By OutdoorGearPro - June 2024

If you’re into big bore AR-15s and love the punchy .450 Bushmaster round, you’ve probably wondered: what’s the ideal barrel length? Does dropping from a standard 18-inch barrel to something compact like 10.5 inches kill your performance, or can you still have that sweet firepower in a smaller package? Well, Bear Creek Arsenal throws us a bone with two versions of their .450 Bushmaster AR to test just that.

Why Barrel Length Matters for the .450 Bushmaster

The .450 Bushmaster is known for delivering serious stopping power, making it a favorite for hunting medium to large game and big bore enthusiasts alike. But barrel length plays a huge role in how the round performs — affecting everything from muzzle velocity and energy to recoil and maneuverability. Longer barrels typically help the cartridge burn powder more efficiently, boosting velocity. Meanwhile, shorter barrels make your rifle handier for tight spaces but might sacrifice some punch downrange.

Testing the 18-Inch vs. 10.5-Inch Barrel

Bear Creek Arsenal put their money where their mouth is and offered up two rifles — one with a traditional 18-inch barrel and another sporting a compact 10.5-inch barrel. The goal? See how much performance you actually lose when going short, and whether the tradeoff in handling is worth it.

The 18-inch barrel predictably delivered solid velocity numbers, giving the .450 Bushmaster round enough time to really stretch its legs. You get excellent energy on target, which is great for hunting or self-defense where stopping power matters.

On the flip side,