From the Duluth News Tribune
published Nov. 2, 2008
Hunters in Minnesota’s upcoming firearms deer season will have the opportunity to use smaller-caliber rifles than in past years, although the number of hunters expected to do so is expected to be small.
Among several changes in the state’s deer-hunting framework, new regulations allow the use of firearms at least .22 caliber with center-fire ignition. Formerly, the law required hunters to use at least .23-caliber weapons, but several other cartridges were allowed as exceptions.
Popular loads now permitted in.22-caliber center-fire include the .22-250, the .220 Swift and the .223.
Scott VanValkenburg at Fisherman’s Corner in Pike Lake says a minority of hunters will use the smaller-caliber weapons.
“A few guys will do it for their kids,” he said.
He said he sold out of the lighter ammunition and has replenished his supplies.
“We’ve been selling more of the smaller-caliber shells,” said Rob Parrott of the Bear’s Den in Twig. “Some guys want to hunt with their AR-15s (former military rifles now manufactured for civilians). My opinion is, you have to be an exceptional marksman.”
The .22-caliber center-fires typically use a bullet weighing about 55 grains, retailers said. That compares to a typical .30-caliber bullet weighing about 170 grains.
The smaller slugs will require more careful shot selection and accurate shot placement, ammunition sellers said.
“You’ll have to shoot it like you would a bow — through the ribs, and plan on exit outside the other shoulder,” VanValkenburg said. “If you shoot ’em with those guns, they’re not going to pile up. They’re going to take off. You’ll have to track ’em.”
“Definitely, shot selection is very key,” said Connor Cusack, assistant store manager of hunting at Gander Mountain. “They’ll have to be clear shots with such a small bullet. I wouldn’t recommend shooting at anything running. If you hit ’em bad, it’s not going to be good.
“Even though it’s a smaller caliber, I don’t feel it’s something to get a youth into because of the shot selection.”
Wisconsin has permitted .22-caliber center-fire ammunition for years, said Fred Strand, Department of Natural Resources wildlife manager in Superior. The lighter loads have caused no problems in recovering game, Strand said.
“My experience would be, like any weapon, the abilities of the user, their skills, are much more important than the caliber of gun they use,” Strand said.
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