the state of michigan has a bill in the works ( http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2011-2012/billintroduced/House/pdf/2012-HIB-5249.pdf ) to revise some of the laws concerning the "shotgun" zone of the state. one of the proposed changes is that rifles, with a .35 caliber and larger, would be allowed to be used during the firearm deer season. the intent is to allow pistol caliber rifles to be used in the shotgun zone. the proposal reads... that the case must be a minimum length of 1.60", and the maximum length of 1.80". since i do not own a pistol caliber rifle, i was thinking.... i just happen to have a couple of scrap 45/70 shells here, and thought i would try doing something with them. so, i shortened them to 1.790", and seated a 350g cast (ranch dog) flat nose bullet it it. the overall length of the cartridge is 2.345" (which is 0.205" shorter). i only put 20 grains of IMR4198 in them, so pressure wise, there should not be a problem. my question is, in a Marlin 1895, would it be safe to shoot a cartridge this short? i am thinking it will be ok. but i am no gunsmith. so i figured i would save my gun, and possibly some major injuries until i got some opinions back from some of you guys.
45/70, shortened
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beatledog7
Member
First question: Will these short rounds feed and chamber?
I ask because some .38SPL rounds don't work reliably in a .357 1984, whose feed system is pretty much the same as an 1895.
I ask because some .38SPL rounds don't work reliably in a .357 1984, whose feed system is pretty much the same as an 1895.
dprice3844444
member
try 454 casull
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
I think if the law there is like most places?
Short rounds in long chambers will not be legal anyway.
If the rifle says 45-70 on it, that is what the F&G guy that checks you is going to go by.
For all he knows, you shot a deer with a 45-70 rifle & cartridge, ejected the empty in the weeds, and tagged the deer out.
And you can't prove you didn't.
rc
Short rounds in long chambers will not be legal anyway.
If the rifle says 45-70 on it, that is what the F&G guy that checks you is going to go by.
For all he knows, you shot a deer with a 45-70 rifle & cartridge, ejected the empty in the weeds, and tagged the deer out.
And you can't prove you didn't.
rc
well, you certainly know how to put a quick end to an idea! i guess i will have to wait and see if it passes, and then ask a DNR officer if it is legal or not. i will not take a chance on loosing my hunting license, the gun, and a $1000.00 fine over it! i could buy a 44 magnum lever gun way cheaper that that!
NeuseRvrRat
Member
they barely eliminated .35 Remington with the case length requirement
Just what cases meet this requirement? Seems like most magnum pistol cartridges won't (aren't they about 1.2")?? The 1.6 to 1.8 is a pretty narrow window of cartridges. Trying to regulate based on case length is difficult, as someone will come out with a high pressure cartridge in that size that is "too fast".
jinxer3006
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Ummmm......I think you need to re-read the pdf:
1.16 to 1.80 makes most of the magnum revolver cartridges legal.
One of my 454 Casull cases measures at 1.4". I presume that means you could use a 460 or 500 S&W carbine for some seriously over the top deer medicine.
IMO, this would be an interesting law because we might start seeing a few mass-produced carbines in those calibers. Of course, that would happen right after I finally track down a 454 Puma at a decent price.
IMO, this would be an interesting law because we might start seeing a few mass-produced carbines in those calibers. Of course, that would happen right after I finally track down a 454 Puma at a decent price.
FROGO207
Member
Yep go out and get a 500-S&W Handi Rifle and never look back. That would put a serious hurt on anything in range. If you wanted to go 44 MAG instead you could get a lever rifle for it but I will go hunting with a single shot any day. Shot placement will be the winner on every hunt IMHO no matter the MAG capacity.
That would put a serious hurt on anything in range. If you wanted to go 44 MAG instead you could get a lever rifle for it but I will go hunting with a single shot any day. Shot placement will be the winner on every hunt IMHO no matter the MAG capacity.
Blind Dog Jake
Member
A T/C Contender in 45-70 with a 14 inch barrel should do the trick. Not a rifle, but shoots like one.
I'm going to let the bill become a law, then see what I will do.
Down here in Ohio I can use my Contender in 45-70 to hunt deer, but not my Marlin 1894CB 45-70.
I'm going to let the bill become a law, then see what I will do.
Down here in Ohio I can use my Contender in 45-70 to hunt deer, but not my Marlin 1894CB 45-70.
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