Decision time: 6.8 SPC or 450 Bushmaster? (or other big bore?)

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roky0702

New member
Here is my current gun collection:
5.56 11.5" SBR with Aimpoint for home defense/training.
.223 18" AR-15 with 3-12x scope for P-dogs/fox/coyotes.
30-30 Marlin lever action with fixed 2.5x scout scope for brush hunting deer.
(Soon to have in the near future).308 M1A EBR with 4-16x scope for long range shooting/hunting.

Here's my dilemma, I'm wanting something 16" in the AR-15 platform for close-medium range in a bigger caliber to round off my AR collection and hopefully put an end to the dreaded Black Rifle Disease. I've got a Burris Tac30 1-4x already waiting and was originally thinking 6.8 SPC. Recently I've been entertaining the idea of one of the big bores, specifically the 450 Bushmaster, figuring the 6.8 was pretty much a longer range 30-30 and would be too similar. Problem is that I have almost everything for a 6.8 upper already, but wouldn't mind selling it if the 450B is a better match. Plus 450B ammo is about equal in price/availability and who doesn't want a big bore to scare the crap out of everyone at the local range? Do y'all agree? I'm wanting to use this upper for deer/bear/wolves (elk/moose???) in MN and hogs/cougars if I go on a hunting trip. Thanks for any opinions, experience, and info!
 
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Roky, I am a relative newcomer to the AR bandwagon, but I have considered this as well. For what it may be worth, here is my take.

I currently have a 1:9 twist in 5.56/.223, and also am looking at wanting to hunt larger game than I consider reasonable with this combination one day. I have used the .270 Winchester in the past, and have no doubt whatsoever that it can handle the game you describe. Heck, the smaller of the big game you list can be handled with the .223 in ranges you are likely to locate it!

So here is the question. Would the .277 bullet in 130 grains be enough to handle the larger game you list? If the answer is "yes" then you should look closely at the 6.8 SPC II because the numbers (if I understand them) using a bonded core bullet of the longest that your rifle can reliably feed (assuming correct twist rate for bullet length) should be able to handle the job at the ranges the bigger critters are more likely to be located within (at least from what I saw in Utah and Colorado). I am not saying long distance shots on bear are supremely rare, I AM saying that in my time there I only saw them up closer than 100 yards. Same with Elk, in the occasions I saw them, though they can definitely have some range to them during the migrations, etc. depending on where and how you are hunting them. While there are hunters that want to shoot 600 yards or more at game and brag about how good their abilities are, I still prefer to get under 200 yards before even AIMING at an animal with a rifle. Still, archers get them, even in gun season, so it seems likely all these animals can be gotten at 50 yards or much less!

I don't know the ballistics of the .450 Bushmaster round (I will dig around some tonight to see, I would assume it is a bit clumsy, but as I said, I don't yet know), but what sort of ranges (close and far) that you plan to use the .450B at, and then take a look at the terminal ballistics of the 6.8 SPCII at those same ranges. At least you are then comparing apples and apples. Just a thought.. You will want to also compare the potential cost of bullets for both, too. My guess is that the 6.8 will come in cheaper, but that is just a guess for the moment. I will as I said, have to dig deeper. These are just some thoughts that come to mind..
 
ok, Hornady sells the slugs for $38 per 50, loaded ammo is not listed for the .450 in my latest Midway USA advertisement, but it might be there in the website. In any case, is Hornady the only bullet supplier for the Bushmaster bullet? I see Sierra has a 114 or so grain bullet specifically for the SPC II. You may be looking at a handload in either case, and if so, pending discovery of another bullet for the .450, I would personally tend to go for the smaller diameter round. By the way, what is the cost difference in the uppers? I see that Midway USA stocks the 6.8 SPCII upper. They did not show the .450 Bushmaster one, if they have it (and they might, I just did not see it in my paper).


I will watch this thread, I am interested in seeing where it goes!
 
I too have an addiction to the dreaded Black Rifle disease and recently had a similar dilemma as you. I already have a Bushmaster .223 that use for hunting coyotes and other small predators. I wanted something in a different caliber for a few reasons. I have 2 small daughters ages 6 & 8 that are able to comfortably shoot a rifle in the AR configuration due to the adjustable 6 pos stock. I wanted a caliber capable of taking deer size game. Currently I don't reload, so I wanted decent factory ammo choices at reasonable prices. I wanted a new bear over bait gun.
I had 3 calibers in mind - 17 Rem., 6.8 SPC, and 450 Bushmaster.
I chose the 6.8 because it fit all my needs.
My girls will be able to shoot deer with it, lots of factory ammo, it will be great for bears over bait, it will make a nice predator hunting rifle.

I realized I only wanted the 17 Rem and the 450 mostly for the cool factor and they were less practical for my needs. They are still on my radar, but the 6.8 is what fit the bill at the moment.

If you have reservations about the 6.8, head over to 6.8 forums and start reading. You'll be convinced its what you need in no time.

Also, when you are ready to buy, check out Bison Armory. Great quality at a fair price.
 

I had a similar thought a few months back. Except after looking
at the .45 caliber choices, I settled on the 458 SOCOM. So
was it going to be a 6.8 SPC or a 458? I already had a
RRA 6.8 SPC, but I lusted for the latest in barrel twist and
chamber offerings. But I also lusted after a 458 SOCOM. I
purchased another 6.8 SPC in pieces, with the center piece the
ARP barrel(1:11:25 twist, 5R, and an ARP chamber).

But as is the case with Black Rifle Disease, I am still lusting
for a 458 SOCOM...

Squeeze
 
The big bores would be fun and hard on anything at reasonable ranges, pick which one you want the most first then add the other later. Since they are on completly opposite ends of the caliber spectrum that leaves a good excuse to get both.
 
Originally Posted By: roky0702I'm wanting to use this upper for deer/bear/wolves (elk/moose???) in MN and hogs/cougars if I go on a hunting trip

That right there is all the reason you need to just go big bore and get the 450BM. I had one for a while, loved it. Was just to devistating on the small critters that I shot with it.
 
I appreciate all the replies and suggestions. I agree they are quite different rounds but that's where I was thinking of going big bore and eliminating the middle man so i didn't have to buy both or be wishing I had more power. Or am I asking too much? I could see a 6.8 turning into a future wife or kids rifle with the milder recoil and still be easy on predators...or I could say heck with it and get the 450B and buy a hydraulic buffer, extra power spring, muzzle brake and own a thumper all to myself! Will a 6.8, with say SSA's new 140 gr VLD, reliably take down an elk or moose? Because I want it to be able to take down everything from hogs on up definitely within 200 yards but more like 100 as it will be a spot and stalk or brush tree stand gun. Factory ammo is relatively close in price with 450B at $23/ box of 20 I've seen online.

The 308 will be pretty heavy and used exclusively for long range shots. The 308 is also capable of what I'm asking but at extended ranges right?
 
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Bullet selection and shot placement the 6.8 will do everything you have listed. I would say that both rounds still come down to shot placement. One goes thump and the other goes bang. Ultimately you will buy one and lust for the other and eventually trade for the one you don't have or buy both. It the disease man!
 
Maybe it was just a sudden interest in the big bores, but I think I'll stick to the 6.8 and collect the last few parts for my build. Keep the suggestions going for others who are following the post.
 
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Those are kinda at opposite ends of the spectrum. They are both short-mid range cartridges. I'd rather have the bigger one. The recoil of the 450BM isn't as bad as most make it out to be. My buddy has one and I had one shortly.
 
Not much experience with the 6.8 but lots withe .450. It is one AK U RAT animal and will thump just about anything in comes in contact with. If you are looking for something for bigger game, you can't go wrong with it. If recoil bothers you, put a limbsaver pad on it and it'll be like shooting a 223.
 
450 bushmaster u wont be sorry. i got a 450,223 and a grendel the 450 gets the most use in the hunting woods. i have shot it out to 200 with great results much more accurate than i expected. i may even sell my grendel because of it.
 
I guess I don't understand how one can say the .450 bm and the 6.8 spc are similar.

One drops like a rock after 200yds or so, and the other flies well past 500 or 600 yards (not quite the 6.5 grendel but close).

?
 
I was just wanting something in a bigger caliber to use for close ranges. I had begun collecting parts for a 6.8 build, but then I remembered about the 450B and asked what people would prefer. It would be for shooting under 200.
 
This is a no brainer to me. You state you are planning on a 6.5G, if you get it, it negates the need for a 6.8. Get the 450B or a 458 SOCOM and don't look back.

Thaine
 
BM and Hornady created a real gem with the 450. When I got mine a couple years ago, I was worried about how accurate that big ole bullet would be. The first day at the range left me with a grin on my face for a whole week.
 


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