Ruger AR-556 MPR .450 Bushmaster 18.6"

Ruger's AR-556 MPR in .450 Bushmaster is the big-bore AR-15 hunting option for shooters who want genuine stopping power on hogs, bear, and large whitetail. The .450 Bushmaster launches a 250-grain bullet at 2,200 fps for 2,685 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, putting it in the same terminal performance class as .45-70 Government but in an AR-15 package with faster follow-up shots.

The 18.6-inch cold hammer forged barrel with 1:16 twist is optimized for 250-275 grain hunting bullets. Ruger uses a carbine-length gas system with a two-stage Elftmann-style trigger, Magpul MOE SL stock, and free-floating M-LOK handguard. The forged 7075-T6 receivers and Ruger Elite 452 two-stage trigger represent a significant step up from the standard AR-556 line.

Practical range on deer and hogs is around 200 yards, limited by the bullet's ballistic coefficient rather than energy. Recoil is notably sharper than .350 Legend, comparable to .243 Win, but the AR platform mitigates it better than a bolt gun. For hog hunting and heavy-timber deer stands in straight-wall states, this rifle earns its keep. One .450 Bushmaster 9-round magazine is included.