IN DNR Allows Pistol Calibers in Rifle - Sounds lIke New Project Encore to Me

[Muddyboots]

As of 2007 IN DNR allows the use of certain straight wall pistol cartridges in rifle during deer firearms season. New regulation "Rifles with pistol 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 firearms 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, 475 Linebaugh, 480 Ruger, 50 Action Express, and 500 S&W."


http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/huntguide1/0708_HG/0708_hg_generalinfo.pdf  - Page 16

I've been toying with .445 Super Mag or .460 S&W as potential candidates. Been in looking into twists and powders to accommodate longer barrel burn and this has been an interesting project. This may be next major program in deer hunting in shotgun areas. I would be interested in hearing comments, suggestions and or recommendations since I hope to order an Encore barrel in next couple weeks. Think about it, 100 yd performance without the filling loosening recoil of high performance slugs. This has gotten my interest and will keep posting as I move forward if anyoen is interested.
Muddyboots

[sportsman223]

   I did more than think about it I built one look in the 357 Max carbine post my gun was built for the IN hunting regs. For my daughter.  I would not hesitate at a 200yd shot. I looked at all the combinations and the max was the best in my book. We only shot one deer with it this year she only took 3 steps after the shot @ 75 yds. Very little recoil and hits like a hammer, with my reloads I am getting 2275 fps that's smokin. With my freinds 30-06 loaded with H4895 and a 180g bullet he is getting 2635 fps

[Grumulkin]

I've been toying with .445 Super Mag or .460 S&W as potential candidates.

I don't know about the 445 Super Mag but the 460 S&W has a case length above what is allowed according to your post.

What I would do, is to decide what cartridge had the best selection of bullets available for it and go with that one.  Of the cartridges you list, all should work fine for deer.  My choice would probably be the 500 S&W Mag. loaded with Sierra's 400 grain Sports Master bullets over H110/Win. 296.

[Roger_Dailey]

Exactly!  I've got a 26", 44 Mag Encore barrel and it worked great!  About 90 yards, very good penetration, very short, very vivid blood trail.  However, in the interest of always wanting something better; I've been toying with other options.  The 445 SM would be a natural and pretty easy/cheap.  Another option is to wait a bit and see if they tweak the regulations in any way.  The current regulation restricts case length, not chamber length.  That means a 460 case shortened to the max length is OK.  In a single shot like the Encore, a 300 grain bullet can still be seated to the same overall length as a stock 460.  Of course, some wildcat is another option.   One possibilty is a slightly shortened WSSM case with a .357 bullet; that should be about the same as  a 358 Winchester. 

I'm waiting to see if the regs are tweaked in any way.  (but I am getting some 445 brass ready!)

Take care, have fun....
Roger D. in Southern Indiana

[Muddyboots]

I forgot to mention that I was going to trim down the .460 SW, my bad. But still leaning towards the 445SM. I am probably going with 22" (24" max) heavy barrel to keep some weight forward. The 357 Max has some interest since I use to hunt with Contender with .35 Rem with Hornady 180 SSP bullet with excellent results. I still have quite a bit bullets left over from then so I would have good start on load development. Just remember the caliber has to be a recognized handgun round or else it will not be allowed so the WSSM's may not allowable.  My understanding is that it has to have been in a production handgun. Will let y'all know how this goes forward.
Muddy

[Greenhunter]

Since I hunt in Southern Indiana, I am thinking of a G2 with a barrel chambered for .475 Linebaugh Maximum as a fine whitetail rifle.
Reloading the ammo is no problem and is preferred.

Can I get some feedback on my idea?

[Chris Potts]

Greenhunter,

You must have some really big, mean deer.

Seriously though I don't think that the contender/G2 will handle the linebaugh cartridges.

Chris

[Greenhunter]

Well ,whatever the G-2 won't handle the Encore will !
I just want something different and still be able to reach 150-200 yards out across my foodplots with authority.
I already bought a Marlin 1894 in .44mag. in celebration of Indiana's new regulations concerning pistol caliber rifles.
   

[LaOtto222]

I do not care which cartridge you use, you have to put it in a spot that will do some good. The lungs or heart area is what I am talking about. A 357 Maximum will reach out to 200 yards and if you reload using a pointy bullet will get you to 200 with authority. A 180 Hornady SP SSP has a BC of .248 which is much greater than many of the bigger calibers. Launching one at 2200 fps will still get you 1600 fps at 200 yards and over 1000 fp of energy. Since the 180 is a pistol bullet, it will still open up even at 200 yards. A 445 Super Mag gets around 1900 fps with a 265 grain bullet at the muzzle and will get around 1245 fps and 900 fp energy. To me the 357 Max is a better choice for long distance shooting. Still bullet placement is important and i think that most people will be able to shoot the 357 Max more accurately than a 445 Super Mag or even the bigger ones. Just my 2 cents.