Gentlemen:

I recently received a direct answer on the estimated maximum danger range of rifled slug, sabot slug, .44 magnum and 45-70 rounds from Winchester Ammunition:

X12RS15- Rifled Slug, 1 ounce @ 1600 fps: 1,068 Yards

X44MHSP2- .44 Mag. 240 gr. @ 1760 fps: 2,239 Yards

X4570H- .45-70 300 gr. @ 1880 fps: 2,291 Yards

SSP12- 12Ga. 385 gr. @ 1900 fps: 2,971 Yards

The Winchester Tech. recommended adding 200 to 300 additional yards to allow for velocity variations, temperature, wind conditions, etc.

Bottom line: Those game departments that are limiting hunters to shotguns with todays sabot ammunition for safety reasons, (related to restricted danger range), are sadly mistaken.

It seems some old opinions are a bit hard to change even when presented with the current reality. Good post. All the best...
Gil

Ralph McLaney
Better be carefull they might cut you back to buckshot only!!! :)

Ralph McLaney
Better be carefull they might cut you back to buckshot only!!! :)

On the other hand, what is happening in several Northeastern states goes in another direction: Handgun caliber rifles.
Sales of high priced sabot slug rounds are down in those areas, as hunters find out how inexpensive magnum pistol rounds are in comparison.

Quite often those making the rules are not educated in ballistics or even in firearms in general. Here in Indiana they have decided to institute rifles into the firearms season for deer (use to be shotgun and handgun only) and obviously didn't speak to anyone with knowledge about the subject.

Quite often those making the rules are not educated in ballistics or even in firearms in general. Here in Indiana they have decided to institute rifles into the firearms season for deer (use to be shotgun and handgun only) and obviously didn't speak to anyone with knowledge about the subject.

451Detonics:

From the Indiana DNR hunting regulations:

"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."

It appears the Indiana DNR did indeed have ballistics savy people writing the regulations. All of the pistol cartridges that are legal in Indiana for use in deer rifles, have essentially the same danger range as the current crop of high priced sabot shotgun slugs.

Yesterday's truisms are often wrong in the face of the technological changes of today.

It even looks like Ruger discontinued their handy little 77/44 bolt action .44 Magnum a bit too soon!

Ralph McLaney
Better be carefull they might cut you back to buckshot only!!! :)

Gunnut45/454:

With Dixie Tri-Ball III buckshot, that would be an advantage most of the time in LA (Lower Alabama) :D

Gentlemen:

I recently received a direct answer on the estimated maximum danger range of rifled slug, sabot slug, .44 magnum and 45-70 rounds from Winchester Ammunition:

X12RS15- Rifled Slug, 1 ounce @ 1600 fps: 1,068 Yards

X44MHSP2- .44 Mag. 240 gr. @ 1760 fps: 2,239 Yards

X4570H- .45-70 300 gr. @ 1880 fps: 2,291 Yards

SSP12- 12Ga. 385 gr. @ 1900 fps: 2,971 Yards

The Winchester Tech. recommended adding 200 to 300 additional yards to allow for velocity variations, temperature, wind conditions, etc.

Bottom line: Those game departments that are limiting hunters to shotguns with todays sabot ammunition for safety reasons, (related to restricted danger range), are sadly mistaken.
Keep this under your hat. One must always remember...once an over educated twit is elected to office he/she becomes an expert on all subjects and knows what is best for everyone. As we all know the real key to safety is between the ears and no amount of undergunning can replace it.

Keep this under your hat. One must always remember...once an over educated twit is elected to office he/she becomes an expert on all subjects and knows what is best for everyone. As we all know the real key to safety is between the ears and no amount of undergunning can replace it.


Several Northeastern States are now allowing pistol caliber rifles for deer hunting because shotguns with sabot loads and rifled barrels have a longer danger range.

No need to hide that!