Pistol Calibers for Deer Hunting

[gramps]

Legend
You posted while I was editing my post. I added Info about Senate Substitute S-1 that was added to HB 4283. It can be viewed at the MIchigan Legislature website by searching HB 4283 and clicking on the S-1 sub in the list of legislative actions on the bill.

Agree with you. But my rifle is a home built 98 Mauser chambered for the 450BM. BUBBA LIVES AT MY HOME ADDRESS. LOL

[Handgunner]

Hey Don
Not sure that the S1 would make any change. All of the cartridges that will be allowed are centerfire. As it is now you can use any straight walled handgun cartridge as long as it has been chambered in a pistol or revolver. I used for several years a TC Contender 45-70 (Michigan Pistol), 29 3/4" overall. Has a 16" barrel with a short butt stock and was totally legal. Very light weight gun so I loaded it pretty low. Was not getting good bullet performance with the heavily constructed .458 bullets, even Rems 300gr HP. Now that barrel is in the safe. Two years ago I purchased a 16" MGM .44 mag Contender barrel and started using it. Got great bullet performance out of the Win 220gr Silver Tip HP and Hornady's 225 gr FTX.
I am loading as we speak some Horn 200gr FTX bullets and some Horn 225gr FTX 45 Colt bullets for my 450 Bushy 16" upper on my Colt LE 6940 lower. Thinking the 200 will probably win since it is more heavily constructed and can withstand the heavier powder loads
Several years ago I was loading the Horn 200gr FTX in an Encore 15" barrel. I chroned the loads at 2700-2800FPS. I have a NIB Encore 460 Katahdin 20" barrel I may start loading for. It will be interesting to see the velocity out of that barrel.
Will post when I get some results.

[LegendInMyOwnMind]

Hey Don
Not sure that the S1 would make any change. All of the cartridges that will be allowed are centerfire. As it is now you can use any straight walled handgun cartridge as long as it has been chambered in a pistol or revolver. I used for several years a TC Contender 45-70 (Michigan Pistol), 29 3/4" overall. Has a 16" barrel with a short butt stock and was totally legal. Very light weight gun so I loaded it pretty low. Was not getting good bullet performance with the heavily constructed .458 bullets, even Rems 300gr HP. Now that barrel is in the safe. Two years ago I purchased a 16" MGM .44 mag Contender barrel and started using it. Got great bullet performance out of the Win 220gr Silver Tip HP and Hornady's 225 gr FTX.
I am loading as we speak some Horn 200gr FTX bullets and some Horn 225gr FTX 45 Colt bullets for my 450 Bushy 16" upper on my Colt LE 6940 lower. Thinking the 200 will probably win since it is more heavily constructed and can withstand the heavier powder loads
Several years ago I was loading the Horn 200gr FTX in an Encore 15" barrel. I chroned the loads at 2700-2800FPS. I have a NIB Encore 460 Katahdin 20" barrel I may start loading for. It will be interesting to see the velocity out of that barrel.
Will post when I get some results.

Handgunner, the difference is the use in a rifle. S-1 says, "rifle loaded with straight-walled cartridges with a minimum case length of 1.16 inches and a maximum case length of 1.80 inches."

[gramps]

S-1 also states "during the regular firearms season". It leaves out the early anterless and late anterless seasons.

sure didn't spell that right. OH heck ya know those there deer without any antlers. LOL

[Handgunner]

Ya I know, that was funny. One of these days I am going to forget where my blind is LOL

[LegendInMyOwnMind]

I know exactly what you guys mean. I could tell you some stories....

[Handgunner]

At 67 I am so excited about this years deer season. I am even ready for some of your stories Legend. LOL. I have been working and waiting on this for years to come along.

[wildcatter]

Ok guys, so clue me in, am I going to be able to use a 450b in an AR this season in zone 3, Michigan??

..t

[LegendInMyOwnMind]

Wildcatter, no 100% guarantee. What I can tell you is if the DNR keeps their word and the agreed upon cartridge type/lengths don't change, then yes indeed!

[gramps]

I stumbled onto the 2014 proposed deer regulations. This link was found on the Michigan Sportsman Forum. Info about rifles in zone 3 starts on page #3.


http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/0 ... 4241_7.pdf