DrPhil wrote:OK, I guess what I could use help with the most is: where to start!
I currently have a Bushmaster A2 in 5.56/.223. I've always had a preference for a caliber OTHER than this (perhaps 9mm to keep my calibers simplified), but I also like the idea of using this platform as a hunting rifle. Recently, I stumbled upon an ad on a forum where a local guy in the DFW area wanted to trade his .450b upper for a .223 upper and this sounded like a prime opportunity for me!
So, I'm jumping on this opportunity...supposed to meet the guy tomorrow to make the swap.
I'd jump on it too... sounds like a no brainer to me. You'll now have a Bushmaster Thumper upper to go along with a Bushmaster lower.
DrPhil wrote:I've spent several hours browsing the net over the last day or so researching what I can on this new round, but I still have a few questions.
It doesnt sound like there's any 1 "perfect" method for dealing with the magazine, is there? My preference would be to use/modify the PMag's as I have about 25 of those in the gun safe, however, I'd feel most comfortable with an out-of-the-box method that works...something requiring little, if any, modification. I read that the Sig 556 mags seem to be the best w/o modification and may be on sale at Academy sports in a 2 pack.
Its been reported on these very forums that Cammenga "easymags" work well with the .450 Bushmaster rounds. I've been meaning to pick some up for .223 use, but if they work with the .450, even better.
DrPhil wrote:I've also read somewhere that there may be a need to change out an existing spring and buffer in my lower to something heavier. Is this true? If so, where should I look?
I've read that elsewhere too but our very own Mudbug says he's slapped a .450 upper onto a standard lower without any changes and the rifle functions fine.
DrPhil wrote:Switching to a flattop upper, I have no idea where to even start looking for scopes...I'd prefer (for now at least) to keep cost at a minimum...any suggestions?
I know of many people who spend more on optics than the rifle they are mounting it on... glad I'm not one of those. I started with an inexpensive red dot (BSA) and then to a Leupold 2x7 UltimateSlam (blackpowder) scope. I chose the Leupold because it advertised itself with a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensated) reticle that had the same ballistics as the Hornady factory load 250gr projectile @ 2200fps. The scope was purchased for $230.00 and I am very pleased with it. Just make sure whatever you choose, that there is plenty of eye relief... scope eye (or scope brow) looks painful.
DrPhil wrote:Any other ideas, suggestions, thoughts, tips or tricks I should know about as a beginner?
I guess I should mention that I dont currently reload and have absolutely zero experience with it, HOWEVER, have thought about doing it for quite some time now and may use this caliber as my excuse to start.
Reloading is a seperate hobby onto itself... I'd highly recommend it and will pay for itself in the long run (that's what I was told when I first considered reloading). Actually, you may end up like me and my friends who reload... we didn't save any money... but for the same money we shoot a WHOLE LOT MORE.
Thankfully, the .450 Bushmaster is a straight walled (or is considered one) cartridge and reloading for straight walled cases is easier (IMHO) than reloading for bottlenecked cartridges. While the .450 Bushmaster isn't as expensive as some of the other "Big Bore" AR calibers, you're going to be paying $23-$29 for a box of 20 cartridges. I've got a favorite load I assemble for general plinkiing... that I estimate costs me $0.45 per round. That price will come down if I can find similar bullets cheaper... or if I use less expensive bullets.
BTW...
WELCOME to the forums!
A gun in the hands of a bad man is a very dangerous thing. A gun in the hands of a good person is no danger to anyone except the bad guys... - Charlton Heston