I don't think the .444 and 45-70 are allowed in Indiana. There is an overall case length for deer hunting. The .454 Casul is just under and the .460 is over..444 Marlin, .45-70 are also good choices. I would get the .460 over the .500.
35 whelen?
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 1.8 inches are legal to use only during the deer firearms and special antlerless seasons. 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, .460 Smith & Wesson, .450 Bushmaster, and .50 Beowulf.
When compared to the 500, the slug would be "pleasant". .460 isn't going to be much better. Like I said earlier, you can use the .460 with .454 Casul loads. They will be much more tamer to shoot.Just wondering how do those calibers compare in recoil to a 12ga. 1oz.slug in my Encore?