Gas-powered rifles have started to become really good these days with the AR-15 being almost as precise as a bolt-action rifle. However, it’s not all about increases in precision, the AR-15 construction has also been improved to the point where you can now use an AR-15 platform to handle big-bore rounds like the 450 Bushmaster.
If you shoot a specialized round like the 450 Bushmaster, you might be tempted to make a rushed decision when choosing an upper receiver. However, picking an upper receiver can be a big commitment and you should be sure to get a top-quality one.
Read on our guide below to understand what makes a great upper receiver and the factors to consider before making the final decision. We’ve also rounded up some of the best 450 Bushmaster upper receivers available on the market for you to pick.
Uppers | Name | Editor’s Comment | Rating | Get The Deal |
---|---|---|---|---|
Radical Firearms 20” Complete .450 Bushmaster Upper | Premium Option 1. HBAR-contour barrel | 10/10 | SHOP NOW | |
Radical Firearms – .450 Bushmaster Upper Receivers | Most Recommended Option 1. HBAR-contour barrel | 9.5/10 | SHOP NOW | |
ATI – 16” Complete 450 Bushmaster Upper | 1. Simple installation 2. 16-inch barrel with 1:24 barrel twist 3. Includes muzzle brake | 9.5/10 | SHOP NOW | |
Patriot Arms and Supply Stripped 450/458 Anodized Upper Receiver | 1. Matte black, hard-anodized finished 2. Affordable 3. Made from 7075 T6 aluminum | 8.5/10 | SHOP NOW | |
Bushmaster .450 Upper | 1. Includes 5-round magazine 2. Fits on any mil-spec AR-15 lower 3. Chrome moly-lined chamber | 7.5/10 | Currently unavailable |
Benefits of Upgrading Your Upper
It’s often easy to forget that a quality upper is more than just a ticket to give your firearm .450 Bushmaster capabilities. So, don’t make this mistake and make sure that your upper checks all the boxes. A few benefits of getting a .450 Bushmaster upper include:
Support the Power Behind .450 Bushmaster Ammo
You require an upper that’s’ capable of handling and delivering ammunition as powerful as the .450 Bushmaster round. But before you spring for something cheap, remember that the .450 Bushmaster is going to introduce a lot of stress and a cheap build might just wear down really quickly.
Improve Accuracy
A superior upper will limit recoil and help ensure your barrel stays focused on your target while improving time and end result.
Support your Shooting Style
Most shooters will use at least one accessory that requires rails. So, be sure that your chosen upper is able to support your hunting style and provides ample space to support your desired hunting style. Make sure your upper adapts to you and not the other way round.
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best .450 Bushmaster Upper
For such an important component, you should be sure to never simply pick one off the shelf. In fact, you should look for the absolute best out there. But what makes an upper receiver .450 Bushmaster special? Here are a few qualities and features that you might want to pay attention to distinguish a great upper receiver from one that’s cheap in quality.
Construction
The .650 Bushmaster ammo type is a big cartridge and packs a real wallop, so a strong construction is essential to not only ensure it delivers the ammo properly but to also make sure it does not wear down over time.
Barrel Length
Generally, a long barrel will improve accuracy and reduce recoil while a shorter barrel is better for maneuverability and makes for a lighter gun setup. Where you put your emphasis will matter here and it will depend on your application. Nonetheless, the barrel length choice of which is right is yours alone.
Mounting Options
You should be sure to pay attention to check that your .450 Bushmaster upper receiver is build to support Picatinny and M-Lok rails and mounting systems so that you’re not left in the cold when it comes to accessorizing the firearm with your desired accessories.
Extras
Whether it’s a charging handle or just a dust cover, our list of high-quality upper receivers include plenty of extras. However, you might just want to pass on a complete package if you don’t want to pay for things you don’t want. It might only make sense to save money and go with a package if you’re liable to buy these extras elsewhere.
Budget
It would be easy for us to recommend a single upper receiver that delivers all the premium features you would ever need. However, it is undeniable that price does matter. Nevertheless, it is definitely possible to find a great upper receiver that is able to accommodate both your style and budget.
If you’ve looked at some of the hottest upper receivers for .450 Bushmaster only to be disappointed by its high price tag, don’t despair. We have a few options on our list today that will certainly meet your budget while still offering you your desired qualities.
Review of the Best .450 Bushmaster Upper Receivers
1. Radical Firearms 20” Complete .450 Bushmaster Upper – The Best .450 Bushmaster 20” Upper
This .450 Bushmaster upper is constructed from high-quality 7075 T6 aluminum, making it one of the toughest of its kind on the market. The set even comes with all the parts you need in order to make the whole kit and kaboodle work to your advantage. This means that you don’t have to waste time and effort hunting down each separate part just to get them together.
Other than that, this upper is also lightweight and won’t weigh you down once you’ve installed it on a fully loaded AR-15 rifle. Those looking for a superior 20” upper to complete their big-bore AR-15 rifle build need not look further than this .450 Bushmaster Upper from Radical Firearms. The 20” upper receiver is a single solution to help you finish off a build or to supplement a new caliber option to a standard lower.
The upper comes with just about everything you need to start throwing high-grain rounds like the .450 Bushmaster for you to spend your leftover funds on something supplementary, such as a scope.
Taking advantage of the 20” real estate, this .450 Bushmaster upper receiver offers ample accommodation for all your desired accessories. With a 15-inch M-LOK Hybrid rail that comes with Picatinny sections on all four positions located around the forend’s circumference. On top of that, you even get an HBAR-contour barrel, a .936-inch gas block journal, and a rifle-length gas system.
Radical Firearms has also included a forward assist, charging handle, bolt carrier group, and dust cover in the package. Factoring in all the functionalities, this 20” .450 Bushmaster Upper delivers great value at this price point.
This is an upper receiver that’s suitable for many applications. Whether you’re planning to go on a hunt or target shoot, this is a great upper that can be put together in minutes for you to give a whirl at the range. This is a fully functional rifle that will fire off some rounds to excel in many hunting situations.
The bottom line is that this Radical Firearms Complete .450 Bushmaster Complete Upper is a no-brainer option for those who want the perfect upper for a rifle that can fire off a .450 Bushmaster round. You might just be impressed at how quickly you can install this onto your rifle without the need for any additional parts. All you have to do is to put this on and you’re all ready to go.
You might want this if:
- You want a .450 Bushmaster complete upper with an HBAR-contour barrel.
- You want an excellent .450 Bushmaster upper that delivers excellent performance at a great price.
- You want an all-in-one solution that comes with all kinds of extra.
- You want the best .450 Bushmaster upper that includes a 15-inch M-LOK hybrid rail with four Picatinny sections.
You might not want this if:
- You’re shopping with a budget as this may not be the most affordable option, especially for someone who does not require the extra features.
2. Radical Firearms – .450 Bushmaster Upper Receivers – The Best .450 Bushmaster Upper 16”
Here’s yet another .450 Bushmaster upper receiver that’s easy to install and super fun to use once it’s all said and done. You may even upgrade from one caliber to the next in an effort to enhance the AR-15 rifle’s performance. A .450 Bushmaster ammo will be pretty awesome for use in an application where you need accuracy and precision shooting to land a kill shot or that bullseye.
This is pretty much the same as the 20” .450 Bushmaster upper receiver discussed above but with a 16” barrel. This package also includes everything you need to hit the ground running in your quest for a big game at an amazing price point.
Despite the smaller size barrel, the .450 Bushmaster upper receiver features an M-LOK hybrid rail with four Picatinny sections around the forend’s circumference. You also get the HBAR-contour barrel, a .936-inch gas block journal, a forward assist, a charging handle, a bolt carrier group, and a dust cover.
One notable difference though is that this 16” model features a mid-length gas system rather than a rifle-length gas system due to its smaller size. Nonetheless, we still think that all the features combine to make for a great value. However, one nitpick for this is that it has the same price as the 20” version. With fewer materials involved, we expected to see a bit of a discount.
This is the perfect upper receiver to have on hand to upgrade your AR-15 rifle. Whether you need it for hunting or target shooting, this is an excellent .450 Bushmaster upper that you can add on easily with the right kind of tools. With this, you never have to settle with the frustration of hunting down and installing every little accessory.
Overall, the Radical Firearms .450 Bushmaster Complete Upper Receiver could just be the key accessory you’re looking for to help you make the switch from your regular AR-15 calibers to a proven cartridge that will leave you with precise and tight shooting groups.
You might like this if:
- You want a .450 Bushmaster upper with an HBAR-contour barrel.
- You want an excellent .450 Bushmaster upper that delivers excellent performance at a great price.
- You want an all-in-one solution that comes with all kinds of extra.
- You want the best .450 Bushmaster upper that includes a 15-inch M-LOK hybrid rail with four Picatinny sections.
You might not want this if:
- You’re shopping with a budget as this may not be the most affordable option, especially for someone who does not need the extra features.
3. Patriot Arms and Supply Stripped 450/458 Anodized Upper Receiver -The Best .450 Bushmaster Stripped Upper
Now we enter the stripped 450/456 Anodized Upper Receiver from Patriot Arms that’s ideal for a 450 Bushmaster or 458 SOCOM upper build. The upper is precision-machined from 7075 T6 aluminum and forged to mil-spec standards to make it compatible with any mil-spec lower receiver.
If you’re looking to get a stripped upper as an affordable solution to build your own customized upper, then it might be a wise choice to get the right stripped upper to help you stay within your budget while ensuring an excellent end result.
With this stripped anodized upper receiver, you get a caliber-specific feed ramp and matte black, hard-anodized finish. Though it’s not a standard, you may even add an ejection port or a forward assist for a reasonable sum.
Given that Patriots Arms and Supply is not the world’s largest emporium, we would recommend for you to act fast if you’re interested in these stripper uppers that offer excellent quality with a great price tag. Typically, few are in stock compared to mega-retailers, do make sure you don’t delay or you might end up with your upper on backorder.
This .450 Bushmaster upper receiver is a great option for those planning on building their rifle from scratch or doing an upgrade. It also requires minimal gunsmithing skills, so this won’t be a complicated project. All you need are the parts that will work and you’ll be set and ready to go. Before you know it, your newly built or upgraded rifle will be certainly a force to be reckoned with.
The bottom line is this Patriot Arms and Supply stripped 450/458 anodized upper receiver is perfect for those who want to completely build their rifle in their own unique way. Once you’ve completed your project, you’ll be able to put this to use as a hunting or target shooting machine.
You would like this if:
- You want the best .450 Bushmaster upper receiver that features a matte black, hard-anodized finish.
- You want an excellent option for an affordable customized build.
- You want an upper receiver with a sturdy construction made from 7075 T6 aluminum forged to mil-spec standards.
- You want an ejection port cover or forward assist option that’s available for a very log additional fee.
You might not like this if:
- You want something more readily available as this may be out of stock due to a limited supply.
4. ATI – 16” Complete 450 Bushmaster Upper – The Best .450 Bushmaster Complete Upper
If you’re looking for a well-constructed complete upper that’s assembled and ready for installation, then this might just be the one you’re looking for. Aside from that, this upper receiver even comes with a muzzle brake to help you reduce recoil and blowback from propellant gases. The last thing you’ll get with these upper receivers is a cloud of dirt and gas kicking up in your face.
One thing that we absolutely love about our list of upper receivers we’ve gathered for you is that many of them are a complete package that includes lots of extras enabling you to spend your funds on other supplementary components such as optics or spare magazines. The ATI Complete 450 Bushmaster AR-15 Upper Receiver is another amazing package that’s offered at a great price.
This drop-in design can even be simply dropped onto your lower receiver. All you have to do is pop open your takedown pins on the bottom, take off the existing upper, and drop this shiny new one in its place. With a charging handle and bolt carrier group included in this package, you’ll certainly have this ready in no time. You also get a 15-inch handguard with KeyMod attachment spots for your accessories to let you customize your build exactly the way you want.
This 16-inch barrel features a 1:24 twist and a nice, matte black finish that resists reflection to enable a higher level of stealth on the field. While this does not include as many extras as the options listed above, it’s still a great package that comes at an affordable price. Those looking to add .450 Bushmaster capability onto their AR-15 rifle will love this simple and easy-to-install solution courtesy of ATI.
This ATI .450 Bushmaster AR-15 upper receiver might just be considered as one of the best budget options as you’d be hard-pressed to find an upper like this anywhere else for the price. In fact, you’ll be getting a steal of a deal compared to some other models that are considered “high-end”. It has all you need to make it a complete upper receiver.
All-in-all, if you’re looking for an upper receiver that isn’t too long, yet enough to meet compliance laws in various states then the ATI 16-inch Complete .450 Bushmaster Upper might just be what you need. Not only that, but this is one of the most affordable options for those who do not want to spend an arm and a leg on a .450 Bushmaster upper.
You would like this if:
- You want an upper receiver that features a simple installation with a streamlined design.
- You want a product that features a 16-inch barrel with a 1:24 barrel twist.
- You want an upper receiver that provides a variety of features including a muzzle brake in one great, well-priced package.
- You prefer a matte, reflection-resistant black finish for improved stealth.
- You want a 15-inch handguard with keymod attachment points for you to add accessories.
You might not like this if:
- You want a complete package that comes with plenty of extra features.
5. Bushmaster .450 Upper
For many, this complete package needs no introduction and has even been called a “Thumper” as it bills itself capable of taking down any game in North America that countless hunters will attest to its ability.
Engineered to mount easily on a mil-spec AR-15 lower, this upper receiver tosses the 250-grain Hornady SST/FT .450 Bushmaster bullet at a velocity of 2,200 FPS, packing some exceptional power. However, you should be aware that this is not particularly suited for longer-range caliber. But with such high velocity, this upper receiver delivers impeccable accuracies at close ranges of up to 200 yards.
Recoil with this upper receiver is minimal when compared to its power and velocity. Akin to a 20-gauge shotgun, this barrel freely floats from the nut thanks to a tubular-aluminum forend, which itself helps improve accuracy immensely. Not only this, but this comes with a chrome-lined bore and chrome-lined chamber that’s simple to clean for easy maintenance. Furthermore, this could even help you extend barrel life.
The bottom line is this upper receiver can help you take down any size game in North America. Little can stand in its way and survive an encounter since few uppers can come close to the performance of the Bushmaster .450 Upper in terms of power and performance. Well-priced and effective, this package even includes a little bonus of a five-round magazine.
You would like this if:
- You want an upper that includes a five-round magazine.
- You prefer a premier upper for .450 Bushmaster that is able to hurl a 250-grain round downrange at a velocity of 2,200 FPS.
- You want an upper that fit s on any mil-spec AR-15 lower that delivers exceptionally low recoil for its power.
- You want a chrome moly-lined chamber and bore for easy cleaning and better barrel longevity.
You might not like this if:
- You want long-range shooting.
Conclusion
Getting a complete .450 Bushmaster upper is certainly a fast ticket to improve your firearm to take down large game and anything that stands in its way. But, before you invest your hard-earned money be sure to go through our guide to better understand what separates winners from the duds. Hopefully, today’s article has given you enough information and knowledge to make the right decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Are The Differences Between 450 Bushmaster Stripped Upper and 450 Bushmaster Complete Upper?
A stripped upper receiver does not have any components being installed hence, you’d need to search for necessary accessories such as the barrel, forward assist or dust cover which could be more troublesome. Contrastingly, the complete upper is very comprehensive as it comes ready with all the individual components being installed. You’d even attach it to your AR 15 lower receiver and start loading it to use it.
The preference of the type of receiver would boils down to customization. If you’ve done your part in researching, you may not even need gunsmithing skills and this could save you some money.
Hello there, it’s Michael here. A gun lover since young, served the country for the last 20 years. I started the blog to share my experience and gun-related knowledge accumulated throughout the years. Hopefully, you will find something useful over here or just have fun! You can learn more about me here.