Building a .450 Bushmaster???

[Alibiiv]

Usually I have some idea or some direction in a project, however with this one it's new territory. I figured I go to shooters with some experience in this area instead of inventing the wheel. My son has an AR and he wants to build a .450 Bushmaster for black bear hunting in Maine. Usually the shots are 60 yards or less, the Bushmaster looks like a really good cartridge for what he intends to do. There are a few questions about what to get for an upper, what brand uppers would one recommend, and where/who do we get the parts from? Are there any additional parts needed besides the upper? He's preferably looking for at least an 18 inch barrel, or even a 20 inch barrel if possible. Also if there any suggestions besides what I have asked, please, they will be appreciated. Thanks for any help.

 

[Varmint Hunter]

I went with a RRA upper in 458 SOCOM. It is fairly easy to load for and more accurate than anticipated. Barnes 300gr TTSX bullets sail through pigs like nothing. I've never taken a bear with the AR because my Marlin 45-70 dominates that action.

 

[Alibiiv]

I went with a RRA upper in 458 SOCOM. It is fairly easy to load for and more accurate than anticipated. Barnes 300gr TTSX bullets sail through pigs like nothing. I've never taken a bear with the AR because my Marlin 45-70 dominates that action.

Thanks for the reply, it is appreciated. I will look at the ballistics on the SOCOM, sound interesting. We too have Marlins in 45-70, just looking for something new to play with. For us it's either the 35 Whelen of the 45-70. I shot my first bear with the 1895 Marlin 45-70 this last season, "more' than impressed with performance. I attached a photo of the exit hole, broadside shot around 50-60 yards. Barnes 300gr flat base hollow point.

 

[Varmint Hunter]

The Newfy bear in my avatar was taken with the 400 Speer JFP but virtually anything fired from the 45-70 at bears under 100yds is quickly fatal.

Good luck with your AR bear project.