Here is a Sept. 2022 update on my Illinois ”straight wall” cartridge deer rifle project in its semi final ( May restock it eventually) configuration. On a Win. M85 HiWall action. I fitted a #2 wt. 24” oct.bbl. W/ a TJ .357 diam.  1:16” twist liner & chambered it for the .357 maximum case which can be reloaded w/ std. .357 mag. pistol dies for S.S. Rifle usage.
   My goal was something reliable w/ moderate recoil for deer to at least 125 yds. The average distance of most shots in Illinois. I started testing w/ no idea what to expect on paper but got lucky when a shooting buddy gave some Hornady XTP 180 grn. jacketed hollow point bullets to try.
  I found out right away this bullet chronographed 1850 fps w/ a case full ( not compressed ) of Re#7 w/ accuracy way beyond my expectations ! This load will group 1 1/4” for five @ 100 yds,. When I shot a couple of targets @ 150 yds. to see what the trajectory was like I found it only dropped about 2 more inches & the groups were still under  3” inches. No more testing required !
Scope choice is a Leupold 2x- 7x Variable- it’ll do.
    It would have been to much to ask if the DNR could  have made this new law effective 60 days sooner as then I could have had it in the field this year, I guess all gov’t.  entitles work on a fiscal year only hence the 2023 date.
    Currently I think I’ll see if I can’t bust a coyote with this rifle. If successful I think it may ruin his whole day.

Looking good Dennis, man that max looks long in the picture! See you Friday