Crazy deer gun regulations in Indiana

[AJMD429]

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“… rifle cartridge must have a bullet of at least 0.219 inches diameter….”

No other restrictions on cartridge…

Any cartridge with a 0.219" or larger bullet diameter...???

https://www.21alivenews.com/2025/06/27/ ... gulations/

https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlif ... #Equipment

This is crazy if it means goofballs will now be using 7mm Remington Ultramags on public hunting grounds...too dangerous if they miss (and I see all the time instances where people take wild shots at deer with zero regard for what’s behind the deer, in terms of a safe backstop).

I’d much rather a newbie 10 year old kid wanting a low-recoil hunting option use a levergun with 357 Mag or even 32-20 chambering, than an AR in 223/5.56, as well.

Too bad it would be impractical to enforce, but a limit on ballistic coefficients to 0.22 or thereabouts would have been better.

I’m sure after some innocent gets drilled by a 7mm bullet a mile or so from where the hill-creating deer was shot at (and missed), they will swing the pendulum back to muzzleloader sand shotguns only or something like it used to be (which was too restrictive).

Looking at it from the point of view of the agents out in the field, there's no way they could tell what the ballistic coefficient of a bullet was in a loaded cartridge.

However, I think that could be done indirectly by someone in the DNR simply consulting the information for factory loads, and the available ballistic coefficient data that is published, to arrive at a list of either permissible cartridges or prohibited cartridges. From an administrative standpoint, it would be easier to arrive at a list of permissible cartridges that would earn their place on the list by having the majority of their factory loads (there will always be some oddball products out there, with unusually high BCs) list, with a ballistic coefficient of less than 0.22 or something around that area.

Of course, what would happen is people would get upset that their particular favorite cartridge wasn't on the list, but such a list would include dozens and dozens of cartridges, and people who, for some strange reason, wouldn't happen to own any firearms chambered for such cartridges could still hunt if they purchased $150 breakopen rifle chambered in 357 magnum or 44 magnum or 45 colt 45-70, etc...

Just offhand, I'm sure a list of cartridges with ballistic coefficient typically less than 0.22 would include pretty much all of the handgun cartridges that are also chambered in carbines and rifles (32-20, 38 Spl, 357 Mag, 38-40, 40 S&W, 10mm Auto, 41 Mag, 44 Spl, 44-40, 44 Mag, 45 ACP, 45 Colt, 454 Casull, 460 S&W, 500 S&W), as well as long-action (non-handgun) cartridges like 30-30, 35 Remington, 444 Marlin, 375 Winchester, 45–70, and so on, giving them plenty of choices.

The new rule even looks like it would allow 9 mm Luger or even 380 ACP to be used out of a rifle, which would certainly be safe, but not very kind to the deer.

There are probably a few people who own none of the above and only own a 223, or 308 or 30-06, or 7mm of some sort who would complain, but they can't hunt ducks with those guns either so it's not like having to buy another firearm to hunt something is a new concept.

Besides, if they are a real American, they're gonna jump on any excuse to buy another firearm, right...???

[Paladin]

NEVER underestimate the power of STUPID people who hold the power to control.

[MingoKid]

I'm just south of you in Kentucky. We have similar deer equipment "restrictions". We also have rolling hills and terrain to stop the errant shots taken by some. My first deer was taken with a 7mm Rem mag, 40 plus years ago. It was at 35 yards! Haha. I have grown up a bit since then. Most of the deer I've taken of late have been with 30/30's or 45/70's. A few with a 50 Alaskan. 95% of the deer I've shot have been under 100 yards in distance. I'm in my early 60's and my preferred style of hunting now is "Bow Hunting" with a levergun or a handgun by choice. Hopefully, my neighbors to the north will find the enjoyment of being quiet and close to their quarry as I have found. I think unsafe people or hunters will find a way to mess things up for others regardless of equipment. Best of luck and be safe. MK

[Gobblerforge]

Ohio's laws are not much better. .357 or larger and strait wall cartridges only. 45 colt is fine but 38-40? Too scarry with that bottle neck.

[GunnyMack]

Colorado was/is .243 minimum. I remember the Tool Room Manager, Roger, at school put a single shot .50 bmg together and would sell $1 a pop for a chance to shoot it. One day one of the game wardens was at the school range and Roger asked him if he could use his rifle for elk and be legal. All the warden could say was .243 and up. 50 cal is overkill for everything.
Here we are stuck with shotgun, 10 12 16 or 20 ga with slugs or buckshot( not for bears though- slugs only) or muzzle loaders. I wish they would allow pistol calibers.
Heck at one point they wanted to outlaw anything over .50 including shotguns for hunting. That would have left 410 for deer , finally someone with a modicum of grey matter set the record straight.
Problem is the folks in charge aren't hunters, shooters, or versed in ballistics.

[JimT]

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[Pat C]

.23 cal or larger with minimum of 400 Ft lbs of energy I've seen before. They try to curtail anything that's borderline . We all know .22 WMR will take deer size game with right shot but it's not meant for that hence illegal to use in most states.

In VA 32-20 is illegal because low muzzle energy . Probably hand load get it up to pass muster. Some jerk game warden could easily make you prove it. We've had some A holes to.