By Robert Sadowski

Straight-wall cartridges have been around since the 1870s. In recent years, a number of new rounds have been developed. This is mainly due to new deer hunting regulations in some states. But don’t think straight-wall cartridges are only good in those states. These loads are good options for anyone who hunts deer. You can also add black bear and wild boar to that list.

Straight-wall cartridges are basically calibers that use a straight wall case and are loaded with large-diameter, heavy bullets. Straight-wall cartridges have similar attributes as slugs out of a shotgun. They are designed to be used in more densely populated areas and have a limited range. However, they are very effective on medium-size game.

These loads are built to knock down game and create a big hole without the bullet traveling into the next zip code. Maximum distance with these rounds is about 200 yards, depending on marksmanship ability. Most shots are made within 100 yards or closer, which is the sweet spot for these loads.

Straight-Wall States

There are five states—Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Ohio—that were shotgun-only but now allow centerfire rifles chambered in straight-wall calibers for deer hunting. Those who have deer hunted in a shotgun-only state know the limitations of shotguns and slugs. Straight-wall cartridges are a better alternative.

Popularity in straight-wall cartridges started to boom about 10 years ago when Michigan allowed rifles chambered in straight-wall calibers in formerly shotgun-only areas. The new hunting regulations started a rush to create better calibers that were adaptable to semi-auto, bolt-action and lever-action rifles.

Other states followed Michigan’s lead and started allowing straight-wall cartridges during deer season. Because of this, a new generation of straight-wall calibers was developed. Not all straight-wall cartridges are legal in all states, as states typically have diameter and case length requirements. All states are different so be sure to check local laws.

Old School Straight-Wall Cartridge Rifles

There are plenty of established straight-wall cartridges from which to choose. These include .38-40 Win., .41 Mag., .41 Spl., .44 Mag., .44 Spl., .44-40 Win., .444 Marlin, .45 Colt and .45-70 Gov’t. Unfortunately, some don’t have lots of ammo choices. Three that offer plenty of hunting ammo options and new rifle choices are the .44 Mag., .45 Colt and .45-70 Gov’t.

Rossi R95 In .45-70

The Rossi R95 lever-action is chambered in .45-70 and available in three barrel lengths: 16.5, 20 and 22 inches. I like the 20-inch version since it’s a nice balance between length and weight. The .45-70 generates recoil, but between the heft and rubber recoil pad it is efficient at stifling recoil. This is a side eject lever-action with a solid top so it’s easy to mount an optic. 

Henry New Original In .45 Colt

If recoil is an issue, try the .45 Colt. Don’t use Cowboy loads since they are made for shooting cardboard buffalos. Plenty of hunting ammo choices are available for the .45 Colt and a slew of lever-action rifles. A few years back, I used a Henry New Original on a driven boar hunt stoked with Hornady’s LEVERevolution ammo loaded with 225-grain FTX bullets. There was a lot of fast action and, in the end, pork sausage in the freezer.

Ruger 77/44 In .44 Magnum

My all-time favorite old-school straight-wall cartridge in the .44 Mag. This round works for hunting in both rifles and revolvers. There are plenty of load choices that range from pedestrian to hot. Recoil is not much of an issue with this caliber either, especially in a rifle. 

I like Ruger’s small 77/44 bolt-action rifle paired with a low-power scope. This setup is light enough to tote all day and is plenty accurate. I prefer the traditional blued steel and wood model. However, there is a matte stainless variant with a polymer stock. I really like the convenience of the detachable rotary magazine.

Marlin Model 1894 In .44 Magnum

I’m also hooked on the Marlin Model 1894 Classic in .44 Mag. Ruger resurrected this rifle from bankruptcy and gave it the Ruger touch. This rifle reeks nostalgia with blued steel and checkered wood. 

To modernize it, mount a red dot. This is the rifle you want if you like to still hunt thick brush. It is light, compact and fast to the shoulder. The .44 Mag. out of rifle-length barrels produced good speed and energy, plus ammo is relatively inexpensive with plenty of choices. It is also easy to find.

Rossi Model 92 In .44 Magnum

So, I lied. I actually have three .44 Mag. rifles I use for hunting. The Rossi 92 is a clone of the Winchester Model 1892. The action is super slick on these rifles and they are light weight. You need to shoot these with open sights, but to me that is more of a challenge.

Modern Straight-Wall Cartridge Rifles

When states began allowing straight-wall guns and ammo for deer hunting the .450 Bushmaster cartridge was in the right place at the right time. The .450 Bushmaster is a true thumper, offering a lot of muzzle velocity and energy with a big, heavy bullet that whacks deer like they were hit by a Mack truck. And yes, this round thumps both ways. 

Since then, manufacturers have introduced new cartridges in this category. These include .350 Legend, .400 Legend and .360 Buckhammer. Hunters can find a variety of rifles in all three chamberings. 

.450 Bushmaster Upper

If you have an AR-15 lower it’s a snap to swap out an upper in .450 Bushmaster. Bear Creek Arsenal, Rock River, Bushmaster and others offer complete uppers in .450 Bushmaster. 

Investing in an upper is more cost effective than buying a new rifle. Besides life is too short to shoot only one caliber with your AR. You will need a magazine dedicated for the round.

Savage 110 Scout Rifle In .450 Bushmaster

I’ve used the .450 Bushmaster in bolt-action rifles like the Savage 110 Scout Rifle. Most bolt-action rifles chambered in this round are equipped with enormous muzzle brakes to ease recoil. They may look odd but you grow to appreciate them especially when sighting in at the range.

Henry Single Shot In .360 Buckhammer

The .360 Buckhammer is becoming more popular each deer season since its introduction in 2023. Henry chambers their Side Gate lever-action and Single Shot rifles in the caliber. The .360 Buckhammer advantage is it shoots faster and flatter than most other modern straight-wall cartridges. Ballistics are similar to the .35 Remington, if you remember that old bottle-neck cartridge. 

Henry makes the Single Shot with both its characteristic polished brass receivers and with a traditional blued finish. I like the challenge and simplicity of single-shot rifles and Henry makes it very simple to mount an optic for hunting.

Best Straight-Wall Cartridge Rifle For Hunting

There are a variety of excellent straight-wall cartridge rifles in both old-school calibers and modern variants. My short list of best straight-wall cartridge rifles is broken down by action. 

For bolt-actions, the Ruger 77/44 is hard to beat in .44 Mag. If it’s a lever action, I like the Rossi R95 in .45-70. This is the rifle you want to hunt with and leave your other lever-actions as safe queens. In semi-auto AR-15 platform, the .450 Bushmaster is my choice due to performance and ammo availability. 

Whether you are nostalgic for a lever-action rifle or prefer bolt-actions or semi-autos, there is a straight-wall cartridge and rifle combination for you.

Tags: Deer Hunting, Henry USA, hunting, lever action rifles, Marlin, Rifles, Rossi, Ruger, savage, single shot rifles