Lets talk 7.62x39

[elk hunter]

Happy Tuesday to all. I purchased an SKS a few months ago. Its old and beat up but I really like it, I like it so much that I'm thinking about getting another one. I'm already doing a little reloading for it too.

I know some of you guys have this cartridge in bolt action guns. Is it a good gun to use for deer and pigs ? I'm asking only for my son and grandson. I want to make sure and leave them with some good guns to hunt with. Should I just stick with the 308?

Apples, IIRC, you have one in bolt action.

Yes, it will work just fine for deer, pigs and black bears. I have shot several deer, pigs and about a 300 pound black bear with my 7.62X39 rifles and all were one shot kills except one, that buck took a second finishing shot. I hit him a little to far back through the liver but he was running and jumping over stuff. The black bear I broke his neck and it was done. I have used the SKS to hunt with but most of my hunting with that cartridge was with a first run Ruger 77 MKII from Davidsons, I sold it because people were offering stupid amounts for it. The .308 Win is a good cartridge, if you already have it use it. I have thought about getting another bolt gun they are a kick in the @ss to shoot.

[sd joe]

[Jimi Jah]

I've thought about getting a mini 30 for years but they're so darn expensive.

I could never figure out why. $900 bucks for a commie gun?

I use a AR 7.62x39 upper I put together for cheap. Deadly accurate to 400 yards.

[splithoof]

Brockman CZ-527, 7.62X39.
This project resulted from my experience at the 2016 Gunsite Scout Rifle Conference; it works extremely well within the limits of the caliber, and if one knows how to put the bullets in the right places, does a good job on hogs and deer within its range. I have during training and experimentation made hits on 10" steel round plates out to 400 yards, but would NEVER attempt that on any live game, as too many factors can and do come into play. Because I personally try to limit my hog/deer hunting shots to 200 yards, with the correct bullets it works very well.
As to the idea of the Ruger Mini-30, it is a very robust design that like the CZ-527 is reliable as well. Mine is set up with a Leupold Delta Point Pro red dot, its primary use different from that of the bolt rifle.

[plumbum]

I have thought the exact same thing - that would be a dandy.

[golfish]

I have a CZ-527 in "Scout" configuration, a very accurate rifle that is dandy for hunting. However, if I were looking to the future hunting needs of son and grandson, a .308 rifle offers considerable more power that can be used for longer shots than should be attempted with the Russian Short. You can always download the .308 for other game if needed, but you cannot "upload" the Russian Short. With the correct bullet, it will work well for hogs and deer, but you must know it's limits.

I'm a sucker for a nice wood stock, they're some beautiful guns.

I do need to get a good bolt gun in 308. I have the AR10 clone (too heavy to carry) its next on the list for reloading. I know plastic stocks are lighter but its got to be wood.

[splithoof]

I'm a sucker for a nice wood stock, they're some beautiful guns.

I do need to get a good bolt gun in 308. I have the AR10 clone (too heavy to carry) its next on the list for reloading. I know plastic stocks are lighter but its got to be wood.

Have you looked at Ruger's GSR line?....I have been very pleased with mine. While not a true "Scout" by a purist definition, they have a lot going towards utility and hunting. The latest style of five round detachable magazines are very good, and the rifles can be run hard, dirty, and take abuse. I think Ruger still offers it in stainless with a wood laminate stock (grey, green, or plain), or blue with all of the above. While not the cheapest .308 bolt rifle out there, and not as expensive as a semi or full custom build, or the Steyr for that matter, they work very well as hunting rifles.
If I ever end up meeting you guys out in the desert, I'll bring a few for you to try.

[splithoof]

If you reload, there is (at least one) lead-free option: Barnes TSX 123 grain. It has suited me well, and interestingly, the Kalifornia mandate led me to this bullet and the superior results it offers. For Americans not trapped behind the lines of this giant legislative dildo, other leaded types will work as well.

[ScottsBad]

.308 is a much better round and is a common American round. Most 7.62x39 is made over seas and therefore more susceptible to import restrictions or bans. Also, the .308 round shoots flatter and carries more energy.

.308 is better for all around hunting compared to 7.62x39 which loses its velocity more quickly and has a shorter usable range. JMHO

[golfish]

Splithoof, I think I would go magless with the 308 bolt gun.

Something like the Ruger Hawkeye or maybe an older Rem 700. Maybe even something like the Ruger American rifle ( I prefer wood)

https://www.ruger.com/products/HawkeyeStandard/models.html

Some good advice from all, please keep it coming.

I know this is off topic a bit. I like the Henry Long Ranger, I just prefer no mag

[Catch]

Cfe blk might get you to 2500fps, more than enough to run an sks.
Haven't tried the barnes lead free yet, maybe next season.
I would also not recommend sending 308 bullets down a 310/311 barrel, you'll be wasting your time.

[DueceMcGurk]

Golf,
My friend has a Winchester 70 Sporter in 308. Simple beauty, and incredibly accurate. Recoil surprisingly manageable. Join us on one of the Burro shoots and I will have him bring it.

[smittty]

If for your son and grandson I’d say no. They’ll need to be into reloading or its going to get set aside or sold.

I would stick with the common readily available cartridge choices. For this reason I like 30-30, for peep sighted lever actions for hunting.

I would recommend a vintage marlin 336 and add Williams FP receiver sight and Skinner bear buster front sight. It makes for a very accurate rifle and the action is fun to operate. It doesn’t matter how beat up it is because everyone loves a lever action!

[Darto]

Off topic but Tuners has SKS for under $400 in stock in most locations.

[pennstater]

It's a glorified pistol round. Like what? 2000 fps?!?!

Perfect for maiming a person. Perfect for pissing off a pig. Perfect for wounding a deer.

You know nothing of what you speak[type].