The main difference between the cartridges is that the .400 Legend utilizes a slightly narrower, 0.400-inch diameter bullet to balance substantial kinetic energy with manageable recoil for the modern deer hunter, whereas the .450 Bushmaster utilizes a massive 0.452-inch diameter bullet to deliver maximum brute force, devastating momentum, and heavy terminal tissue disruption at the cost of a significantly harsher recoil impulse.
The rise of straight-wall cartridge hunting regulations in Midwestern states (such as Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Iowa) has fundamentally changed the American deer hunting landscape. For decades, hunters in these densely populated areas were restricted to utilizing shotgun slugs or muzzleloaders, which were often inaccurate and suffered from punishing recoil. As legislation modernized to allow straight-walled centerfire rifle cartridges, the firearms industry responded by developing specialized rounds that could maximize performance within the legal constraints of a maximum case length and a straight-walled profile.
400 Legend vs 450 Bushmaster Comparison
| Feature | .400 Legend | .450 Bushmaster |
|---|---|---|
| Bullet Diameter | 0.400 inches (10.16 mm) | 0.452 inches (11.48 mm) |
| Typical Bullet Weight | 190 gr to 215 gr (typically 215 gr) | 240 gr to 300 gr (typically 250 gr) |
| Muzzle Velocity | 2,250 fps (20-inch barrel) | 2,200 fps (20-inch barrel) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2,416 ft-lbs | 2,686 to 2,980 ft-lbs |
| Momentum | ~69.1 lb-fps (215 gr at 2,250 fps) | ~78.5 lb-fps (250 gr at 2,200 fps) |
| Maximum Pressure | 45,000 psi (SAAMI) | 38,500 psi (SAAMI) |
| Ballistic Coefficient | Low (~0.206 for 215 gr Power-Point) | Low (~0.210 for 250 gr FTX) |
| Penetration | 18 to 22 inches (Gelatin) | 16 to 24+ inches (Gelatin) |
| Expansion | 0.60 to 0.70 inches | 0.70 to 0.85 inches |
| Trajectory | Flat out to 150 yards, heavy drop beyond | Flat out to 150 yards, heavy drop beyond |
| Recoil | Moderate (~16.3 ft-lbs in a 7.5 lb rifle) | Heavy (~23.5 ft-lbs in a 7.5 lb rifle) |
| Effective Range | 200 to 250 yards | 200 to 250 yards |
| Ammo Availability | Growing (Introduced in 2023) | High (Well-established hunting standard) |
| Ammo Cost | Moderate to Expensive ($1.50 to $2.50 per round) | Moderate to Expensive ($1.50 to $2.50 per round) |
| Best Use | Medium game hunting, recoil-sensitive shooters | Big game, heavy timber hunting, maximum brush performance |
The table above details the mechanical framework of two distinct big-bore straight-wall cartridges. To understand their operational differences, one must look at their case geometries and the resulting pressures. The .400 Legend was engineered from the ground up to utilize a modified 6.8 SPC case with a rebated rim. This allows it to hold a substantial powder charge while fitting perfectly into a standard AR-15 magazine well, requiring only a 6.8 SPC bolt face. To achieve its impressive ballistics with a lighter bullet, SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute) set the maximum pressure of the .400 Legend at a robust 45,000 psi.
The .450 Bushmaster, originating from Tim LeGendre’s “Thumper” concept and refined by Hornady, is based on a modified .284 Winchester case shortened to 1.700 inches and given a rebated rim to match the standard 5.56 NATO bolt face profile. However, because the case walls are so wide and remove significant material from the AR-15 bolt lugs, SAAMI conservatively limits the .450 Bushmaster to a maximum operating pressure of 38,500 psi. Despite this lower pressure ceiling, the massive internal case volume of the .450 Bushmaster allows it to drive tremendously heavy bullets at high speeds, resulting in devastating terminal performance.
400 Legend vs 450 Bushmaster Ballistics
To objectively evaluate the ballistic capabilities of the .400 Legend against the .450 Bushmaster, we must examine real-world factory ammunition across their most common applications in modern hunting environments. Because both cartridges were explicitly designed to maximize the legal limits of straight-wall regulations while functioning in AR-15 platforms and short-action bolt rifles, their primary testing data is standardized around 20-inch barrels.
For this highly researched comparison, we will examine the flagship commercial hunting loads that most sportsmen carry into the field.
- Load A (.400 Legend Standard Hunting): Winchester 215-grain Power-Point. Tested from a 20-inch barrel. Muzzle velocity is 2,250 feet per second. Muzzle energy is 2,416 foot-pounds. Ballistic Coefficient (G1) is 0.206.
- Load B (.450 Bushmaster Standard Hunting): Hornady BLACK 250-grain FTX (Flex Tip eXpanding). Tested from a 20-inch barrel. Muzzle velocity is 2,200 feet per second. Muzzle energy is 2,686 foot-pounds. Ballistic Coefficient (G1) is 0.210.
- Load C (.450 Bushmaster High Velocity): Bear Creek Ballistics 240-grain HV. Tested from a 20-inch barrel. Muzzle velocity is 2,365 feet per second. Muzzle energy is 2,981 foot-pounds. Ballistic Coefficient (G1) is 0.205.
Manufacturer-rated data is generally captured under controlled atmospheric conditions using standardized universal receiver barrels. Real-world velocities will vary slightly depending on your specific firearm’s chamber tolerances, atmospheric conditions, and whether you are using a shorter 16-inch barrel, which is incredibly popular for tree-stand hunters. A 16-inch barrel will generally cost the .450 Bushmaster roughly 125 feet per second in velocity compared to a 20-inch barrel.
400 Legend vs 450 Bushmaster Velocity
Velocity is a critical metric for straight-wall rifle ammunition. Because the legal parameters of these cartridges mandate bullet designs that are ballistically blunt—meaning they have poor aerodynamic efficiency—they must rely entirely on high initial muzzle velocity to flatten their trajectory over intermediate distances and force their heavy hollow points to expand upon impact.
When analyzing the velocity of the .400 Legend against the .450 Bushmaster, the numbers are incredibly close. The .400 Legend is designed to push a 215-grain bullet at exactly 2,250 feet per second from a 20-inch barrel. This is an exceptional speed for a 0.400-caliber projectile, providing a relatively flat flight path across the first 150 yards. The higher operating pressure of 45,000 psi allows the .400 Legend to extract maximum velocity from a smaller powder column.
The .450 Bushmaster is essentially a ballistic sledgehammer. Despite its lower maximum pressure rating of 38,500 psi, its massive case capacity allows it to drive a significantly heavier 250-grain bullet at a blistering 2,200 feet per second. When boutique ammunition manufacturers utilize specialized powders, such as the Bear Creek Ballistics 240-grain load, the .450 Bushmaster can achieve an astonishing 2,365 feet per second. This means the .450 Bushmaster not only matches the velocity of the smaller .400 Legend but can actually exceed it while pushing more lead down the barrel, making it a formidable hyper-velocity big-bore cartridge.
400 Legend vs 450 Bushmaster Muzzle Energy
Muzzle energy represents the kinetic work capacity of a projectile. The kinetic energy generated by a cartridge is a direct reflection of both the speed of the bullet and its physical mass. Because the .450 Bushmaster fires a projectile that is substantially heavier than the .400 Legend while maintaining nearly identical velocities, it dominates the muzzle energy category.
The .400 Legend produces an excellent 2,416 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle when firing the standard 215-grain Winchester Power-Point load. To put this into historical perspective, this is roughly 400 foot-pounds more energy than a classic 170-grain .30-30 Winchester hunting bullet. It is more than adequate for humanely harvesting whitetail deer, large feral hogs, and black bear at ethical distances.
However, the .450 Bushmaster operates in a completely different power class. A standard 250-grain Hornady FTX load generates 2,686 foot-pounds of kinetic energy. This represents a nearly 300 foot-pound advantage over the .400 Legend. If a hunter steps up to heavy 300-grain loads or high-velocity 240-grain boutique loads, the muzzle energy of the .450 Bushmaster can approach nearly 3,000 foot-pounds. This massive kinetic energy dump ensures catastrophic tissue damage and rapid shock upon impact, making the .450 Bushmaster the undisputed king of straight-wall kinetic energy among standard AR-15 compatible cartridges.
400 Legend vs 450 Bushmaster Momentum
Momentum is a linear measurement calculating mass in motion. In terminal ballistics, high momentum correlates closely with the ability of a bullet to crush through dense bone, heavy winter hides, and thick shoulder muscles without being deflected or stopping prematurely inside the target.
Because momentum relies equally on bullet weight and velocity, the heavier .450 Bushmaster completely outclasses the lighter .400 Legend in this category.
A 215-grain .400 Legend bullet traveling at 2,250 feet per second yields approximately 69.1 pound-feet per second of linear momentum. While this is highly respectable and perfectly sufficient for medium-sized game, it is not optimized for penetrating the thickest armor plates of a 400-pound boar on a quartering angle.
A heavy 250-grain .450 Bushmaster bullet traveling at 2,200 feet per second yields approximately 78.5 pound-feet per second of linear momentum. If you load a 300-grain bullet traveling at 1,900 feet per second, the momentum jumps to roughly 81.4 pound-feet per second. This dramatic difference in momentum translates directly to terminal performance in the field. The massive .450 Bushmaster bullet possesses the sheer driving force necessary to reliably track straight through heavy shoulder bones and dense timber brush, anchoring the absolute largest big game animals in North America.
400 Legend vs 450 Bushmaster Trajectory
Understanding external ballistics and bullet drop is critical for straight-wall cartridge hunters attempting to hit targets beyond 150 yards. The trajectory of a bullet is dictated by its initial velocity, gravity, and the aerodynamic efficiency of the projectile as it cuts through the atmosphere. Aerodynamic efficiency is measured as a Ballistic Coefficient (BC). Both of these cartridges suffer from poor ballistics coefficients (roughly 0.200 to 0.210) because their wide, flat noses act like parachutes in the air.
The calculations below assume a standard high-profile optic height of 1.5 inches above the bore and a clearly stated zero distance of 100 yards, which is the standard zero for modern straight-wall hunting rifles heavily utilized in Midwestern timber. We will compare the 215-grain .400 Legend Power-Point against the 250-grain .450 Bushmaster FTX to demonstrate their flight paths.
| Distance | .400 Legend (215 gr at 2,250 fps) Drop | .450 Bushmaster (250 gr at 2,200 fps) Drop |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | -1.5 inches | -1.5 inches |
| 50 Yards | +0.8 inches | +0.9 inches |
| 100 Yards | 0.0 inches (Zero) | 0.0 inches (Zero) |
| 150 Yards | -2.6 inches | -2.9 inches |
| 200 Yards | -8.2 inches | -8.9 inches |
| 250 Yards | -17.5 inches | -18.8 inches |
The trajectory data confirms that both cartridges are highly capable intermediate-range tools that perform like ballistic twins. The .400 Legend shoots marginally flatter out to 250 yards because it begins its flight at a slightly higher initial velocity and is pushing a lighter bullet, but a difference of roughly one inch at 250 yards is completely indistinguishable in a hunting scenario.
The reality of both cartridges is that they drop like a stone past 150 yards. While a hunter can easily hold the crosshairs steady on the vitals of a deer at 150 yards, taking a shot at 250 yards requires precise range-finding and a significant vertical holdover. Furthermore, the low ballistic coefficients make them highly susceptible to wind drift; a 10 mph crosswind will push both bullets nearly a foot off target at 200 yards.
400 Legend vs 450 Bushmaster Recoil
Recoil management is the single most important factor for many hunters and is the exact reason the .400 Legend was invented. The physical recoil generated by a firearm is heavily influenced by the weight of the rifle, the mass of the powder charge, and the weight of the bullet. A shooter who flinches in anticipation of heavy recoil will inevitably pull their shots and miss the vital zone.
The .450 Bushmaster is globally recognized as a punishing cartridge to shoot. Fired from a standard 7.5-pound bolt-action hunting rifle (such as the popular Ruger American Ranch), a full-power 250-grain load generates approximately 23.5 to 25.0 foot-pounds of free recoil energy. This is a violent, sharp shove to the shoulder that mirrors the recoil of heavy magnum cartridges. For youths, smaller-statured shooters, or anyone with shoulder sensitivity, the .450 Bushmaster can induce severe fatigue and flinching after only a few shots at the range.
The .400 Legend was intentionally engineered to provide massive terminal performance without the magnum punishment. Fired from an identical 7.5-pound hunting rifle, a typical 215-grain load generates roughly 16.3 foot-pounds of free recoil energy. This represents nearly a thirty percent reduction in recoil compared to the .450 Bushmaster. It is a highly comfortable level of recoil—falling perfectly between the mild 350 Legend and the brutal 450 Bushmaster—that most adult and youth shooters can tolerate easily, ensuring better marksmanship and more confident shots in the field.
400 Legend vs 450 Bushmaster Penetration
Terminal penetration is rigorously evaluated to ensure the ethical harvesting of game animals. A bullet must penetrate deep enough into soft tissue to reach critical cardiovascular structures regardless of the physical angle the target presents. Because of their massive frontal areas, straight-wall cartridges transfer energy very quickly, which can sometimes hinder deep penetration if the bullet expands too aggressively.
The .400 Legend utilizes a 0.400-inch diameter bullet. When the Winchester 215-grain Power-Point strikes ballistic gelatin, the soft lead core is designed to peel back while retaining enough mass to push forward. Standard gel tests indicate the .400 Legend penetrates roughly 18 to 22 inches in soft tissue. This is perfect for broadside shots on whitetail deer and provides enough depth to confidently take quartering shots on medium game.
The .450 Bushmaster is a penetration juggernaut due to its heavy bullet mass. A 250-grain Hornady FTX bullet typically penetrates 16 to 19 inches, as its polymer tip is designed for massive, rapid expansion. However, if a hunter opts for a heavy 300-grain jacketed hollow point or a solid hard-cast lead bullet, the .450 Bushmaster will effortlessly penetrate 20 to 24+ inches of gelatin. This ability to push an enormous half-inch bullet through two feet of tissue makes the .450 Bushmaster the superior choice for extremely large, heavy-boned animals.
400 Legend vs 450 Bushmaster Expansion
Bullet expansion dictates the diameter of the permanent wound channel inside the target. Wide expansion increases the likelihood of severing major arteries and causing rapid incapacitation through catastrophic blood loss. Both of these cartridges deliver terrifyingly large wound channels.
The .400 Legend starts with a massive 0.400-inch frontal diameter. Upon impacting fluid-filled tissue at over 2,000 feet per second, the hydraulic pressure forces the copper jacket to peel back, expanding the bullet to roughly 0.60 to 0.70 inches in diameter. This creates a crush cavity roughly the size of a quarter, resulting in rapid blood trails and swift ethical kills.
The .450 Bushmaster starts with an even larger 0.452-inch diameter. Because it pushes heavier bullets with more kinetic energy, the expansion is catastrophic. A premium 250-grain FTX bullet fired from a .450 Bushmaster frequently expands to 0.70 to 0.85 inches in diameter, creating an enormous wound channel that rivals many classic African safari cartridges. The combination of a wider expanded diameter and higher kinetic energy means the .450 Bushmaster punches a significantly larger hole through the animal.
400 Legend vs 450 Bushmaster Effective Range
The effective range of a straight-wall cartridge is determined by the intersection of velocity retention, bullet drop predictability, and the minimum kinetic energy required to humanely kill the animal (typically 1,000 foot-pounds for deer).
Both the .400 Legend and the .450 Bushmaster are heavily limited by their poor aerodynamic shapes, which cause them to bleed velocity and energy rapidly.
The .400 Legend maintains its 1,000 foot-pound ethical deer hunting threshold out to approximately 250 yards. The 215-grain Power Point retains roughly 1,134 foot-pounds of energy at the 200-yard mark. Beyond 250 yards, the velocity drops so drastically that reliable bullet expansion cannot be guaranteed, and the trajectory becomes a guessing game.
The .450 Bushmaster hits harder at the muzzle but suffers the same fate downrange. The 250-grain FTX retains enough kinetic energy to confidently harvest game out to roughly 250 yards. At 250 yards, the bullet has dropped over 16 inches and lost a massive amount of its speed. The cartridge is absolutely devastating inside 150 yards, but it is not a 300-yard plains rifle. Both cartridges share an identical effective hunting envelope.
400 Legend vs 450 Bushmaster Self Defense
When discussing self defense with high-powered centerfire rifle cartridges, the conversation revolves around tactical applications and the inherent risks of severe over-penetration in residential environments.
Neither the .400 Legend nor the .450 Bushmaster is suitable for standard urban home defense. While both are chambered in the highly maneuverable AR-15 platform, firing a big-bore magnum rifle inside a residential hallway will cause immediate and permanent hearing damage due to the concussive muzzle blast. Furthermore, a 215-grain or 250-grain bullet will effortlessly pass through an intruder, multiple interior drywall partitions, exterior walls, and continue flying into neighboring properties. The danger posed to innocent bystanders is extreme.
If utilized for rural property defense or stopping large predatory threats (such as bears) on a farm, both are highly effective. The .450 Bushmaster, with its massive kinetic energy and heavy bullet weights, is an exceptional close-range bear defense tool, widely trusted by guides in heavy timber.
400 Legend vs 450 Bushmaster Concealed Carry
Concealed carry with either the .400 Legend or the .450 Bushmaster is impossible and entirely impractical. Both are massive centerfire rifle cartridges measuring roughly 2.26 inches in overall length. They require large rifle actions, heavy buffer systems, and substantial barrel lengths to safely contain their operating pressures. There are no practical handguns manufactured that can chamber these rounds for concealed carry. Their appropriate transport method involves a dedicated rifle hard case, a vehicle rack, or a sturdy tactical sling worn over the shoulder in the backcountry.
Which Has More Stopping Power: 400 Legend or 450 Bushmaster?
Stopping power is a non-scientific term generally used to describe the ability of a cartridge to quickly incapacitate a biological target without requiring long tracking jobs into the brush.
The .450 Bushmaster possesses significantly more stopping power on large game animals. While the .400 Legend is a highly efficient killer on deer, it cannot match the sheer blunt force trauma delivered by a .45-caliber bullet. Striking an animal with nearly 3,000 foot-pounds of kinetic energy and a heavy 250-grain bullet creates a massive wound channel that induces rapid hydrostatic shock and massive tissue disruption. For animals larger than whitetail deer, the .450 Bushmaster anchors targets with unparalleled authority.
Which Is More Powerful: 400 Legend or 450 Bushmaster?
Power is defined quantitatively by kinetic energy and linear momentum. Based on the laws of physics and the raw data, the .450 Bushmaster is vastly more powerful than the .400 Legend.
The .450 Bushmaster generates between 2,686 and 2,980 foot-pounds of muzzle energy depending on the specific load. The .400 Legend generates roughly 2,416 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. The .450 Bushmaster delivers nearly 300 more foot-pounds of kinetic energy to the target and boasts a massive advantage in linear momentum due to its heavier bullet mass.
400 Legend Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional compromise between heavy terminal performance and highly manageable recoil
- Fits perfectly into standard AR-15 platforms using a 6.8 SPC bolt face and specialized magazines
- Extremely effective medium game cartridge tailored specifically for straight-wall legal states
- Rebated rim design ensures reliable feeding in both modern semi-automatics and classic bolt-action rifles
Cons
- Lacks the heavy bullet mass (250+ grains) preferred by many hunters for taking black bear and moose
- Ammunition is currently limited as it was recently introduced in 2023
- Trajectory drops rapidly past 150 yards, making long-range field shots difficult
- Does not offer the ubiquitous commercial reloading component availability of legacy straight-wall calibers
450 Bushmaster Pros and Cons
Pros
- Unbelievable kinetic energy and momentum generation for taking the absolute largest big game in heavy timber
- Widespread availability of rifles and ammunition from virtually every major manufacturer
- Vast selection of bullet weights ranging from 240 grains to over 300 grains for maximum penetration
- Devastating terminal performance leaves massive blood trails for easy game recovery
Cons
- Generates severe, punishing recoil that can induce severe shooter flinch and shoulder fatigue
- Rapid energy loss limits its ethical effective hunting range to roughly 200 yards
- Low ballistic coefficient bullets are highly susceptible to wind drift at intermediate distances
- Muzzle blast and concussive shockwave from a 16-inch barrel can be highly disruptive to the shooter
Final Comparison
| Category | Winner | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Velocity | Tie | Both achieve roughly 2,200 to 2,250 fps from standard 20-inch barrels |
| Muzzle Energy | .450 Bushmaster | Generates roughly 300 more ft-lbs of kinetic energy than the .400 Legend |
| Momentum | .450 Bushmaster | Massive .45-caliber bullets carry immense linear driving mass |
| Penetration | .450 Bushmaster | Heavy 250 to 300-grain bullets effortlessly shatter heavy bone structures |
| Expansion | .450 Bushmaster | Starts wider and contains more mass to peel back into a massive 0.80+ inch mushroom |
| Trajectory | Tie | Bullet drop is virtually indistinguishable out to 200 yards |
| Recoil Control | .400 Legend | Produces roughly 30% less free recoil energy than the heavy .450 Bushmaster |
| Effective Range | Tie | Both are firmly restricted to a 200 to 250-yard ethical hunting envelope |
| Self Defense | Neither | Both present extreme over-penetration hazards in any residential setting |
| Concealed Carry | Neither | Both are massive rifle cartridges entirely unsuitable for concealment |
| Ammo Cost | Tie | Both are specialty hunting cartridges that carry premium price tags |
| Ammo Availability | .450 Bushmaster | Older established market presence ensures better retail availability |
| Overall Performance | Depends on Shooter | .400 Legend for manageable recoil; .450 Bushmaster for absolute brute power |
400 Legend vs 450 Bushmaster: Which Should You Choose?
Selecting between the .400 Legend and the .450 Bushmaster requires a practical assessment of your physical recoil tolerance, the specific size of the animals you intend to hunt, and the hunting regulations in your state.
Choose the .400 Legend if you are hunting in a straight-wall restricted state and prioritize accuracy, rapid follow-up shots, and shooter comfort. The .400 Legend perfectly bridges the gap between the anemic .350 Legend and the punishing .450 Bushmaster. It provides exceptional kinetic energy and a flat trajectory out to 150 yards without bruising your shoulder, making it the premier choice for youth hunters, recoil-sensitive adults, and anyone who wants an enjoyable experience at the range before deer season begins.
Choose the .450 Bushmaster if you want the ultimate, heavy-hitting brush gun and are entirely insensitive to severe recoil. Whether you are hunting large Midwestern whitetails, pursuing gigantic feral hogs in the southern swamps, or need a reliable black bear defense rifle, the .450 Bushmaster provides the raw kinetic energy and bone-crushing momentum required to anchor massive animals instantly. Its widespread availability ensures you can find parts, magazines, and ammunition virtually anywhere.
FAQs
Is 400 Legend more powerful than 450 Bushmaster?
No, the .450 Bushmaster is significantly more powerful. It generates approximately 300 more foot-pounds of muzzle energy and significantly higher linear momentum than the .400 Legend due to its massive 250-grain bullet weights.
Which has more muzzle energy?
The .450 Bushmaster easily generates between 2,680 and 2,980 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. The .400 Legend generates roughly 2,416 foot-pounds of muzzle energy.
Which has more stopping power?
The .450 Bushmaster provides superior stopping power on large game animals like black bear, elk, and massive hogs due to its heavier bullet mass, wider frontal area, and massive kinetic energy transfer.
Which has more recoil?
The .450 Bushmaster produces significantly more recoil. Fired from a standard lightweight hunting rifle, the .450 Bushmaster generates nearly 30 percent more free recoil energy than the .400 Legend, making it much harder for novice shooters to master.
Which has better penetration?
The .450 Bushmaster penetrates deeper on heavy game when using comparable hard-cast or heavy jacketed bullets. Its extreme bullet mass allows the projectiles to punch through dense muscle and thick shoulder bones without deflecting.
Which expands more?
Because it starts at a much wider 0.452-inch diameter and contains more lead mass, a premium .450 Bushmaster expanding bullet will generally create a significantly wider final expanded profile (often exceeding 0.80 inches) than the 0.400-inch bullet of the Legend.
Which has a flatter trajectory?
The trajectory is effectively identical out to 200 yards. While the .400 Legend is technically a fraction of an inch flatter at 200 yards due to its lighter bullet, the difference is negligible in any practical hunting scenario.
Which is better for self defense?
Neither cartridge is suitable for civilian home defense due to the extreme danger of over-penetration through residential walls and the blinding, deafening muzzle blast indoors.
Which is better for concealed carry?
Neither. Both are large centerfire rifle cartridges fired from long, heavy rifles that cannot be concealed on the human body.
Is 400 Legend faster than 450 Bushmaster?
Their muzzle velocities are very similar. The .400 Legend is slightly faster, launching a 215-grain bullet at roughly 2,250 fps, while the .450 Bushmaster launches a 250-grain bullet at roughly 2,200 fps.
Is 450 Bushmaster stronger than 400 Legend?
Yes, in terms of sheer kinetic energy, bullet mass, and momentum, the .450 Bushmaster is drastically stronger than the .400 Legend, despite the .400 Legend operating at a higher internal chamber pressure (45,000 psi vs 38,500 psi).
Which is cheaper to shoot?
Both cartridges are generally priced similarly as premium straight-wall hunting ammunition. Neither offers the cheap bulk plinking ammunition commonly found in standard military calibers like 5.56 NATO or .308 Winchester.
Can a 450 Bushmaster shoot 400 Legend?
No. They are completely different calibers with vastly different case geometries and bullet diameters.
Which is easier to shoot?
The .400 Legend is drastically easier to shoot due to its moderate recoil impulse, making it highly preferred for tree-stand hunters and youth shooters who want magnum-level deer performance without the pain.
Which should you choose?
Choose the .400 Legend for a highly efficient, moderate-recoil deer rifle that utilizes standard AR-15 dimensions. Choose the .450 Bushmaster for maximum kinetic energy, heavy bullet weights, and hunting massive big game in heavy brush.