One of the fastest, flattest 450 Bushmaster loads you can buy.
This is our high-velocity 450 Bushmaster ammo, developed for hunters who run a bolt-action or single-shot rifle and want every bit of performance the cartridge can give. Each round is loaded with our own 240-grain all-copper bullet, machined in Michigan and 100% lead-free. At a muzzle velocity of 2,590 fps it leaves the factory loads behind, with roughly 15 inches of drop at 300 yards and over 1,100 ft-lbs of energy still on target at 350. If you have been looking for a 450 Bushmaster load that stretches your effective range instead of running out of steam past 150 yards, this is it.
Our solid copper bullet is designed to expand all the way down to 1,250 fps, so it keeps opening up at the lower velocities you see at distance, right where conventional copper bullets quit. The result is reliable expansion, deep penetration, and full weight retention with no lead left in the meat. Hunters regularly report sub-MOA groups and devastating terminal performance on whitetail out past 200 yards. The full velocity, energy, and drop chart for the 240-grain HV by barrel length is below.
| Caliber | 450 Bushmaster |
| Bullet | All-copper, HV |
| Weight | 240 gr |
| G1 BC | .23 |
| Muzzle velocity | 2,590 fps (23") |
| Min. expansion | 1,250 fps / 550 ft-lbs |
| Rounds / box | 20 |
| Lead free | Yes |
| Use in | Bolt-action & single-shot only |
| Made in | Michigan |
Bolt-action and single-shot rifles only. This high-velocity load is not for use in AR-platform rifles. The HV cartridge is also longer than standard 450 Bushmaster ammo (2.560"), so some rifles need a full-length magazine to feed it. See the FAQ below for the common rifles and magazine part numbers.
Shooting a Ruger M77, Mossberg Patriot, Savage Apex, Howa Mini, or CVA Cascade? Check the FAQ to see what your rifle needs to feed the HV load.
All Copper. Zero Compromise. Machined in Michigan.
Each 240-grain bullet is CNC-turned from solid copper in our own shop and loaded in-house, with every load proven on game and at the range before it earns a spot in our lineup. No jacket to separate. No lead core to fragment. Just reliable expansion, controlled penetration, and the weight retention that puts game down fast.
240-Grain HV Ballistics & Drop Chart
240 gr all-copper, .23 G1 BC, 175-yard zero. Pick your barrel length:
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Path (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 2,425 | 3,135 | — |
| 100 | 2,094 | 2,337 | +2.4 |
| 200 | 1,792 | 1,712 | -2.0 |
| 300 | 1,525 | 1,239 | -20.2 |
| 350 | 1,405 | 1,053 | -36.7 |
| 400 | 1,298 | 899 | -59.5 |
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Path (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 2,475 | 3,265 | — |
| 100 | 2,140 | 2,442 | +2.2 |
| 200 | 1,836 | 1,796 | -1.8 |
| 300 | 1,561 | 1,299 | -19.4 |
| 350 | 1,439 | 1,103 | -35.0 |
| 400 | 1,329 | 941 | -56.7 |
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Path (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 2,525 | 3,399 | — |
| 100 | 2,187 | 2,550 | +2.1 |
| 200 | 1,878 | 1,879 | -1.8 |
| 300 | 1,598 | 1,361 | -18.4 |
| 350 | 1,473 | 1,157 | -33.2 |
| 400 | 1,359 | 985 | -54.0 |
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Path (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 2,565 | 3,507 | — |
| 100 | 2,224 | 2,637 | +2.0 |
| 200 | 1,910 | 1,945 | -1.7 |
| 300 | 1,628 | 1,413 | -17.6 |
| 350 | 1,500 | 1,200 | -32.0 |
| 400 | 1,384 | 1,021 | -51.9 |
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) | Path (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 2,615 | 3,645 | — |
| 100 | 2,269 | 2,744 | +1.8 |
| 200 | 1,953 | 2,034 | -1.6 |
| 300 | 1,665 | 1,478 | -16.9 |
| 350 | 1,536 | 1,257 | -30.4 |
| 400 | 1,416 | 1,068 | -49.5 |
Calculated at a 175-yard zero (about +2.0" high at 100 yards from a 22" barrel), .23 G1 BC, standard conditions. The 16" and 22" columns use our measured velocities; 18", 20", and 24" are estimated at roughly 25 fps per inch. Real-world results vary with your rifle, barrel, and conditions.
Why Hunters Choose the 240 HV
Terminal Performance
Explore the 450 Bushmaster Lineup
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I shoot this 450 Bushmaster ammo in an AR-15?
No. This high-velocity load is for bolt-action and single-shot rifles only. It is not for use in AR-platform rifles. If you are shooting an AR, choose our standard 450 Bushmaster 240-grain or 200-grain ammo, which feeds and functions in all modern factory rifles including AR platforms.
Will the HV ammo feed in my rifle?
The HV cartridge is longer than standard 450 Bushmaster ammo (2.560"), so it is built for bolt guns with full-length magazines such as the Ruger American, Christensen Arms Mesa, Bergara B-14, and Remington 700 customs, plus single-shot rifles.
Some rifles need a full-length (.308Win/.243Win) detachable magazine to run this ammo. Here are some of the part numbers to the required magazine: a Mossberg Patriot (Mossberg P/N 95347). CVA Cascade (P/N AC1100). A Ruger M77 needs the .243/.308 internal box magazine, follower, and spring installed. The Savage Apex will need the .308/ .243 length magazine as well. It is too long for the Howa Mini action. If you are not sure, give us a call before you order.
How far will a 450 Bushmaster 240 HV shoot, and what is the effective range?
Muzzle velocity runs about 2,565 fps from a 22-inch barrel and up to 2,590 fps from a 23-inch barrel, with long barrels (24-25") pushing past 2,600 fps. From a 175-yard zero that gives roughly 15 inches of drop at 300 yards (about 3 inches of drop at 200 yards) and over 1,100 ft-lbs of energy at 350 yards. The 450 Bushmaster trajectory chart above shows velocity, energy, and drop by barrel length out to 400 yards. The practical effective range on deer is past 200 yards for most hunters, and the bullet keeps expanding down to 1,150 fps, which holds out to roughly 350 yards from a longer barrel.
Is the 450 Bushmaster good for deer, and what else can you hunt with it?
Yes. The 450 Bushmaster is an excellent straight-walled-cartridge deer round, and this 240-grain all-copper HV load is built for it: flat-shooting, hard-hitting, and devastating on whitetail. The same bullet has the weight and penetration to handle bigger game too, including bear, elk, moose, and African plains game. Solid copper holds together for deep penetration and reliable expansion with excellent blood trails.
Is this copper ammo legal in lead-free hunting zones?
Yes. Every round is 100% lead-free, so it is legal anywhere non-lead ammunition is required, including on federal land. You get full 450 Bushmaster performance with no lead.
Why choose a solid copper bullet over lead-core ammo?
Copper holds together. A cup-and-core lead bullet can shed weight and fragment on impact, while this solid copper bullet retains nearly all of its weight, drives deep, and leaves no lead in the animal. You get reliable expansion down to 1,150 fps, a wide wound channel, and meat you can feel good about feeding your family.
Proven in the Field
★★★★★
“Most ammo groups over 2" at 100 yards in my Mossberg Patriot. This ammo groups 0.75" at the same distance, and muzzle velocity is 2,615 fps. Great ammo, will buy more for sure.”
G.S. Heffner · Fenton, MI
★★★★★
“I tested bullets from five different manufacturers in my Bergara. The 240 HV grouped the most consistently and shot extremely well out to 300 yards. Hammered a 150-inch 8-point with an incredible blood trail.”
William Lee
★★★★★
“I use this in a CVA Scout 450 for central Illinois whitetail and coyotes. Complete knockdown, and the velocity is way beyond my expectations, with little to no shock on the meat. This is my go-to ammo from now on.”
Eric E. Evans
★★★★★
“Went to the range and tried them in my Scout 450. Man, did they shoot terrific. One-inch group at 100, then a 3-inch group at 200. Super pumped to hunt with these this year.”
Bryan
A few of our verified 5-star reviews. Read all customer reviews in the Reviews tab above.
All Copper. Zero Compromise. Machined in Michigan.
450 Bushmaster Ammo 240 Grain HV
Caliber
450 Bushmaster
Weight
240 Grains
Material
This copper ammunition is 100% lead free and is legal to hunt with on federal land.
Velocity
2,590 fps (23" Barrel)/ 2,565 fps (22" Barrel)/ 2,425 fps (16" Barrel)
Ballistic Coefficient
.23 (G1)
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450 Bushmaster 240 Grain Ammo
100yd dead on zero no problem holding sub MOA with Christensen Arms Mesa. BCB ballistic chart very close to actual results, easily stacking a 2 inch group at 200 yds. Just for kicks was ringing a 8” gong at 300 yds. Was impressed with terminal performance, harvested a big mature 200# plus Indiana buck. Shot him bedded straight on broadside in the shoulder, deer jumped up staggered 10 yds and fell over. Entry hole about thumb size, exit around 2 1/2 inches almost liquifying the lungs and heart.
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450 Bushmaster 240 Grain Ammo
Son got his first deer this year 8 point with the 240gr at 70 yards. Shot from Ruger Stainless Gunsite. Did a complete pass through with a good blood trail. Ran 30-40 yards. I like that Bear Creek upped the velocity for bolt gun owners, something that sets them apart from all others. More likely to get a pass through and also makes it easier on longer shots with much less bullet drop vs the stock Hornady ammo. Right now I don't think Bear Creek has any true competition in terms of performance.
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450 Bushmaster 240 Grain Ammo
Harvested a Ohio 3.5yr old 140” 10 point at 135yds , with Christensen’s arms ridgline in a 450 bushmaster.with the 240gr bear creek Ballistics bullet. Approx 1.5-2” entry hole and 1” exit hole ,he was quartered to me. Ran 50yds They shoot well and expanded great.Thanks
