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Rifle for Indiana Deer hunt in the Fall
- Thread starter Chinny33
- Start date
Saltydog235
New member
Where's the none of the above option?
.44 Mag at 200yds and a 2" accuracy would be hard to achieve or believe. What's the velocity of a 44mag at 200yds with a 220-250grn bullet?
.44 Mag at 200yds and a 2" accuracy would be hard to achieve or believe. What's the velocity of a 44mag at 200yds with a 220-250grn bullet?
Without knowing the maximum distance you're likely to shoot at a deer and the terrain you're hunting, I can't offer specific suggestions.
The fall-back position is that deer cartridges include the .44 mag, and either of the two rifles you mention would meet your minimum needs. I'd look to more powerful cartridges for more flexibility, like the 7mm-08, .308 Win, 30-06, or .270 Win. They not only offer greater energy at longer distances, but can penetrate small trees and still kill a deer standing behind one. They also have flatter trajectories that make it easier to hit the kill zone at ranges beyond 100 with no hold-over.
If you're sold on the .44 Mag, and realize it's limitations, go for it, but it wouldn't be the deer rifle caliber of choice for all-around deer hunting. The 30-30 is even a better choice, IMHO.
The fall-back position is that deer cartridges include the .44 mag, and either of the two rifles you mention would meet your minimum needs. I'd look to more powerful cartridges for more flexibility, like the 7mm-08, .308 Win, 30-06, or .270 Win. They not only offer greater energy at longer distances, but can penetrate small trees and still kill a deer standing behind one. They also have flatter trajectories that make it easier to hit the kill zone at ranges beyond 100 with no hold-over.
If you're sold on the .44 Mag, and realize it's limitations, go for it, but it wouldn't be the deer rifle caliber of choice for all-around deer hunting. The 30-30 is even a better choice, IMHO.
While I agree with your assessment, if he is hunting in Indiana then .30-30 isn't an option. Pistol caliber or slug only.If you're sold on the .44 Mag, and realize it's limitations, go for it, but it wouldn't be the deer rifle caliber of choice for all-around deer hunting. The 30-30 is even a better choice, IMHO.
Same thing. Not an option.The fall-back position is that deer cartridges include the .44 mag, and either of the two rifles you mention would meet your minimum needs. I'd look to more powerful cartridges for more flexibility, like the 7mm-08, .308 Win, 30-06, or .270 Win.
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My vote is for the Ruger 77/44.
Your 2 inch groups at 100 yards are going to be tough if you don’t reload. I tried numerous factory loads and 3 to 4 inches were possible.
The gun likes hot loads for best groups.
The following are some comments on the Ruger.
I also own a Marlin 94. It’s a great shooter but the Ruger will take wet weather much better than the Marlin.
P.S The reason he is going with the pistol calibers is that is all we can use in Indiana for rifles.
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=421367&highlight=ruger+77+44
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=404218&highlight=ruger+77+44
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=426921
Your 2 inch groups at 100 yards are going to be tough if you don’t reload. I tried numerous factory loads and 3 to 4 inches were possible.
The gun likes hot loads for best groups.
The following are some comments on the Ruger.
I also own a Marlin 94. It’s a great shooter but the Ruger will take wet weather much better than the Marlin.
P.S The reason he is going with the pistol calibers is that is all we can use in Indiana for rifles.
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=421367&highlight=ruger+77+44
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=404218&highlight=ruger+77+44
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=426921
chris in va
New member
One of my gun magazines has an article about the latest/greatest sabot slugs available. One tested has 1.5 moa accuracy, Remington AccuTip. Apparently they're good out to 200 yards.
Is the 458 SOCOM considered a pistol caliber?
Is the 458 SOCOM considered a pistol caliber?
Straight from the IN DNR deer hunting regulations:
There is a guy in Indiana that makes a strong argument for the .357 Maximum. He uses an T/C and Ruger #1 for his hunting. It is a good read and will help you to understand his thought process.
I'm not one to hunt with an AR-15 but that .458 SOCOM seems like a thumper to me. Plus I like cartridges that are a little off the beaten path. I'd proabably see if I could get a custom barrel for my Encore before I bought the upper for my AR.
Rifles with cartridges that fire 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
are legal to use only during the deer firearm
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,
and .500 S&W.
There is a guy in Indiana that makes a strong argument for the .357 Maximum. He uses an T/C and Ruger #1 for his hunting. It is a good read and will help you to understand his thought process.
I'm not one to hunt with an AR-15 but that .458 SOCOM seems like a thumper to me. Plus I like cartridges that are a little off the beaten path. I'd proabably see if I could get a custom barrel for my Encore before I bought the upper for my AR.
arizona98tj
New member
I do not want to use a slug from a shotgun, because I personally like to reload my own ammo.
You can roll your own slug loads....cast your own slugs, load em, etc.