7.62x39 Bolt Rifle

[JAC8504]

1st post and new Rokslide member!...


Does anyone use a 7.62x39 to deer hunt? tempted to try my Howa mini action this year.
Curious to hear !

 

[EastMT]

I bought one for my nieces and nephews to use 10 years ago. I loaded some 125 Nos BT for it and they have gotten a lot of deer with it. Just have to be aware of the velocities. 100yds and closer, no difference than a .308 at say 300 yds really. I used RL7 and was getting about 2450 fps out of them

 

[FLATHEAD]

Bucket List.

 

[EastMT]

As a side note, the original foreign 7.62x39 were .311 diameter bullets, the bolts are all .308 diameter, so be aware if you try .311 ammo you can have problems from too much pressure

 

[Te Hopo]

I used one in the brush for years and loved it.
Lowish recoil and noise and yet within 200m it'll get the job done easily.

Bare in mind that most factory ammo is loaded conservatively for semi autos, I played around with some hotter loads in my bolt action and was getting some impressive velocities with 123gr SST's without any worrying pressure signs.

 

[NuclearGrave]

I would hunt with it but depends on the range. I have a ruger ranch that I used suppressed which is an absolute tack driver. I would get some not military ammo or repaid some hot rounds and you’ll be set.

 

[JAC8504]

I have a bunch of 154gr softpoint ammo… steel cases but I’m nervous of the expansion due to it (at one time) being very cheap

 

[yycyak]

It's no different than a 30-30. Good medicine.

 

[JAC8504]

Here’s a pic because what is a forum without a pic