soft shooting recoil. When compared to the historical big bore lever action cartridges the modern bolt action straight wall round delivers slightly flatter trajectories while providing nearly identical terminal performance on large game animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical muzzle velocity required for reliable hollow point expansion?
Typical factory hunting ammunition must exit the muzzle between 1900 and 2200 feet per second to ensure the hollow point cavity opens reliably in soft tissue.
How much bullet drop does a 250 grain bullet have at two hundred yards?
With a standard one hundred yard zero a typical 250 grain factory cartridge experiences exactly between 10.4 and 11.0 inches of total gravitational drop at two hundred yards.
Which factory load retains velocity best at extreme long range?
The Bear Creek Ballistics 240 grain Copper Hollow Point retains velocity incredibly well due to its specialized copper profile and exceptionally high aerodynamic rating.
Is the cartridge legal to use in restricted straight wall hunting states?
Yes this specific cartridge was purposefully designed and heavily popularized precisely because it meets the strict legal requirements for straight wall hunting zones.
What is the average muzzle energy of a standard hunting cartridge?
Average muzzle energy spans from 2404 to over 2819 foot pounds making it a highly capable and devastatingly consistent big game hunting round.
Why do lighter bullets drop less at extreme distances in this caliber?
Lighter bullets are pushed to much higher initial velocities which allows them to spend far less time in open air flight where gravity constantly pulls them down.
What is the major difference between firing this cartridge in a sixteen inch versus a twenty inch barrel?
A sixteen inch barrel bleeds off massive amounts of pressure reducing velocity drastically whereas a twenty inch barrel allows full powder burn for maximum kinetic energy.
Does barrel length significantly change the massive muzzle flash?
Yes short tactical barrels dump unburned powder directly into the open air creating a blinding fireball while longer hunting barrels consume the powder internally.
What is the best zero distance for a dedicated thick woods hunting rifle?
A one hundred yard zero provides the absolute best general purpose baseline keeping all math calculations simple and ensuring dead on accuracy for sudden close quarters engagements.
How does this cartridge compare to the modern three hundred and fifty legend round?
The heavy big bore cartridge offers vastly superior physical mass and kinetic energy penetrating significantly deeper but generates noticeably more recoil than the smaller legend.