Rifles firing pistol cartridges are legal as well. 50 beowolf, 458 SOCOM, .45 Long Colt, .44mag all are pretty good deer droppers. Only drawback is the limited range for them. I really wouldn't try a shot past 100 with them except maybe the .458 SOCOM which I wouldn't go past 150 with that. And that would certainly be relative to the rifle itself.
As far as the proposal, Top is correct. It's pretty much just going to be a formality. Most everyone knows that rifle caliber restriction both in Indiana and Illinois is all political without any true legal or scientific basis for it's induction. It's was brought on by the "anti's" and stuck around. Glad to see some actual common sense has entered into the arena for a change.
While I can see the need for restricted/limited range in populated areas, there is absolutely NO need for it in MOST of Indiana or in a large portion of Illinois. Getting anything to do with firearms changed here in Illinois takes MUCH more than simple common sense. It takes serious money and knocking together some heads. Notice we were the absolute LAST state in the country to get a Carry law passed!
I find it hilarious that here in Illinois, or currently in Indiana, you can't deer hunt with rifle cartridges (from a rifle) but you CAN predator hunt with them! I sure wish someone from the DNR or Government can tell me how it is safer to shoot at a much SMALLER target with a high powered rifle than at a Whitetail! As I said, it is just a tool the "anti's" used to attempt to take our firearms uses away as well as attempt to restrict our hunting ability. Maybe Illinois will see the light when Indiana passes this and will lift the ban here as well.