Any other 7.62x39 hunters here?

[Igloo]

And if so, what are you using?

Just received a Howa 1500 mini 22" stainless pencil barreled rifle. Their walnut stock. Looking forward to getting a Jefferson outdoors bottom metal set when they are back in stock.

Interestingly, it gives you enough room in the mag box to use Barnes and Hornady monos for the 300 Blackout, like 110gr and 120gr Tac-Tx or 110gr CX.

Previously I'd loaded the Barnes 123gr .310" bullet with what was (according to Hodgdon's published data) a well over max load of CFE BLK powder and got 2420 fps from a Ruger American's 16 inch barrel. Never got to hunt with it, but a buddy got a smaller buck with what ended up being a spine shot. Obviously down and out right there so not the most educational haha.

Also have a few 123g Gold Dot projectiles to play with.

Would love to hear what everyone else is using though! It definitely isn't 6.5 grendel or 6mm ARC but it sure does have a lot more cheap practice ammo.

 

[R boar]

Not my usual gun but I tried it out. Ruger american 7.62x39 with defiant munitions 190 grain solid copper subsonics. Not super accurate with those loads and sometimes keyholes at 100 yards, but works fine inside bow range

 

[Ringbill27]

My main deer rifle is a Ruger American In the 7.62x39. Prior to reloading I used the Hornady Black 123gr and never lost a deer. Shot many. But then Covid hit and couldn’t get the Hornady and I got reloading equipment.

Once I started reloading I switched to the 123gr Barnes TSX and pushed them to 2500fps, which is HOT . Switched to these 3 years ago and haven’t seen a deer with a rifle since.

Really look forward to getting one to see the performance. But I get be of much help.

I was doing so reading and found the gold dot line is bonded which interests me quite a bit.

 

[43.6N]

100%
I’ve even got the reloading dies.
Back before I knew any better I was shooting an iron sighted Tula arsenal sks with the wolf hollow points at deer. One of my younger brothers killed his last Idaho deer with it at 300yds before moving out of state. The deer was running up a draw, and my brother made a one in a million snap shot while standing.

Now I’ve got an 18” CZ 527 mini mauser that I love for coyotes and whistle pig season.

I think the most terminally effective factory round is the Winchester deer season xp.

But I would love to find out what other people are using

 

[43.6N]

Not my usual gun but I tried it out. Ruger american 7.62x39 with defiant munitions 190 grain solid copper subsonics. Not super accurate with those loads and sometimes keyholes at 100 yards, but works fine inside bow range

View attachment 984731

Bro your picture 100% nails the vibe every time I take out my sks

 

[Q_Sertorius]

My brother has killed several deer with a CZ 527 in 7.62x39. His 10-year old son now carries it as his deer rifle.