7.62x39 bear rifle

[mljdeckard]

Ok mike1234567, if you mock the AK round for bear, why would you only jump to 300 BO? It's not like it's a significant jump.

I would and have carried 7.62x39 in the woods, for black bear defense as well as general utility use.

 

[snakeman]

x39 is more powerful than the blackout look at the ballistics.

 

[Rail Driver]

I think I'd go 300 Blackout.

Please don't suggest another caliber, just the one I was asking about.

I have to agree with WardenWolf... I like those round nose soft points, though standard soft points should work just as well provided you're using a good heavy bullet. Hornady makes some great stuff in a bonded core bullet as well.

 

[AK103K]

....and you'd most likely be dead, because in reality all you're going to do with your AK is royally piss him off and make him really want to do you harm. Most of the posters here have obviously never hunted Black Bear.

I dont know how much youve hunted them, and I dont know how youre figuring they will just get pissed off by the 7.62x39, especially 30 of them.

My brother in law has taken two PA black bears, the last weighing in at 450 pounds. Both were taken with a Winchester lever gun in .44 mag. One shot each. I believe the 7.62x39 has a tad more oomph than the .44mag.

Up until the past few years, Ive worked in the woods most of my life, and we came across black bears here and there. Most ali of them were hauling ass south when we did see them, and Im sure there were probably more we never saw that got wind of us first and just got out ahead of us. Except for maybe a couple of instances, I think people make a big deal about nothing here when it comes to them being a danger.

My neighbor had one on his porch in his bird feeder when he came out onto it with his morning coffee. He was between it and the only way out, and it came by him on the run, peeing all the way as it ran by.

 

[ultraperio]

.....and you'd most likely be dead, because in reality all you're going to do with your AK is royally piss him off and make him really want to do you harm. Most of the posters here have obviously never hunted Black Bear.

I'm standing by ready to read the "I can kill a bear with a .22" post.

I'd love to hear your experiences with a black bear (or a deer, from your earlier post) taking a 7.62x39 (or 10, or 30) and still wanting to play.

 

[Robert]

I bet if HK made the 416 in 7.62x39 it would be the bees knees for Bears. Or Elephants.

 

[okiewita40]

I think the OP will be fine with the choice. The 154 gr. will have more drop than the 123 - 125 gr. But at defense distance that is not a concern. Shoot what you have on hand. It's better than beating them with a stick or throwing rocks.

 

[rule303]

Several guys around use SKS's for bear. They work just fine, I would opt for the 123gr Hi-Shok Federal load myself. Now if we were talking brown bears, I wouldn't even consider it, but your average black bear in not that big.

 

[chevyman097]

I personally would use nothing less then a 50 BMG to punch through the Bears armor plate.


Sorry i had to....



I have seen hornady 762x39 do some wicked dmg. I would not be at all worried about using it for self defense against armor plated black bears.

 

[armoredman]

I am actually planning on hunting AZ black bear this spring with a CZ 527M 7.62x39mm carbine, with 123 grain Hornaday soft points loaded warm. Those are .310 diameter, and do very well in 7.62x39mm. Could also go with a cast lead 160 grain, but I think the faster soft points might do better .
On the other hand, we have a bill being debated now that would remove the magazine limit on semi auto rifles and shotguns - might take the vz-58 with a full 30 round magazine, then...just to be sure.

 

[krupparms]

Here in Or. we see black bear, puma &armed drug dealers ect.in the woods. You are on your own out there, so a good simi-auto rifle is the way to go. The 7.62×39mm. is just fine for game around here. Bears are shot with. 22LR. And They are killed with it! That don't mean that I will start hunting with my 10/22. I have hunted for years with the SKS w/ 5rd.magazine installed. It has done fine by me & I can carry a extra 2or3 30rd.mag.s for SD
THE AK & the SKS are both good deer &black bear guns! Use good loads & carry a handgun if you feel the need! Let people know where you will be & when You will be home! Good luck, have fun, be safe.

 

[Mike1234567]

Ok mike1234567, if you mock the AK round for bear, why would you only jump to 300 BO? It's not like it's a significant jump. (snip)

My thought about 300BO is... heavier bullets plus lower velocity equals more penetration. However, other posters here are right. I should have respected the OP's wishes and kept my mouth shut.

 

[NG VI]

Wolf 154 grain test
http://www.brassfetcher.com/7.62x39mm Wolf 154gr Soft Point.html

All three ammunitions tested
http://www.brassfetcher.com/762x39mm.html


I think Brian is right about loading the Barnes TSX for it, the only way you'll get better penetration out of a 7.62x39mm load is to go with a non-deforming bullet, and FMJ 7.62x39mm wounds aren't exactly impressive. A little more pricey than the Russian stuff, but you aren't asking for a good plinking load.

.30-30 will push bullets much heavier than the typical 123 grain x39mm at almost the same speed as the x39mm, so I don't know that I would really call it equal, though their trajectories are pretty similar. .30-30 is without a doubt a more capable cartridge to use on medium or larger animals.

 

[Art Eatman]

Not many really offered useful advice, but it looks as though there have been some decent suggestions...