The 6.5 Grendel and 450 Bushmaster are two of the most popular calibers for hunting and long-range shooting. They are both very accurate and have a high ballistic coefficient, making them ideal for long-range shooting. The 6.5 Grendel is a bit more versatile, as it can be used for both hunting and target shooting, while the 450 Bushmaster is better suited for hunting large game.
Comparing the 6.5 Grendel and 450 Bushmaster
There are a few key areas that we will need to address in order to make a proper comparison between the 6.5 Grendel and 450 Bushmaster. First, we will need to consider the ballistics of each cartridge. The 6.5 Grendel has a much flatter trajectory than the 450 Bushmaster. This is due, in part, to the 6.5 Grendel’s higher ballistic coefficient. The 6.5 Grendel also has a higher muzzle velocity than the 450 Bushmaster. This results in the 6.5 Grendel having a higher effective range than the 450 Bushmaster.
Next, we will need to compare the accuracy of each cartridge. The 6.5 Grendel is a very accurate cartridge. It is often used in long range competitions. The 450 Bushmaster is also a accurate cartridge, but it is not as accurate as the 6.5 Grendel. This is due, in part, to the 6.5 Grendel’s higher muzzle velocity and ballistic coefficient.
How the 6.5 Grendel and 450 Bushmaster Stack Up
The 6.5 Grendel and 450 Bushmaster are two of the most popular cartridges on the market today. Both cartridges offer a unique set of benefits and drawbacks that make them ideal for different purposes. Here is a side-by-side comparison of the two cartridges to help you decide which one is right for you.
Ballistics
The 6.5 Grendel was designed to offer superior long-range performance in a lightweight package. The round achieves this by firing a relatively heavy bullet at a high velocity. The result is a cartridge that is capable of delivering outstanding accuracy and terminal performance at extended ranges.
The 450 Bushmaster, on the other hand, was designed as a short to medium-range hunting cartridge. The round fires a large, heavy bullet at a relatively low velocity. This combination gives the 450 Bushmaster excellent stopping power and penetration at close to medium range, making it ideal for big game hunting in brushy or heavily forested areas.
Recoil: Which Round Has More Kick?
The 6.5 Grendel and 450 Bushmaster are two very different cartridges, so it’s difficult to compare their recoil. The 6.5 Grendel is a high-velocity, long-range cartridge that is often used for target shooting or hunting. The 450 Bushmaster is a large-caliber, short-range cartridge that is typically used for hunting or self-defense.
The 6.5 Grendel has a bit more recoil than the 450 Bushmaster. This is due to the fact that the 6.5 Grendel is a high-velocity cartridge, and the 450 Bushmaster is a large-caliber cartridge. The 6.5 Grendel also has a longer barrel than the 450 Bushmaster, which contributes to its higher recoil.
Overall, the 6.5 Grendel has more recoil than the 450 Bushmaster. However, both cartridges are relatively low-recoiling, and both can be easily managed by shooters of all experience levels.
Accuracy: Which Caliber is More Accurate?
There are a few factors to consider when determining which caliber is more accurate. First, let’s look at the 6.5 Grendel. This cartridge was designed specifically for accuracy, and it delivers. The 6.5 Grendel is a very accurate cartridge, thanks to its long, slender bullet. The 6.5 Grendel also has a very high ballistic coefficient, which means that it retains its velocity and energy very well. The 6.5 Grendel is also a very flat-shooting cartridge, which makes it easier to hit targets at long range.
Now let’s look at the 450 Bushmaster. The 450 Bushmaster was designed for hunting, and it delivers on that front. The 450 Bushmaster is a very powerful cartridge, and it is also quite accurate. The 450 Bushmaster has a shorter bullet than the 6.5 Grendel, but it makes up for that with its heavier bullet weight. The 450 Bushmaster also has a slightly lower ballistic coefficient than the 6.5 Grendel, but it still retains its velocity and energy quite well.
Cost: How Much Do These Rounds Cost?
The 6.5 Grendel and the 450 Bushmaster are two very popular cartridges for hunters and shooters alike. Both of these rounds offer great performance at a very reasonable price. So, how much do these rounds cost?
The 6.5 Grendel is a very popular round for hunting and long range shooting. This round is available in a variety of different bullet weights and styles, and it typically costs between $0.50 and $0.70 per round.
The 450 Bushmaster is a very popular round for hunting and self-defense. This round is available in a variety of different bullet weights and styles, and it typically costs between $0.60 and $0.80 per round.
So, there you have it. These two popular rounds both offer great performance at a very reasonable price. If you are looking for a great round for hunting or shooting, then either of these two options would be a great choice.
The Advantages of the 6.5 Grendel

The 6.5 Grendel is a fantastic cartridge that offers several advantages over other cartridges in its class. Perhaps the most significant advantage of the 6.5 Grendel is its ability to deliver more energy to the target than similar cartridges. For example, the 6.5 Grendel has a muzzle energy of 2,447 ft.-lbs., while the 6.5 Creedmoor has a muzzle energy of 2,265 ft.-lbs. This difference in energy is significant, and it means that the 6.5 Grendel is capable of delivering more damage to the target.
In addition to its superior energy, the 6.5 Grendel also has a higher ballistic coefficient than the 6.5 Creedmoor. This means that the 6.5 Grendel is less affected by wind drift, and it will maintain its energy better over long range. The 6.5 Grendel is also a very accurate cartridge, and it is capable of delivering tight groups at long range.
The Disadvantages of the 6.5 Grendel
The 6.5 Grendel, while a very effective round, has some significant drawbacks that must be considered before selecting it for use. One of the most significant drawbacks is the lack of availability of factory ammunition. While the 6.5 Grendel can be handloaded, this requires significantly more time and effort than simply purchasing factory ammunition. Additionally, the handloading process can be dangerous if not done properly, which is another potential drawback of the 6.5 Grendel.
Another significant drawback of the 6.5 Grendel is that it is not compatible with most AR-15 platforms. This means that if you own an AR-15 and want to use the 6.5 Grendel, you will likely need to purchase a new rifle or upper receiver assembly. This can be quite costly, and it may not be worth the investment if you are only planning on using the 6.5 Grendel for a short period of time.
The Advantages of the 450 Bushmaster

The 450 Bushmaster is a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful, yet accurate, round for hunting or self-defense. Here are just a few of the advantages of this cartridge:
- The 450 Bushmaster is one of the most powerful rounds available for AR-style rifles, yet it is still manageable in terms of recoil.
- The round is extremely accurate, making it a great choice for hunting.
- The 450 Bushmaster is also a good choice for self-defense, as it has the ability to penetrate through walls and other barriers.
- The round is widely available and relatively inexpensive, making it a great value for the money.
- The 450 Bushmaster is a great all-around cartridge that can be used for a variety of purposes. Whether you’re looking for a powerful hunting round or a reliable self-defense cartridge, the 450 Bushmaster is a great option.
The Disadvantages of the 450 Bushmaster
The .450 Bushmaster is a relatively new cartridge, having only been introduced in 2007. It was designed specifically for use in AR-15 platform rifles and was intended to provide a heavy hitting round for big game hunting. While the .450 Bushmaster has seen some success in this role, it also has a number of disadvantages that should be considered before choosing it for your next hunting rifle.
One of the biggest disadvantages of the .450 Bushmaster is its lack of range. While it is certainly capable of taking down big game at close range, its effective range is only about 250 yards. This is due to the fact that the .450 Bushmaster uses a relatively short barrel and has a relatively low muzzle velocity when compared to other big game cartridges.
Another disadvantage of the .450 Bushmaster is its recoil. While the recoil of the .450 Bushmaster is not excessively violent, it is certainly more than most shooters are accustomed to. This can make it difficult to shoot accurately, particularly for shooters who are not used to heavy recoil.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
What are the main differences between the 6.5 Grendel and 450 Bushmaster?
The 6.5 Grendel is a much more accurate round, while the 450 Bushmaster is a heavier and more powerful round. The 6.5 Grendel is also a bit more expensive.
Which round is better for hunting?
The 6.5 Grendel is a better choice for hunting, due to its accuracy. The 450 Bushmaster is a better choice for self-defense, due to its stopping power.
Which round is better for long range shooting?
The 6.5 Grendel is the better choice for long range shooting, due to its accuracy. The 450 Bushmaster is not as accurate at long range, but its stopping power makes it a better choice for self-defense.
Which gun is better for home defense?
The 450 Bushmaster is the better choice for home defense, due to its stopping power. The 6.5 Grendel is more accurate, but its smaller size makes it less effective for home defense.
What are the benefits of the 6.5 Grendel?
The 6.5 Grendel is a more accurate round, and it is also more effective for long range shooting. It is also a bit more expensive.
What are the benefits of the 450 Bushmaster?
The 450 Bushmaster is a heavier and more powerful round, making it a better choice for self-defense. It is also less expensive than the 6.5 Grendel.
Which round is better for general shooting?
The 6.5 Grendel is the better choice for general shooting, due to its accuracy. The 450 Bushmaster is less accurate, but its stopping power makes it a better choice for self-defense.
Which gun is better for overall value?
The 6.5 Grendel is the better choice for overall value, due to its accuracy and long range shooting ability. The 450 Bushmaster is less accurate and less effective for long range shooting, but its stopping power makes it a better choice for self-defense.
Conclusion
There is no clear winner in this debate. The 6.5 Grendel has better long range accuracy, while the 450 Bushmaster has more stopping power. Ultimately, it comes down to what you need the gun for. If you need it for long range shooting, go with the 6.5 Grendel. If you need it for self-defense, go with the 450 Bushmaster.