AK Clone for Deer Hunting

[Hazwaste]

The only centerfire rifle I own is a 7.62x39mm. I do not have money to purchase anything else this year, so getting something else is not an option.

I have the opportunity to go deer hunting with a friend on his lease next season. Accurary isn't my concern, but I am concerned about knock-down at distances of up to 100 yards.

My question is, am I being realistic in believing that a 7.62x39 hollow point will bring down a buck?

 

[meathammer]

I have a friend that used to hunt whitetails with the 7.62x39. Yes, it will bring down a deer. I believe ballistics are similar to .30-30. I would suggest using some of the hunting ammunition out there (soft points). Also check local hunting regulations for magazine capacity. My buddy purchased 5 rd. mags for hunting purposes.

 

[Keith]

Yeah, it will work just fine out to 150 yards or something like that with appropriate ammo.

Keith

 

[Art Eatman]

I'd strongly urge that you do a lot of practice from the offhand postition and from hasty rests, on tin-can sized targets at 75 and 100 yards.

Shot placement is always important, but the importance really increases as the power of one's cartridge lessens. So, the more skilled, the better.

, Art

 

[454c]

No problem.Just don't use the cheap stuff.Even the bulk ammo that says "made to hunting spec."Rem.,Win. and others make good ammo in 7.62x39.

 

[MeekandMild]

There is a problem with ammo. SK and AK communist block rifles often have a barrel diameter of .311 instead of .308 and foreign milspec ammo is often .311 instead of .308. US made 7.62x39 such as the Ruger Mini 30 is .308 as is US made hunting ammo. Foreign guns will shoot US ammo but often not to the same impact point as foreign milspec ammo.

The trouble is that foreign milspec or even their "hollow points" dont mushroom so you lose much of the stopping power. So you really need to use US hunting ammo. (Also many states ban nonexpanding ammo for deer.).

If I were you I'd take the rifle out to the range and sight it in well with the US-made softpoint ammo I'd be using to hunt. Sure you use up half the box sighting in, but you'll only need one shot to bring the deer down if you hit him in the neck.

 

[COHIBA]

7.62 russian is a good bit weaker than good 30-30. i only use marginal powered guns when i have highly accurate means of bullet placement. w/ your choice you have neither. i would choose another weapon.
i'm not basing this on appearances alone, but, you do no service to gun owners or hunters if you take a militaristic looking weapon hunting and wound deer.