When I first started testing rifles chambered in .450 Bushmaster, I quickly realized this powerhouse cartridge demands an optic that can handle serious recoil while maintaining razor-sharp accuracy.
The best scope for .450 Bushmaster must offer generous eye relief, a strong build, and a magnification range suitable for 100–250 yards — the sweet spot for most big-bore hunting.
After hundreds of rounds and several real-world hunts, I’ve narrowed down my top picks that perfectly complement this hard-hitting cartridge.
🏆 Top Product List: 5 Best Scope for .450 Bushmaster of 2026
Here’s a quick look at the scopes that performed exceptionally well on my Ruger American Ranch and Bushmaster rifles:
1. Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 (Dead-Hold BDC)
The Vortex Crossfire II has long been a benchmark for affordability and dependability. I mounted it on my Ruger American Ranch .450 Bushmaster using 1-inch medium rings and immediately noticed its forgiving eye box and durable construction.
Specs
Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC (SFP) Eye Relief: 3.8–4.4 inches Adjustment: ¼ MOA per click Pros
Excellent recoil resistance Crystal-clear image in low light Cons
Slight edge distortion at 9x Glass Clarity & Reticle: The fully multi-coated lenses deliver crisp visuals at dawn and dusk, and the Dead-Hold BDC reticle is ideal for 150–200 yard holds without clutter.
Eye Relief & Eye Box: The 4-inch eye relief ensures no scope bite, even with the Bushmaster’s brutal recoil.
Durability: Aircraft-grade aluminum body; mine held zero after 400+ rounds.
Elevation & Windage Knobs: Smooth, tactile, and accurate during box testing.
Magnification & Parallax: Parallax fixed at 100 yards — perfect for deer hunting distances.
Mounting & Accessories: Simple to mount with basic 1” rings; comes with lens caps.
Personal Experience: I zeroed at 100 yards in just four shots using Hornady 250gr FTX ammo. It maintained zero after multiple sessions in cold, damp Michigan woods.
Online Comments: Many Reddit users praise it as the “budget king” for straight-walled cartridges.
Verdict: A rock-solid entry-level optic built to withstand the Bushmaster’s recoil.
2. Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40
Leupold’s VX-Freedom combines heritage, performance, and unbeatable clarity for hunters who want a lightweight, dependable optic.
Specs
Eye Relief: 4.2–3.7 inches Pros
Industry-leading optical clarity