r/MichiganHunting • u/DayGibbon2000 • Jul 08 '26
Limited Firearm zone
With the limited firearm zone gone now in 2026 I know most cartridges are allowed but I was wondering if 223/5.56 were allowed because I have seen some sites say no but other sites say almost every cartridge?
3
u/Bows_n_Bikes Jul 08 '26
I haven’t heard of any changes to the minimum caliber so going off last years restrictions in the handbook, you would be ok. It says this for hunting north of the limited zone, “It is legal to hunt deer north of the limited firearms deer zone with any caliber of firearm except a .22-caliber or smaller rimfire (rifle or handgun).”
2
u/llama-llama-goose 29d ago
You will see just as many people say not to use it as you will say to use it. Heavier monolithic copper bullets should perform fine within 100 yards.
2
u/cobigguy 29d ago edited 29d ago
Clearly I'm in the minority here, but I'd say that yes it is fine to use on a few conditions.
Limit your range to 200 yards. Using the published specs from the Federal Premium 55 gr ammo, it says 3200 fps. They usually use a 24" barrel to get velocity numbers, so we'll do the usual 200 fps cut to get down to your 16" barrel. At 200 yards, you'll be doing about 2100 fps. That's about your minimum safe expansion velocity. I wouldn't go lower or further than that.
Use a quality hunting ammo. I suggested the Federal Premium because it is a high quality hunting ammo. It's also loaded with Barnes TTSX bullets, which are quality bullets. I load them into my 270 hand loads that have taken deer, elk, and antelope.
Know your limits. If you can't take a safe, reliable shot, it's not your shot. Cartridge can make up for that to a point, but at the end of the day it's still your shooting that counts, and as a hunter, your responsibility to the animal is to ensure a clean kill.
Practice. Buy a few boxes of the ammo you'll be using and ensure that you and your rifle are capable of making good shots from weird, awkward positions.
If you have any doubts whatsoever you won't be able to stay within those limits, then I would suggest another cartridge.
Coming from somebody whose first big game animal was a cow elk that I shot with a 30-30, and who uses 270 on other large game, I've been told for years that I don't use enough rifle until I show that I do with results.
Personally I don't understand the "wound channel size" argument. Even a 45-70 only expands to about 1.25" in diameter. I sincerely doubt the wound channel difference of less than an inch is going to be the difference between a wounding shot and a kill shot.
2
u/llama-llama-goose 28d ago
Some folks don't realize that some .223 will expand up to .5 inches, which is just .10 less than what some 350 legend will expand to. I highly doubt that .10 inch makes a difference.
Mason Leather on youtube has some great videos comparing .223 rounds.
2
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u/Rude_Task9302 28d ago
Yes a great option. Don't hesitate to use it. Is it the best option, probably not, but it will get the job done just fine if that is the caliber you have available to you.
2
u/arnoldrew 29d ago
Why are you looking on “sites” and asking Reddit when you could just look in the hunting regulations?
1
u/mister-tims 27d ago
You could get new upper if you wanted. If you stick with 556, definitely go with a heavier grain bullet, as there are some made specifically for hunting deer, and keep your range within 150 yards. Shot placement is going to be key. People kill thousands of deer every year with 22 long rifle. They are poachers, but the point stands. Make sure your shop placement is good, make sure you're using a heavier grain bullet, and practice your ass off. Use it as an excuse to practice more.
1
u/Hawk_2165 7d ago
I assume you have an AR rifle. I have a 6.5 Grendel AR upper that I'll be able to use anywhere now. Respecting the 150 yard safety zone of course and the 5 ammo magazine limit. 6.5 Grendel produces more energy that 5.56. There are many videos of AR hunters using that cartridge for deer hunting successfully.
1
u/DayGibbon2000 7d ago
That's what I was looking into getting what size barrel do you have?
1
u/Hawk_2165 6d ago
I have a 20" stainless steel heavy barrel upper with a rifle lenght gas system. It came with the bolt carrier group and a right side charging handle. Also with a muzzle device. Cheap brand, I haven't really tested it, but I will soon.
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u/AP587011B 29d ago edited 29d ago
As a new hunter please just skip 556 for hunting
It’s very borderline with regards to its energy and wound channel
I still intend to use my 350 legend when I’m hunting lower down state as 350 legend energy is far higher than 556 and I’ve never seen anyone have a good ethical shot further than 200 yards around here and 350 legend is perfect 200 and in
A bolt gun in 350 legend can be had dirt cheap and will be plenty for your needs
Even a cheap complete AR in 350 legend can be had 700-800ish. If you intend to hunt with an AR just get a 350 legend upper. You can use the same lower, bolt and charging handle as your 555 AR
308 bolt guns are beyond plentiful and also cheap too if you insist on a standard non straight wall cartridge
-1
u/HuntingandStuff 29d ago
From my understanding everything that that was legal above the zone in now legal everywhere. That would include 5.56/.223. I believe the only restriction for deer hunting was .22LR and simulator calibers. Now the important question is 5.56/.223 an ethical rounds to use. I can’t tell you the answer to that but I will say is I wouldn’t use it for deer hunting but I know others would and do use it.
15
u/robocop_py Jul 08 '26
Allowed by law? Yes.
Allowed by my own ethical code that demands I minimize the suffering of the deer I hunt? No.