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Writer's pictureBrad Keating

What Rifles Are Legal To Hunt With In Ohio?

Updated: Nov 3, 2020

Gun laws and regulations are forever-changing. This can cause a problem for any responsibly armed American to stay on top of. However, these hunters are in luck as this article is specifically designed to inform them on which rifles they are legally allowed to use for hunting in the state of Ohio.


Hunting Rifle in Ohio

What Rifles Are Legal In Ohio For Deer Hunting?

Shotgun slugs and Muzzleloader rifles have been allowed for deer hunting in Ohio for many years. Hunters can expect to see these types of guns during gun season. However, people can now use a straight-walled cartridge rifle for hunting in Ohio. The new hunting regulations are said to be beneficial for youth hunters. This is because it's seen as a good youth deer gun. Kids are able to shoot the gun as there isn't a lot of kick-back.


Moreover, something that is said to never be legal for deer hunting is a high-powered rifle. This a result of the terrain as well as urban areas being in close proximity. Along with this is tampered-cartridges, as these bullets are not deemed humane enough for the shooting of deer.


What Kind Of Rifles Can You Hunt With In Ohio?

  • The ODNR has recently approved of the .450 Bushmaster rifle pistol cartridge, making this a legal hunting cartridge. This round is hard-hitting and can take any deer down quickly.

  • A .444 Marlin is legal to use for hunting season. This traditional cartridge was used to give a lever-action rifle a bigger punch when the .45-70 caliber rifles weren't produced commercially for years.

  • The .38-55 Winchester is a common type of cartridge that can be labeled as one of the 'grandfathers' when it comes to ammunition used in gun season.

  • .44 Magnum is legal to use for shooting. This cartridge isn't just used for revolvers, it can also be chambered into an accurate rifle. The effect of this is more powerful than a handgun length barrel, allowing for even lighter recoiling practice and is perfect for a hunter to use on deer.

  • A hard-hitter that is suitable for any large game at a short-medium range is a .45-70 Government cartridge. This straight wall cartridge is said to be a king out on the terrain and is great for deer hunters.

  • The .357 Magnum is a revolver cartridge that is perfect for deer hunters. Placing these cartridges in a rifle gives it some teeth.

  • .50 Beowulf is a bigger bullet that can do very well for any hunters that are equipped with this type of ammunition. Added to this, it's a humane way of shooting.


Can Hunters Shoot Deer With An AR 15 In Ohio?

No, they may not. It's prohibited to make use of an AR 15. This state, along with a variety of other states, requires people to use bigger bullets if they are planning on shooting game. However, he or she is able to if they use .50 Beowulf cartridges. These bullets are big enough, which allows this to be a suitable deer gun.


Can Hunters Use A 308 To Shoot Deer?

According to Ohio's law on deadly weapons, it's against the law to use this type of cartridge. This is because he or she can't use any round with a tampered cartridge. Only straight-walled cartridges are allowed to be used.


Wrap Up

In the Buckeye state, the regulations set for firearms are in the best interest of the citizens and wildlife. Only straight-walled cartridge rifles are allowed to be used throughout the state, as well as a variety of other states. This is because they are seen as being a more humane way of shooting deer. That is why it is illegal to any round that has a tempered cartridge.



The Keating Firm LTD. can answer all of your important questions regarding Ohio's law on deadly weapons such as "Are switchblades illegal in Ohio?" and "What size knife is legal to carry in Ohio?"




Disclaimer: The details included in this blog is offered for educational purposes only, and should not be taken as lawful guidance in any way. No recipients of material from this blog, clients or otherwise, should or should not act on the basis of any material consisted in the blog without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional guidance on the particular facts and situations at issue from an attorney accredited in the recipient's state.

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