Non-expanding type bullets. (?)

[Waywatcher]

Where I live, the law for deer hunting reads: "It is illegal to hunt deer with ammunition loaded with non-expanding type bullets." (Taken verbatim from the regulations.)

My question for others is, what do you think this means specifically in relation to hardcast LSWC bullets for my .357 magnum? Legal--yes, no, maybe?

If no, would hollow points be the only option?

 

[Art Eatman]

I know of no case where this is applied to other than the military-type full-metal-jacket.

Texas has had the no-FMJ rule as far back as I can remember, and many and many a deer has been killed with a handgun.

 

[jmr40]

I'm no legal expert, but even hardcast LSWC bullets will still expand, especially if pushed fast enough. Just not very much. Quite often the wording of laws does not adequately define the intent.

 

[rcmodel]

Shoot a deer with a cast SWC and then make the F&G guy find the bullet to prove it didn't expand!!

It won't be inside the dead deer I betcha!

rc

 

[Skyshot]

I know of no case where this is applied to other than the military-type full-metal-jacket.

Texas has had the no-FMJ rule as far back as I can remember, and many and many a deer has been killed with a handgun.

Same in Tennessee.

 

[Waywatcher]

Thanks for the replies. I had a suspicion that I was over-thinking the regulation, and that it really meant AP/FMJ ammo.

I have a load worked up for my .357 that is accurate, very consistent, clean shooting and cheap (or at least cheap to me) using a nice hardcast LSWC-WN from Rim Rock over 2400. I was hoping to give it a try on deer so I was reading through the regs. From my research, it sounds unlikely that linotype will expand at 1244 fps, my chronographed speed at about 25 degrees F. This was the only gray area on whether or not I am good to go--everything else about my set-up is legal.

 

[rcmodel]

No, linotype will not expand.
It might shatter if it hits bone though.

rc