Straight wall whitetail options.

[meigsbucks]

I live in Ohio. I handgun hunted ever since it was legalized, up until recently. I carry a .Ruger #3 in .45/70. I good friend swears by his .350 Legend using Maker bullets in handloads.
A round that wouldn’t kick like a .45/70 but should prove to be a good performer is the .360 Buckhammer. If you handload it, the 180gr Speer should work great.

 

[Rifleman97]

Some are happy with the 350 Legend, but I have several friends here in Ohio that think it's underpowered.

Some have made much longer killing shots, but in my opinion the straight walled cartridges are best kept to 150 yards max. Most failures can be traced back to shooting deer at 200 yards or more.

I'd use the 400 Legend, and keep shots to a reasonable distance.

If the 30-30 is enough for deer, a heavier bullet going somewhat similar velocity with larger frontal diameter is plenty enough. If 243 is enough for deer in non straight wall states, why is 35 cal considered marginal? Sure it’s going slower but the ammo I shoot is 2200fps, plenty fast.

Here is some deer I took with 350 legend, the first buck at 250 yards, the doe at 50. Can’t remember the rest. I’ve taken a total of about 20-25 deer with the 350 legend since I started using it.

Rifle is Winchester XPR, it’s a version only sold by one dealer, titanium cerekote and wood stock, my favorite setup. It’s got an Athlon Midas BTR 1-6x24.

 

[MS 9x56]

I can recommend the 350 legend. I won a Howa 1500 in 350 legend at a Whitetails unlimited banquet last year and used it to take the largest doe I have ever taken. She dressed 170 lbs and only traveled 40 yards leaving a ray charles blood trail. Very little meat damage also. What’s not to love.

 

[coreydb]

Don't change from what already works.

 

[Don458]

50-70 government would be legal . If you can get Ammunition.