Bullet suggestions for Ruger and Marlin 45LC

[osteodoc08]

I am going deer hunting in Ohio with a long time friend this year. I'm only allowed to use shotgun or pistol caliber in pistol or rifle. I have a Ruger and Marlin in 45LC I want to load up something for both. I was thinking about using the XTP bullets due to ease of loading and lever action work. I've had issues with some lead bullets in the Marlin, so I'm wanting to stick with "common" weight jacketed bullets. I was thinking of using the 240 Mag or 250gr or 300gr XTP or Sierra 300gr bullets. Can I load it to "Ruger Only" levels for the Marlin? What would y'all suggest? The other option is a 41Mag same type of combo. I would be able to scope the Marlin on the 41. The 45LC is a cowboy limited and I don't want to scope it. Suggestions?

 

[rcmodel]

The standard .45 Colt 250 XTP at normal velocity will kill any whitetail deer that ever walked the earth.
Let alone Ohio.

The 240 Mag & 300 may or may not expand reliably at handgun velocity.

And would be way over-kill for a deer at carbine +P+ velocity necessary to get them to expand reliably at longer range.

rc

 

[osteodoc08]

Thanks RC, you're always a wealth of knowledge. I've got some 250gr XTP collecting dust. Might have to load some up and give a whirl in the handgun and rifle. I also had another member offer up some lead loadings. Ill try those out too and see which one shoots the best.

 

[stonecoldy]

Osteodoc, check this link for allowable firearms. There has been some talk of allowing pistol caliber carbines in Ohio but doesn't appear to have happened yet. If you know differently, please by all means post a link. Indiana does allow their use. Kentucky allows all manner of rifles, which is one reason I like hunting there.

http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Home/tabid/20829/Default.aspx#deer