Indiana Deer Hunters.

**doug1980** · 06-06-2010, 04:13 PM

I have always deer hunted with either a 12 gauge or 20 gauge shotgun but would like to try hunting with a rifle next year. Looking at the regs the legal cartridges seem to be difficult to find.
.357 magnum
.38-40 Winchester
.41 Magnum
.41 Special
.44 Magnum
.44 Special
.44-40 Winchester
.45 Colt
.454 Casull
.458 SOCOM
.480 Ruger
.475 Linebaugh
.50 Action Express
.500 S&W
I was able to find a Ruger 77/44 that would work but I was wondering if anyone has something different? Anyone know of some guns that would work for this application?

**Rick** · 06-06-2010, 04:56 PM

Those are not the only rifle cartridges you can use. Those are just some examples. Anything larger than .357 caliber is legal.

"Rifles must fire a cartridge with a bullet of .357-inch diameter or larger; have a minimum case length of 1.16 inches; and have a maximum case length of 1.625 inches."

**Camp10** · 06-06-2010, 05:08 PM

Thats pretty restrictive. You are only allowed rifles that fire pistol ammo?

**doug1980** · 06-06-2010, 05:10 PM

The way I read it... yes.

Rifles with pistol cartridges
Rifles must fire a cartridge with a bullet of .357-inch diameter or larger; have a minimum case length of 1.16 inches; and have a maximum case length of 1.625 inches.
�� These rifle cartridges can be used only during the deer firearms season.
Some cartridges that are legal include the following:
.357 Magnum
.38-40 Winchester
.41 Magnum
.41 Special
.44 Magnum
.44 Special
.44-40 Winchester
.45 Colt
.454 Casull
.458 SOCOM
.480 Ruger
.475 Linebaugh
.50 Action Express
.500 S&W
Some illegal rifle cartridges for deer hunting are the .30-30 Winchester, .444 Marlin and .45-70 Govt.

**Rick** · 06-06-2010, 05:13 PM

No. It just has to be equal to or larger than what I posted. Those are just examples of what can be used.

**Rick** · 06-06-2010, 05:14 PM

Doug - go to page 9 - Legal Firearms. Any caliber larger than .357

http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/files...ide_lowres.pdf

**Camp10** · 06-06-2010, 05:16 PM

Originally Posted by Rick

No. It just has to be equal to or larger than what I posted.

Well a max case of 1.625 doesnt leave you many options, does it?

**doug1980** · 06-06-2010, 05:17 PM

Originally Posted by Rick

No. It just has to be equal to or larger than what I posted.

I'm not so sure you are correct unless I am misunderstanding the regs. It has a maximum case length of 1.625 inches which would rule out most cartridges other than pistol cartridges. And it says "Rifles with Pistol Cartridges" for the title. So I assume a 308 or 300 win mag is out. But You could be correct.

**Rick** · 06-06-2010, 05:22 PM

I can't tell you any more than the reg says.

"Riles with cartridges that fire a bullet of .357-inch diameter or larger; have a mini-
mum case length of 1.16 inches; and have a maximum case length of 1.625 inches are
legal to use only during the deer irearm season. Some cartridges legal for deer hunting
include the
.357 Magnum,
.38
.40 Winchester
.41 Magnum
.41 Special
.44 Magnum
.44 Special
.44
.40 Winchester
.45 Colt
.454 Casull
.458 SOCOM
.475 Linebaugh
.480 Ruger
.50 Action Express
.500 S&W"

**doug1980** · 06-06-2010, 05:26 PM

Originally Posted by Rick

I can't tell you any more than the reg says.

"Riles with cartridges that fire a bullet of .357-inch diameter or larger; have a mini-
mum case length of 1.16 inches; and have a maximum case length of 1.625 inches are
legal to use only during the deer irearm season. Some cartridges legal for deer hunting
include the
.357 Magnum,
.38
.40 Winchester
.41 Magnum
.41 Special
.44 Magnum
.44 Special
.44
.40 Winchester
.45 Colt
.454 Casull
.458 SOCOM
.475 Linebaugh
.480 Ruger
.50 Action Express
.500 S&W"

Exactly which is why I posted those cartridges and asked if anyone knows who makes rifles in those calibers. I have no idea where, besides that Ruger, I can find these cartridges in a rifle platform. My intent was not to debate what is or isn't legal because they listed what was legal for me.

Makes it pretty easy in my opinion.

**Camp10** · 06-06-2010, 05:32 PM

Well, I have a few lever guns that would work. A Winchester .357mag and a Marlin .44 guide gun. I know that NEF made a few pistol caliber barrels over the years also.

**doug1980** · 06-06-2010, 05:36 PM

Originally Posted by Camp10

Well, I have a few lever guns that would work. A Winchester .357mag and a Marlin .44 guide gun. I know that NEF made a few pistol caliber barrels over the years also.

Thank you for the help. I'll check them out.

**kyratshooter** · 06-06-2010, 07:48 PM

The list is for "pistol cartridges" used in a rifle!

Specifically says "some" and not ALL. You have the word "such as" included, which usually means mare are allowed.

I have friends in IN that are shooting "normal guns" in about any rifle cartridge imaginable. 30-30, .308, .243.......... I know the shops across the River sell a buttload of rifles every year and they are not these off beat models.

Sometimes the WMA fine print is confusing. I would call a local WMA branch or even go to a reputable gun shop and ask.