The Short Answer: The .350 Legend is one of the best straight-wall cartridge options for deer hunting because of its manageable recoil, wide ammunition availability, and effectiveness on whitetail deer. The .400 Legend, .450 Bushmaster, .360 Buckhammer, and .45-70 Government are also strong choices, with different advantages depending on your rifle and hunting conditions. However, not all cartridges are legal in every state, so check local regulations for case length and bullet diameter requirements before heading into the field.
Straight-wall cartridges have become popular among hunters because they offer dependable performance at common hunting distances. While most shots occur between 40 and 125 yards, these modern calibers pack enough energy to reach out to 200 yards or more when necessary. Their straight-sided design makes them legal in states with specific ammunition restrictions, offering a much wider variety of choices than traditional bottleneck rounds.
What Makes a Cartridge Legal for Deer Hunting
A straight-walled cartridge has no pronounced shoulder, unlike a bottleneck cartridge that narrows toward the bullet. However, its shape alone does not determine whether it is legal for deer hunting. States may also have restrictions on case length, bullet diameter and permitted firearm types.
Case Length and Bullet Diameter
Ohio allows straight-wall rifle cartridges between .357 and .515 caliber for deer hunting. Unlike some states, it does not set a maximum case length, which is why longer cartridges like the .45-70 Government and .444 Marlin qualify here.
Those same cartridges are not legal everywhere, since several states cap case length near 1.80 inches. Hunters should always check current state regulations before heading into the field.
Why These Laws Exist
Straight-wall rules were written for areas that previously allowed only a slug gun or muzzleloader. These rounds gave hunters in midwestern states a flatter trajectory and longer effective range than a slug gun, without the muzzle velocity of a centerfire rifle cartridge. The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation also highlights mild recoil as a benefit, making certain straight-wall cartridges more comfortable to shoot.
Best Straight-Wall Cartridges for Deer
| Cartridge | Best For | Case Length | Bullet Diameter | Approx. Hunting Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .350 Legend | Overall | 1.71 in | .357 in | 150-200 yds |
| .400 Legend | Step up from .350 Legend | 1.65 in | .4005 in | 200-250 yds |
| .450 Bushmaster | Larger game at short range | 1.70 in | .452 in | Around 200 yds |
| .360 Buckhammer | Lever action rifles | 1.80 in | .358 in | Around 200 yds |
| .45-70 Government | Short range power | 2.105 in | .458 in | 150-200 yds |
.350 Legend
The .350 Legend is a popular cartridge among deer hunters because it offers dependable performance with manageable recoil. Its relatively mild kick can make shooting more comfortable for a youth hunter or someone who prefers a softer-shooting rifle. From a 20-inch barrel, common 150- to 180-grain loads reach a muzzle velocity of roughly 2,100 to 2,325 feet per second. This gives hunters an effective option for deer hunting at distances up to 200 yards, depending on the load and shooting conditions. The .350 Legend is also widely available in both bolt action and AR platform rifles, giving hunters plenty of options when choosing a firearm.
.400 Legend
The .400 Legend offers more power than the .350 Legend for deer hunters looking for greater muzzle energy. Winchester's 215-grain Power-Point load fires a .4005-inch bullet at approximately 2,250 feet per second, producing around 2,400 foot-pounds of energy. Despite its increased power, recoil remains manageable, although ammunition and rifle options are more limited than those available for the .350 Legend.
.450 Bushmaster
The .450 Bushmaster is a powerful straight-wall cartridge known for its heavy bullets and strong performance at shorter hunting distances. Common hunting loads use a .452-inch caliber bullet weighing 250 to 260 grains, making it a popular option for deer and larger game. Compared to the .350 and .400 Legend cartridges, the .450 Bushmaster generally produces more felt recoil. Bullet drop also becomes more noticeable at longer distances, with 200 yards serving as a practical hunting range for many loads.
.360 Buckhammer
Remington developed the .360 Buckhammer for deer hunters who prefer lever action rifles and need a straight-wall cartridge. Its 1.80-inch case length meets the limits set by certain straight-wall hunting states, such as Michigan, although other cartridge and firearm restrictions may still apply. Its rimmed design works with traditional lever-action feeding systems, and common loads use a .358-inch bullet with muzzle velocities of approximately 2,200 to 2,400 feet per second. Designed for deer hunting at distances around 200 yards, the .360 Buckhammer is a practical option for hunters who prefer a lever-action rifle over models chambered for rimless Legend rounds.
.45-70 Government
The .45-70 Government has been used for hunting since its introduction in 1873 and remains a popular choice for deer and larger game. Its .458-inch caliber bullet is available in a wide range of factory loads, giving hunters options for different types of game. With a case length of 2.105 inches, the cartridge may not qualify in states with shorter length restrictions. Recoil can be substantial with heavier hunting loads, so shooters should consider the differences in ammunition performance when selecting a rifle.
Choosing Between These Cartridges
How Much Recoil to Expect
Recoil can affect shooting comfort and accuracy, especially for a new hunter. While felt recoil varies by rifle and ammunition, these cartridges have some general differences worth considering:
- .350 Legend: Generally offers the mildest recoil of these options, making it a popular choice for a youth hunter or smaller-framed shooter.
- .400 Legend and .360 Buckhammer: Both offer manageable recoil, although the amount varies by load and firearm.
- .450 Bushmaster: Typically produces a sharper kick than the Legend cartridges, particularly in lighter rifles.
- .45-70 Government: Recoil varies considerably between lighter target ammunition and heavier hunting loads.
Rifles Chambered for These Cartridges
Hunters can choose from several types of rifles chambered for straight-walled cartridges. A bolt action rifle is a popular choice for the .350 Legend and .450 Bushmaster, while a lever action rifle is commonly associated with the .45-70 Government and .360 Buckhammer. Manufacturers like Marlin and Henry offer lever-action rifles chambered for cartridges that use heavier bullets. For hunters who prefer a simpler firearm, single shot rifles provide an alternative to repeating actions.
Why Bullet Choice Matters
Choosing the right hunting bullet is just as important as selecting the cartridge. Straight-wall rounds generally travel at lower velocities than traditional bottleneck centerfire rifle cartridges, so it's important to use ammunition designed to expand at those speeds. Soft-point bullets are popular for deer hunting, while bonded and copper bullets are designed to retain more weight and provide deeper penetration. Regardless of the load, hunters should confirm their rifle's accuracy and point of impact before deer season.
Ammunition Availability
Ammo availability is worth considering when choosing a cartridge for deer hunting, especially if you want to use the same rifle for several seasons. Some straight-wall cartridges have a wider selection of factory loads than others.
- Widely Available: The .350 Legend and .45-70 Government have established ammunition selections from several manufacturers.
- Well Supported: The .450 Bushmaster is offered by multiple major brands, giving hunters a variety of hunting loads to choose from.
- More Limited Selection: The .400 Legend and .360 Buckhammer have fewer factory ammunition options than the more established cartridges.
Ohio Straight-Wall Cartridge Rules
Ohio allows straight-wall cartridges between .357 and .515 caliber for deer hunting, with no maximum case length restriction. All five cartridges covered in this guide meet the state's caliber and cartridge-design requirements, and qualifying .357 Magnum rifles are also permitted. During deer gun season, rifles are limited to three rounds in the chamber and magazine combined, including AR platform rifle models. Hunters should review the current Ohio hunting regulations before heading into the field.
Vance Outdoors: Your Source for Straight-Wall Rifles and Ammunition
Vance Outdoors has served Ohio hunters since 1938, offering ammunition for popular straight-wall cartridges like the .350 Legend, .400 Legend, .450 Bushmaster, .360 Buckhammer and .45-70 Government. We also carry bolt action, lever action and single shot rifles, along with riflescopes and deer hunting gear. Our knowledgeable staff can help you compare firearms and ammunition to prepare for your next hunt. Shop online and have your rifle shipped to a licensed FFL dealer for pickup.