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Best Scope for .450 Bushmaster — Top 5 Optics for Big Bore Hunting Rifles (2026 Review)

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)

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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
Magnification: 3–9x
Objective Lens: 40mm
Tube Diameter: 1 inch
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
Wide field of view
Lifetime VIP warranty
Cons
Slight edge distortion at 9x
No illumination feature
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

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Leupold’s VX-Freedom combines heritage, performance, and unbeatable clarity for hunters who want a lightweight, dependable optic.
Specs
Magnification: 3–9x
Objective: 40mm
Eye Relief: 4.2–3.7 inches
Weight: 12.2 oz
Reticle: Duplex
Pros
Industry-leading optical clarity
True 4+ inch eye relief
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