Alternative to using DateTime objects on Category Axis for charts while still being able to set Min and Max?

Since it is not recommended to use DateTime objects as the data type for the category axis as per Ticket #490, is there an alternative way to use dates on the category axis and still be able to set a Min and Max value? I've tried converting the DateTime objects to strings like I have seen recommended in other posts, but then I am not able to set a Min and Max value for the axis. I am trying to let the user view data in a custom date range of their choosing.