ammo question

[Jaydub in Wi]

Is it legal to use hard cast bullets for deer/bear hunting? The regs say it is illegal to use ammunition loaded with full metal jacket, non expanding type bullets. cast lead isn't fmj , but some of them might be hard enough to be considered non expanding? I have 2 bear points now and might use my blackhawk 45 colt with lbt type bullets when I draw a tag. Thanks for any info.

[jh45gun]

Cast bullets are fine and legal but how hard are they? I would shoot some into some wet phone books to see if you get any expansion. Also go with a flat point bullet. Round nose bullets do not expand and slip on through I found that out last year shooting a buck with my 308 Encore using a cast bullet. I got the buck but only because I took a neck shot and he laid down and I was able to shoot him again. The next deer I shot with that set up was a doe and  I had filed some flat tips on the bullets. That worked 10 times better. That bullet acted just like the best soft point bullet.  If you can only find round nose bullets than file a flat on them so they perform better. It does not take much of a flat but you need some. I would look at other bullets to see how they are shaped. Ya got two points now figure on waiting until you have at least 4 points and maybe even 5 or 6 before you draw a tag. I got mine a few years ago at 4 points but I have heard of others getting them at 5 and 6. Jim

[Jaydub in Wi]

Thanks for the info. The regs aren't always the clearest. Now I need to decide which bullet for black bear, Keith swc or lbt wfn. Decisions,decisions. I will probably start applying for a Michigan black bear tag, my wife has family north of Escanaba.