As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’ve had the opportunity to test out many different cartridges over the years. When it comes to big bore AR-15 rounds, three options tend to dominate the conversation – the 450 Bushmaster, 458 SOCOM, and 50 Beowulf. Each of these hard-hitting cartridges brings something unique to the table, but choosing between them can be tricky. Let’s break down the key differences to help you decide which one might be best for your hunting or shooting needs.
The Big Bore AR-15 Boom
It’s no secret that the standard .223/5.56 round used in most AR-15s lacks the punch needed for larger game. That’s why we’ve seen such a surge in popularity for these bigger bore options in recent years. As someone who loves the AR platform but wants more oomph downrange, I’ve been thrilled to see the development of cartridges like the 450 Bushmaster, 458 SOCOM, and 50 Beowulf.
I remember the first time I fired a 450 Bushmaster – the increased recoil and muzzle blast compared to my usual .223 loads was eye-opening. But man, did it pack a wallop! That extra power opens up a whole new world of hunting possibilities with the AR-15.
Origins and Design
Before we dive into the performance differences, let’s quickly cover how these three cartridges came to be:
450 Bushmaster: Developed in 2007 as a collaboration between Bushmaster and Hornady. The goal was to create a hard-hitting, straight-walled cartridge for AR-15s.
458 SOCOM: Designed in 2000 in response to dissatisfaction with the 5.56 NATO’s performance in Somalia. Marty ter Weeme created it to dramatically increase stopping power.
50 Beowulf: Introduced in 2001 by Alexander Arms, this was actually the first of the three to hit the market. It fires the largest diameter bullets of the bunch.
All three cartridges are designed to function in standard AR-15 lowers with just a barrel, bolt, and magazine change. This versatility is a huge selling point.
Cartridge Specs and Ballistics
Now let’s look at how these big bore beauties stack up on paper:
450 Bushmaster:
- Bullet diameter: .452″
- Case length: 1.700″
- Max overall length: 2.26″
- Common bullet weights: 250-260gr
458 SOCOM:
- Bullet diameter: .458″
- Case length: 1.575″
- Max overall length: 2.26″
- Common bullet weights: 300-350gr
50 Beowulf:
- Bullet diameter: .500″
- Case length: 1.65″
- Max overall length: 2.25″
- Common bullet weights: 335-400gr
In terms of ballistics, the 450 Bushmaster tends to have the highest velocities and flattest trajectory of the three. For example, a 250gr 450 Bushmaster load might leave the muzzle around 2,200 fps. Compare that to about 1,900 fps for a 300gr 458 SOCOM or 1,800 fps for a 350gr 50 Beowulf.
That extra speed gives the 450 Bushmaster a slight edge for longer range shots. But inside 200 yards, which is where these cartridges shine, the differences are minimal.
Recoil and Shootability
Make no mistake – all three of these cartridges will thump your shoulder much harder than a standard .223/5.56 load. But in my experience, the 450 Bushmaster tends to have the mildest felt recoil of the bunch. The 458 SOCOM is in the middle, with the 50 Beowulf delivering the stoutest kick.
That said, proper gun fit and a good muzzle brake can tame the recoil considerably. I’ve found that even smaller-framed shooters can handle these big bore ARs with a little practice.
Effective Range and Hunting Applications
While marketed as 250+ yard cartridges, I generally consider all three to be most effective inside 200 yards for hunting. Past that range, the rainbow-like trajectories make precise shot placement tricky.
For deer, hogs, and black bear, any of these cartridges will get the job done with authority. The 450 Bushmaster has become especially popular in states with straight-wall cartridge restrictions.
When it comes to larger game like elk or moose, I lean towards the 458 SOCOM or 50 Beowulf. Those heavier bullets carry more momentum for deep penetration on big animals.
Ammo and Rifle Availability
Here’s where we see some bigger differences between the three:
The 450 Bushmaster is the clear winner in terms of commercial ammo and factory rifle options. Major manufacturers like Hornady, Federal, and Remington offer multiple loads. You can also find 450 BM rifles from Ruger, Savage, and others.
The 458 SOCOM and 50 Beowulf are more niche, with fewer factory ammo choices. Most loads come from smaller makers like Underwood and Buffalo Bore. Rifle options are also more limited, though companies like Wilson Combat and Alexander Arms offer excellent guns.
For handloaders, all three cartridges offer a lot of flexibility. I especially like the 458 SOCOM for reloading, since it uses .458″ bullets shared by other popular cartridges.
Making Your Choice
So which big bore AR cartridge reigns supreme? As with most things in the shooting world, it depends on your specific needs. Here’s how I generally break it down:
Choose 450 Bushmaster if:
- You want the flattest trajectory and longest effective range
- You hunt in a straight-wall cartridge restriction state
- Factory ammo availability is important to you
Go with 458 SOCOM if:
- You want maximum flexibility for handloading
- You hunt larger game like elk or bear
- You prefer a shouldered case design
Opt for 50 Beowulf if:
- You want the biggest bore diameter possible
- Maximum close-range stopping power is the priority
- You like the idea of sharing ammo with a 500 S&W revolver
Personally, I’m a big fan of the 450 Bushmaster for its balance of power, trajectory, and ammo availability. But I wouldn’t feel undergunned with any of these cartridges on a deer or hog hunt.
Whichever you choose, make sure to pair it with quality optics to take full advantage of your rifle’s capabilities. A good variable power scope or red dot sight can make a world of difference for quick target acquisition and precise shot placement.
At the end of the day, you really can’t go wrong with any of these big bore thumpers. They bring new life to the AR-15 platform and open up a world of hunting possibilities. So choose the one that best fits your needs, grab some ammo, and get out to the range. Your shoulder might be a little sore, but I guarantee you’ll be grinning from ear to ear!