Does anyone have data on shooting the 7.62x39 at deer.

[jonbearman]

I am using the sierra 125 grain pro hunters.The gun(custom model 110 ) and was wondering if it would be alright on deer 100yds max distance.It equals and is slightly hotter than a 30-30 in my gun shooting at 2275. Any response is really appreciated.

 

[MK 19]

No issue performance wise, you have more than enough power for any sized deer and you can also push the range further than the 100 yards you stated if needed. As with shooting any game animal, shot placement is much more important than the instrument that is being used.

 

[jonbearman]

I feel better now,I built it to be a soft recoiling rifle and it shoots under an inch at 200.

 

[Longshooter70]

My dad carried an old raggedy SKS as a truck rifle when tending to our cattle. Many a deer and quite a few coyotes fell to it over the years. He never lost a deer with it. All shots were within 125 yards. Sounds like you have a tack driver! I'd have no problem shooting a deer with it. Good luck, Sir!

John

 

[FryeGuy]

Jon, I used that exact bullet a few years ago on deer. It wasn't same cartridge but speed was probably almost the same. I had a 308, loaded to the lightest load listed in sierra book, and it only had an 18" long barrel. i think it chrono'd in the 2400fps range if I remember correctly. It did great. I shot several deer with it. I actually shot a doe about 50yds to see how the bullet would handle it, smack dab in the middle of upper shoulder. needless to say I was impressed. complete pass thru both shoulders & spine. it also took out a 3/4" white oak sapling after going thru the deer. I don't think 200fps will make that much difference. I would even think they would do well a bit farther than 100yds. my longest shot was about 120yds or so.

 

[jonbearman]

Thank you so much for all your response's.I was gonna take my ar-10 but cant find my ammo for it,all I could find was 168 grain hornady match loads.My 10 rounder has to have a window cut out for the armalite mag catch.They are actually shortened 10 rounders from the 20 rounder.What a let down.

 

[normmatzen]

About 15 yrs ago I bought a chinese SKS "paratrooper model."

I took it out to try vintage military sillouette with it before I bought a K-31 and found the darn thing could hit rams at 500yd! Of courser, it wouldn't knock them over though!

And, when I first got it it took a couple deer for me.

 

[mattri]

I've never used a 7.62x39 on deer but have used it on WY antelope, which are about the same size as whitetails here in IA. Shots were in the 80-125 range, never had one go more than 5 steps. Shold have never sold that gun.

 

[Glenn Powell]

Shot a mule deer spike with an SKS and factory hollow points, junk ammo if it were today, my standards have risen the past 15 years, but it worked great! BANG! and down he went, turned his insides to goo.

 

[jonbearman]

I am hijacking my own thread. Just out os curiosity has anyone killed a deer with a 303 savage.I have an old take down,a beater but it is tight.Would it work on deer as well.I like weird old calibers.Its a sickness.My 99 is so dicked up but it shoots real good and I recently traded for a load of new and used brass and want to give it a whirl.

 

[ReedG]

You are talking about a cartridge that was designed from the ground up to kill 150+ lb. men. Don't think it has any problem doing the same to a deer.

I had a friend growing up who shot multiple dozens of deer with a 99 Savage in .303. It's good as or better than a .30-30.

 

[Greyfox]

Jon,
It's really no big deal to take down a deer. It's all about shot placement. I've killed my last 25 deer with a 5.6x50 AI Encore carbine. BTW- that's very similar to a 222 Rem Mag, but a tiny bit longer. I've not even come close to losing one. My usual shot is in the neck and if fact, a couple of years ago, I wasn't paying attention and didn't notice that another doe was exactly parrallel to the one I was shooting at...about 80 yds. I killed them both with one shot to the neck of the first. There is a 140 class hanging over my head as I sit here in my office. he was taken with the same rifle and same location. Go ahead with the 303, you'll love it.

Rick

 

[Larryh128]

I put together a 7.62x39 on a Mini action for a light recoiling deer rifle for my grandson. I'm sure that the 123's will work fine but I settled on 110 gr flat base Barnes TTSX. They are .308 bullets but my .310 barrel doesn't care. Accuracy is under 1" @ 100 with H4198. He has only shot 1 with it so far but it had complete penetration, good expansion & it didn't go far. I'm running it right around 2500 fps. 125 Bt's work also but they don't expand as well.

 

[jonbearman]

I am using sierra 125 pro hunters that are flat base.

 

[Larryh128]

I would really recommend trying H4198. By far the best velocity & so far accuracy.

 

[jimsr]

Hi Jon. I've made 2 clean kills with my 99 sag 303. Used Hornady 140 grain mono-flex. Didn't need the flex tip but liked the bullet weight,shape& bullet construction. I feel the 99 is up to more pressure then the new books show & get 2650 fps Devistating results

 

[jonbearman]

Thank you all for the help.

 

[308sako]

I have shot deer to about 140 yards using Nosler 150 Ballistic tips in this .308 bored "7.62 x 39" velocity was 2250 ft/secs at the muzzle.


Great light rifle, have no fear with your choice.