CA handgun bullets for big game

Hi,

The way I last read the California regs, I believe the bullets used in a handgun for big game must be 'soft-nose or expanding.' Does anyone know if a cast, non-hollow point, lead bullet qualifies as a 'soft-nose?' I'd like to use my own cast bullets in a .44 Mag this year, but only if they're legal.

TIA,

Rick, I hunt hogs here in California and all I use are my hard cast bullets. I have yet to have a problem with Fish & Game.

Since the thing that makes a 'soft-nose' bullet such is that it has exposed lead, I don't see how a solid lead bullet could be considered anything but soft-nosed.

The rule really means no full metal jacket bullets, and even then they've got a way out if it's FMJ but built for expansion instead of penetration.

Like the man said, call the DFG if you're not sure.

A hard cast lead bullet is at the opposite end of the spectrum from a soft nose bullet.

Hard cast bullets will not expand. Period. The fact that one hunter claims never to have a problem with the authorities is meaningless. I wouldn't use hard cast until I specfically found out that they were allowed.

Go to the DFG web site. They have an email address for questions about the hunting regulations.

here's what I got back:

In a state that will let you hunt big game with a 25 ACP loaded with 35 grain hollowpoints (unless the definition of legal hunting pistol and cartridge has changed since we left) I expect the average game warden is not going ding a fellow for finding lead semiwadcutters in his 44 magnum. Even hardcast LBT's expand a little at magnum velocities; they're just no supposed to... Good hunting!

Sigh..... This was obviously posted by a someone who's never hunted in California. And BTW hard cast bullets do expand PERIOD. I know I hunt with them, I'd be happy to show you the few recovered hard cast 255gr 45 caliber bullets I've recovered from hogs. By all means contact Calif DFG, you will be advised that hard cast bullets are legal to hunt with, don't take my word for it call them.

Chapter 3 sub section 353 paragraph C of the California hunting regulation states. Pistols and revolvers using centerfire cartridges with soft nose or expanding bullets may be used to take deer, bear or hogs. This simply means no full metal jacket non expanding i.e. Ball ammunition. Barnes X bullets, standard soft nose or Hollowpoint and cast bullets are allowed. Since the nose of a hard cast bullet deforms (expands) it is legal.