Best Scope for 450 Bushmaster – Top 3 Optics in 2025

I recently shared my top picks for the best 223 scopes, so I wanted to put together a similar list for the best 450 Bushmaster scopes.

As any hunter will tell you, the 450 Bushmaster is a great round for big game hunting. It’s got the power to take down large animals, but it’s still manageable to shoot. And thanks to its design, it’s got great accuracy.

But, as with any round, the 450 Bushmaster is only as good as the scope you put on it. A bad scope can ruin a good hunt, but a great scope can make it even better.

That’s exactly what you’ll find here today—the best of the best for 450 Bushmaster shooters. These scopes can turn an average shooting experience into a great one, and they’ll help you make the most of your time in the field.

I know first-hand how aggravating it can be trying to sort through and narrow down all the different scope options that are available for various rifles. So to help you save some time and frustration, I went ahead and sorted my top picks by the best overall, best for short-range shooting, long-range shooting, etc.

Why Should You Trust me

Because I’ve personally tested many scopes to find the best one for .450 Bushmaster.

Before we get started, I always like to preface my reviews by stating how important it is to consider your own personal preferences. Yes, I have plenty of experience shooting and using various scopes. 

I also try to spend a considerable amount of time with every scope I use so that I can give you the most comprehensive feedback possible and this is exactly what I did.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get started with our list of the best scopes for 450 Bushmaster shooters. I’m confident that you’re really going to appreciate the entries that made the grade this time around.

The 3 Best Scopes for 450 Bushmaster

1. Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster 3-9×40 Riflescope – Overall Best Scope for 450 Bushmaster
2. Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 – Best Vortex Scope for 450 Bushmaster
3. Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight – Best for Short Range Shooting

1. Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster 3-9×40 Riflescope – Overall Best Scope for 450 Bushmaster

Running away with my number one pick for the best rifle scope for 450 Bushmaster is the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40. This scope has it all—great glass, a user-friendly reticle, and plenty of features that make it perfect for big game hunting.

I had an absolute blast with my time in the field using this scope. The glass clarity is some of the best I’ve ever seen, and the reticle is very user-friendly. During a recent deer hunting trip, the scope’s clarity made it easy to distinguish subtle movements in dense foliage. I also really appreciate how easy it is to adjust the elevation and windage knobs. The adjustments were precise and consistent, enhancing my shooting accuracy.

If you’re like me, you want to know all about the nitty-gritty details before making a purchase. So, let’s start with the glass. The VX-Freedom uses Leupold’s Twilight Max Light Management System. This is designed to reduce glare and provide you with a clear sight picture no matter what time of day it is.

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I can attest to the fact that this system works great. I’ve used the VX-Freedom in both low light and bright sunlight conditions, and I’ve never had any issues with seeing my target. However, there’s a slight chromatic aberration at the very edge of the lens in extremely bright conditions.

The only downside to this scope is that it’s on the pricey side. But in my opinion, it’s definitely worth the money. If you’re looking for the best of the best, the VX-Freedom is the scope for you.

Glass Clarity & Reticle

My first impression of the glass was that it was incredibly clear. I didn’t notice any distortion around the edges, and the image was bright and crisp. The reticle is a simple duplex style, and it’s easy to see against both light and dark backgrounds. The fine crosshair was particularly beneficial for precision shooting at longer distances.

As I mentioned above, low-light settings don’t have any effect on the clarity of this scope. I was able to use it in some pretty dim conditions, and I never had any issues seeing my target. The brightness and contrast in these conditions were impressive, allowing for clear target identification.

And speaking of which, I absolutely love the incredible image quality when looking through the VX-Freedom. I went back and compared it to some of my other scopes, and I can safely say that it’s in a class of its own

Parallax & Magnification

The parallax adjustment on this scope is spot-on. I found it particularly useful when shifting between different shooting distances. I was able to make quick and easy adjustments, and I never had any issues with the image being out of focus. This is a big deal in my book, as the last thing you want is to have to constantly adjust your scope while you’re trying to take a shot.

As for the magnification, it’s great. The versatility of the 3-9x range allowed me to adapt quickly whether I was in dense brush or shooting across an open field. I was able to use this scope for both close range and long-range shots, and it performed flawlessly in both situations. I think the 3-9x power range is perfect for most hunters, but if you’re looking for something with a little more punch, Leupold also offers a 4-12x power version of this scope. It’ll cost you to upgrade, so be warned.

Elevation & Windage Knobs

The elevation and windage adjustment knobs on the VX-Freedom are very user-friendly. Their tactile feel and audible clicks made in-field adjustments effortless and reduced the need for frequent re-calibration. I was able to make quick and precise adjustments, which is a must when you’re trying to take down a big game animal.

I also really like the fact that Leupold includes a ballistic drop compensating reticle with this scope. This is a great feature for long-range shooters, as it takes the guesswork out of making elevation adjustments.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

I know for many of you, the quality of the eye relief and eye box are make-or-break factors when it comes to choosing a scope. I’m happy to report that the VX-Freedom doesn’t disappoint in this department. The eye relief was generous and forgiving, allowing for quick target acquisition even in awkward shooting positions.

I was able to get a full field of view without having to position my eye in just the right spot. And even when I did move my eye around a bit, I never lost sight of the picture. This is another big deal for me, as I often have to make quick shots when hunting in the field.

Durability

Leupold scopes are known for their durability, and the VX-Freedom is no exception. I’ve used this scope in all kinds of weather conditions, and it’s held up remarkably well. Its waterproof and fog-proof features were tested during a particularly rainy hunting trip, and it performed flawlessly. I’ve even dropped it a few times, and it still works like new.

Is the Leupold VX-Freedom Worth It?

If you’re looking for a scope that will stand up to the elements, the VX-Freedom is a great option. I enjoyed the clear glass, user-friendly knobs, and great eye relief. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but in my opinion, it’s worth the investment.

Pros

• Clear glass
• Precise parallax adjustment
• User-friendly elevation and windage adjustment knobs
• Ballistic drop compensating reticle
• Durable

Cons

• On the pricey side

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2. Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-6×24 SFP – Best Vortex Scope for 450 Bushmaster

You probably already noticed that I’ve got more than one Vortex scope on this list. That’s because they make some really great scopes, and the Strike Eagle is one of their best.

This scope is designed for both short and medium-range shooting, and it’s got the features to back up that claim. I can attest to its ability to make accurate shots at long range, and the glass is clear enough that I had no trouble seeing my target. During a recent bench-rest shooting competition, the Strike Eagle’s performance at various ranges was impeccable, especially in terms of target acquisition and clarity.

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The reticle is also a big selling point for me. It’s easy to see and use, and it really comes in handy when you’re trying to make a quick shot. In high-stress hunting scenarios, this quick target acquisition was critical. I used the Strike Eagle for both deer and coyote hunting, and it performed admirably in both situations.

The only downside is that the scope is heavy. This weight became noticeable during extended hunting trips, particularly when trekking through rugged terrain. But if you can deal with a little extra weight, the Strike Eagle is definitely worth your consideration.

Glass Clarity & Reticle

As always, I’ll start with the glass clarity. And I have to say, I was really impressed with the Strike Eagle. The images were clear and sharp, and I had no trouble seeing my target. Even in low light conditions, the clarity remained exceptional, aiding in successful dusk hunts.

The reticle was very easy for me to see and use. I found it to be very reliable, and it was a big help in making accurate shots. However, I did notice a slight issue with the reticle’s illumination in extremely bright conditions, where it became less visible.

Parallax & Magnification

The parallax adjustment on the Strike Eagle is very easy to use, and I had no problems getting it dialed in. The markings on the parallax knob matched well with the actual distances, providing an added layer of confidence in its accuracy. The scope’s magnification is also impressive. It’s got a great range for both short and medium-range shooting. Though, I found the magnification ring to be a bit stiff, requiring more effort to adjust.

Elevation & Windage Knobs

The elevation and windage knobs on the Strike Eagle are very easy to adjust, and I had no problems making on-the-fly corrections. The tactile feedback from these knobs was precise, allowing for small, accurate adjustments without having to take my eyes off the target.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

This scope has plenty of eye relief, and I didn’t have any problems with eye fatigue. The generous eye relief was particularly beneficial when shooting in awkward positions or rapidly switching between targets. The eye box is also generous, and I had no trouble finding and maintaining a good sight picture. However, at higher magnifications, maintaining a full-sight picture requires more precise head positioning.

Durability

The Strike Eagle is built like a tank. It’s made to withstand the elements and the recoil of a high-powered rifle. I tested this in various weather conditions, from rain to snow, and it consistently held its zero and showed no signs of internal fogging. Throughout my testing, it performed flawlessly, leaving me confident in its long-term durability.

Is the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle Worth It?

If you’re in the market for a scope that can do it all, the Strike Eagle is definitely worth your consideration. It’s got great glass, a reliable reticle, and it’s built like a tank. It’s a little on the heavy side, but it’s definitely worth the weight.

Pros

• Clear glass
• Reliable reticle
• Durable construction
• Generous eye relief and eye box

Cons

• Heavy
• Pricey

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3. Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight – Best for Short-Range Shooting

If you’re looking for a red dot sight that can handle the recoil of a 450 Bushmaster, the Vortex Optics Strikefire II is a great option. It’s built like a tank and can take a beating, and it’s got plenty of features that make it perfect for short-range shooting.

During a hunting trip, I found the Strikefire II incredibly robust, handling rough terrain and inclement weather with ease. The Strikefire II has a 4 MOA red dot that’s easy to see in all lighting conditions, and it’s got 10 brightness settings so that you can adjust it to match your environment. While these settings are generally effective, the brightest settings can be a bit overwhelming in low light situations. It also has an impressive battery life, so you won’t have to worry about replacing the CR2 battery anytime soon.

The site is also nitrogen-purged and fog-proof, so you won’t have to worry about the elements affecting your vision. This feature was particularly helpful during a foggy morning hunt, as the sight remained clear throughout. And it’s covered by Vortex’s unlimited lifetime warranty, so you can rest assured that it’s a quality piece of equipment.

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I really appreciated the fact that Vortex offers an unlimited lifetime warranty on their products. It’s a great way to show that they stand behind their products and that they’re confident in their quality.

The warranty came in handy when I encountered an issue with the adjustment knob, which Vortex promptly addressed and fixed. And during this scope’s time in the field, it held up well and never lost zero. The zero retention was particularly tested during a rigorous day at the range with heavy recoil rounds. I was really impressed with its performance, and I think it’s a great option for 450 Bushmaster shooters.

Glass Clarity & Reticle

Vortex didn’t cut any corners when it comes to the glass on the Strikefire II. It’s clear and bright, and the red dot is easy to see. During my use the glass quality contributed significantly to target identification and acquisition. The reticle is also well designed and easy to use.

However, in extremely bright sunlight, the red dot could become slightly washed out, requiring adjustment of the brightness settings. I will say that I was initially perplexed by the dot design, as it’s not a traditional reticle. Rather, it’s more star-shaped than anything. But after using it for a while, I found that it was actually quite easy to use.

Parallax & Magnification

Elevation & Windage Knobs

The elevation and windage knobs on the Strikefire II are easy to adjust and use. They’re smooth and precise, and I never had any issues with them losing zero. The tactile feedback from the knobs was reassuring, although I feel the clicks could be a bit more pronounced for better auditory confirmation.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

The Strikefire II has an unlimited eye relief, which is perfect. And the sight’s generous eye box makes it easy to find and maintain a good sight picture. This generous eye box was beneficial when quickly shouldering my rifle in dynamic hunting situations and as you get unlimited eye relief, so you won’t have to worry about eye fatigue.

Durability

The Strikefire II is built to stand the test of time and more. It’s nitrogen purged and fog proof, and it can take a beating. Its rugged construction was proven when I accidentally dropped it on a rocky terrain, and it showed no functional damage.

Is the Vortex Optics Strikefire II Worth It? 

I think it’s a great option. It’s durable, has a great warranty, and it’s easy to use. If you’re looking for a red dot sight for your 450 Bushmaster, the Strikefire II should be at the top of your list.

Pros

• Durable
• Nitrogen purged and fog proof
• Unlimited lifetime warranty
• Clear and bright glass
• Generous eye box

Cons

• Reticle might take getting used to

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Conclusion

If you’re in the market for a new scope for your 450 Bushmaster, any of the scopes on this list would be a great choice. But if you’re looking for my top pick, I would recommend the Leupold VX-Freedom 450 Bushmaster 3-9×40 Riflescope. It’s a great all-around scope that will serve you well whether you’re shooting at short or long range.

But if you’re trying to watch your budget and need a versatile scope for a great price, the Vortex Optics Strikefire II is a great option. It’s a high-quality scope that you can pick up for nearly half the cost of the VX-Freedom.