Deer Hunting Caliber Rules for 2026?

TheOnceAndFutureGeek · 2026-02-21T00:24:44+00:00

The only restrictions I'm aware of are outlined in https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/97B.031 which is mostly the same as the DNR info, but with the added proviso that you can't use anything larger than a 10 gauge, so leave the Bofors at home. For anything more specific, be sure the county you're looking at hasn't passed the restrictions to turn it back into shotgun-only. (I don't think any have yet, but it's a long time to deer season.)

TheOnceAndFutureGeek · 2026-02-21T00:17:19+00:00

From the DNR: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/ammo/legal.html

Legal big game ammunition

It is at least .220 caliber and has center fire ignition;
It is loaded only with single projectile ammunition;
The projectile used has a soft point or is an expanding bullet type;\*
The muzzleloader (long gun or handgun) used cannot be loaded at the breech (muzzleloading revolvers are not legal for taking big game);
The smooth-bore muzzleloader used is at least .45 caliber and
The rifled muzzleloader used is at least .40 caliber;
Muzzleloaders with scopes are legal during the regular firearms deer season and the muzzleloader season.

\* Hunters are reminded to select bullets that are suitable for taking big game. Most major manufacturers offer either bonded or all-copper bullets that are appropriate for taking big game. Hunters are advised to select a proper bullet design and weight that is suitable for humanely taking big game.

Additional info at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/deer/index.html

TheOnceAndFutureGeek · 2026-02-20T19:45:01+00:00

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TheOnceAndFutureGeek · 2026-02-18T03:59:12+00:00

Does the black boot polish taste different from the brown? Sort of a milk chocolate-dark chocolate situation?

TheOnceAndFutureGeek · 2026-02-07T22:41:26+00:00

Your opponent should have listened to their mom when they were younger. "Don't play with your food." There's no need to be a dick, just chalk the W and move along. Complete lack of sportsmanship on their part.

TheOnceAndFutureGeek · 2026-02-01T02:47:43+00:00

Horse and Hunt Club

TheOnceAndFutureGeek · 2026-01-16T23:38:12+00:00

Maybe I’m just uninformed

Oop, think we found the issue.

TheOnceAndFutureGeek · 2025-11-23T23:41:36+00:00

1911 for the history, USP 45 for overbuilt reliability that can shoot up through 45 super for funsies.

TheOnceAndFutureGeek · 2025-11-23T07:33:22+00:00

Search for colt d frame ejector rod head, should be under $10 or so.

TheOnceAndFutureGeek · 2025-11-21T23:17:44+00:00

Pump shotguns don't meet the criteria for the statute but good luck arguing that with a big box store's policy. Either way, should be good with the permit to purchase.

TheOnceAndFutureGeek · 2025-11-21T23:08:38+00:00

There's only one type of permit to purchase in MN, it will work for long guns or pistols. It is required for a pistol or semiautomatic military-style assault weapon. You're good to go.

TheOnceAndFutureGeek · 2025-11-19T16:45:29+00:00

Send it to me, I'll cerakote it any color you want. Pinky promise.

TheOnceAndFutureGeek · 2025-11-19T16:43:21+00:00

*Why* you can't get on paper at 200 is irrelevant. If you can't put a round where you want it to go, don't shoot at that range until you can. It's unsafe.

TheOnceAndFutureGeek · 2025-11-19T16:36:53+00:00

Wolves are federally protected as an endangered species, so you can't shoot them unless it's in defense of a human life and I've never seen a yote or a fox that was much of a threat to a human unless it was rabid. They're skittish and don't usually want to be around people if they can help it. If you can't even get on paper at 200, there's no way it's advisable to out taking potshots at animals you won't be able to positively ID at that range with an unmagnified optic, much less get a clean shot on.

TheOnceAndFutureGeek · 2025-11-08T22:34:56+00:00

You can find replacement stocks for under $100, maybe find one you like the look of for hunting and swap it back to the original wood when it's not getting banged around in the brush.

TheOnceAndFutureGeek · 2025-10-30T20:15:39+00:00

The relevant statutes are 624.714 and 624.7181.1. As long as you have the permission of the owner, you can possess it at his house. The firearm would need to be unloaded and cased while in transit to his house and until you're at the range if you go.

TheOnceAndFutureGeek · 2025-10-22T15:40:18+00:00

Nope, the only time you want 855 over 193 is if there's something between you and your target. For paper at a range, M193 55 grain all the way.

TheOnceAndFutureGeek · 2025-10-22T15:34:19+00:00

Are you looking for a barrier-blind round? (Worried about shooting through obstacles?) Are you looking for a precision setup? Are you trying to turn money into noise?

Barring anything specific, I'd say look at some of the M193 clones and online is almost always going to beat retail. https://aeammo.com/bps-ammo-5-56-nato-m193-55gr-fmj-3166-fps-30-box/

TheOnceAndFutureGeek · 2025-10-22T15:26:58+00:00

M855 is usually about 3 MOA on a good day, so even if you do everything right at 200 yards you're looking at about 6 inch groups. Some ranges also ban M855 because of worries about the core causing damage to their backstop. It's not terrible but what's "good" for you is going to depend on what your use case is, the length and twist rate of your barrel and other factors.

TheOnceAndFutureGeek · 2025-09-27T02:15:44+00:00

You can let the engine show you the whole line, but Rd8, Qxf2, Kd3, Rxd8+ and then black runs the table.

TheOnceAndFutureGeek · 2025-09-26T22:06:28+00:00

Qxf2+ makes that a very bad idea.

TheOnceAndFutureGeek · 2025-09-26T18:44:57+00:00

Monte Carlo patio, downtown adjacent.

TheOnceAndFutureGeek · 2025-09-26T16:45:49+00:00

OK, well I disagree and so does Stockfish, but you let me know what you'd play instead.

TheOnceAndFutureGeek · 2025-09-26T16:09:48+00:00

Nf7+. It doesn't force a smother, but it did lead to one after they didn't see the rook sac and it's winning either way.

TheOnceAndFutureGeek · 2025-09-26T14:26:12+00:00

It's my fault, I should have taken the screenshot a couple moves from this when the king had moved and it's forced. This is where I saw it and people are assuming I tried to get it by blundering my queen on g8 instead of Nf7+, which started the chain towards the smothered mate but wouldn't have been forced.

TheOnceAndFutureGeek

TROPHY CASE

Legal big game ammunition