Russian SKS for hunting

The SKS is heavy, clunky and underpowered. Having said this, I think , with the right ammunition, it would be suitable for deer under 100 yds. A reason for using one would be if your family was hungry and you had nothing else. No full metal jacket ammunition is suitable for use on big game.
 
LawrenceN said:
I may be out to lunch here, but I've always found moose easier to kill than deer. Deer are so charged up on adrenalin, that they high tail it when hit, whereas moose generally dont do that. I have shot a few smallish black bears with the X39, and they did not go far.
I don't know about the OP's area, but hunting with steel core milsurp ammo is a big no-no here in Ontario. I used to bring a few rounds of FMJ ammo with me when I hunted with my .303 or .308, not as a primary hunting round but for a coup de grace shot to the head if needed or for signalling in the bush. To Papaclaude, I've only once had an opportunity to go moose hunting (unsuccessfully) so I can't speak to how easily or not moose go down when well hit. I have taken a lot of deer, and I'd debate with you regarding the deer reaction to being shot. Personally, I've only twice needed a second shot to dispatch my game. I stand hunt only, so we're not pushing and we basically ambush the deer when they're ambling along. As a result, we have the opportunity to take the time to pick our shot and since we're all pretty picky about accuracy, place the bullet where it belongs, mostly heart/lung shots. In my experience, they'll jump a bit and maybe do a few bounds, but stop, and then wander off to lie down. Only once over all my years have I had to track a wounded deer as a result of a bad shot. I never take head shots! I've seen too many animals with part of their jaw blown off or part of the skull missing and left to die in pain.
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The difference I have seen between deer and moose - deer will jump when hit, and try to run away. If well hit, they won't make it far, but I did, for example, have an 8-pointer go about 100 yards with the heart completely gone. With moose, other than the one I mentioned above, I can't remember ever having to chase one. I have, on several cases, seen them just continue walking, take a step or 2, and lie down. But again, this is just my personal experience, and not a scientific conclusion. Another thing I noticed over the years - deer are always extremely alert, ready to bounce, like a wound-up spring. Moose are more like Pa Kettle (for those old enough to remember) on Valium. Again, is my observations, and there are exceptions.
 
My son has an SKS and wants to use as his 1st deer gun.
The main reason is the lower recoil from semi. (he weighs just over 100 lbs)

He has done a fair amount of pinking and enjoys the rifle

distance where we hunt is always well under 100 yd. usually from tree stands on power lines.

I have bought a box of nice hunting ammo

open to recommendations, and budget is limited....
 
there are very few deer in my area.....if you do manage to find one they are very small.....got moose, buffalo, caribou and more bear than bugs......its funny how guys say you can't use surplus....dead is dead be it arrow ,rock, bullet or pick up truck.....its meat in the freezer. How did taking big game get so complicated the hardest part is getting off your ass heading to the bush stead the store.
the next guy makes a comment in regards to stupidity can well you know. thanks to the ones that offer expertise and experience im taking it all in.

Papaclaude said:
The difference I have seen between deer and moose - deer will jump when hit, and try to run away. If well hit, they won't make it far, but I did, for example, have an 8-pointer go about 100 yards with the heart completely gone. With moose, other than the one I mentioned above, I can't remember ever having to chase one. I have, on several cases, seen them just continue walking, take a step or 2, and lie down. But again, this is just my personal experience, and not a scientific conclusion. Another thing I noticed over the years - deer are always extremely alert, ready to bounce, like a wound-up spring. Moose are more like Pa Kettle (for those old enough to remember) on Valium. Again, is my observations, and there are exceptions.
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LawrenceN said:
I may be out to lunch here, but I've always found moose easier to kill than deer. Deer are so charged up on adrenalin, that they high tail it when hit, whereas moose generally dont do that. I have shot a few smallish black bears with the X39, and they did not go far.
I don't know about the OP's area, but hunting with steel core milsurp ammo is a big no-no here in Ontario. I used to bring a few rounds of FMJ ammo with me when I hunted with my .303 or .308, not as a primary hunting round but for a coup de grace shot to the head if needed or for signalling in the bush. To Papaclaude, I've only once had an opportunity to go moose hunting (unsuccessfully) so I can't speak to how easily or not moose go down when well hit. I have taken a lot of deer, and I'd debate with you regarding the deer reaction to being shot. Personally, I've only twice needed a second shot to dispatch my game. I stand hunt only, so we're not pushing and we basically ambush the deer when they're ambling along. As a result, we have the opportunity to take the time to pick our shot and since we're all pretty picky about accuracy, place the bullet where it belongs, mostly heart/lung shots. In my experience, they'll jump a bit and maybe do a few bounds, but stop, and then wander off to lie down. Only once over all my years have I had to track a wounded deer as a result of a bad shot. I never take head shots! I've seen too many animals with part of their jaw blown off or part of the skull missing and left to die in pain.
Click to expand...

The difference I have seen between deer and moose - deer will jump when hit, and try to run away. If well hit, they won't make it far, but I did, for example, have an 8-pointer go about 100 yards with the heart completely gone. With moose, other than the one I mentioned above, I can't remember ever having to chase one. I have, on several cases, seen them just continue walking, take a step or 2, and lie down. But again, this is just my personal experience, and not a scientific conclusion. Another thing I noticed over the years - deer are always extremely alert, ready to bounce, like a wound-up spring. Moose are more like Pa Kettle (for those old enough to remember) on Valium. Again, is my observations, and there are exceptions.
 
Kingjenky said:
there are very few deer in my area.....if you do manage to find one they are very small.....got moose, buffalo, caribou and more bear than bugs......its funny how guys say you can't use surplus....dead is dead be it arrow ,rock, bullet or pick up truck.....its meat in the freezer. How did taking big game get so complicated the hardest part is getting off your ass heading to the bush stead the store.
the next guy makes a comment in regards to stupidity can well you know. thanks to the ones that offer expertise and experience im taking it all in.
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I have been told, time and time again, that FMJ is illegal in Ontario. I never bothered checking into it, because I don't use it, but personally, even if it were allowed, I wouldn't do it.
 
Kingjenky said:
Are you saying a x39 round to the skull area most likely not put the beast down....would it live if you’ve blown it’s eyes out or the top it’s skull or blow though it’s ears or neck/jaw area? I don’t intend to take a risky shot from 200 or more....I’m just curious as to what’s possible based on your guys experience.
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Wow.

Let's just say that the term "head-shot" should more properly be considered a "brain-shot"...not a "round to the skull area". There is a huge difference.

What you are describing is not stupid...it's much worse than that.

And any head shot is a risky shot.
 
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Kingjenky said:
I was smacking a 6” plate at 200 yards this weekend so I think 250 head shot on a moose could be done ....with surplus steel core it should knock the brains out a big game.....thoughts?
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I wouldn't even attempt to make this sh$t up as I lack the imagination for it.
As I stated in my last post this thread delivers the lulz, I'm sitting at home out of work and stressed and I appreciate a thread like this it brightens up my day.
 
Sun_and_Steel_77 said:
I wouldn't even attempt to make this sh$t up.
As I stated in my last post this thread delivers the lulz, I'm sitting at home out of work and stressed and I appreciate a thread like this it brightens up my day.
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Lol, no need to make it up...it's always readily available somewhere on CGN, and for free!
 
Kingjenky said:
there are very few deer in my area.....if you do manage to find one they are very small.....got moose, buffalo, caribou and more bear than bugs......its funny how guys say you can't use surplus....dead is dead be it arrow ,rock, bullet or pick up truck.....its meat in the freezer. How did taking big game get so complicated the hardest part is getting off your ass heading to the bush stead the store.
the next guy makes a comment in regards to stupidity can well you know. thanks to the ones that offer expertise and experience im taking it all in.
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For a guy who’s never shot anything you sure know it all.
 
You're welcome.

The less expensive one, a Stiga, is a very reliable rifle. I had one for a while, and it was quite satisfactory using factory ammo. Friend of mine has it now, drilled and tapped for scope, and is refinishing the stock which was quite beat up.

Ted
 
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Kingjenky said:
I haven’t taken any game in my life yet......when I do it’ll be with 762x39 or 458socom. I’m just asking for some suggestions on what’s possible with x39.
I know steel core would not fragment and likely not have an issue going through skull with 200y but blow clean through the heart/lungs leaving a small hole and the animal to run longer farther before going down. I have some hornady sst which are I think would mushroom causing larger cavities and not pass through dropping it sooner.
I’m not opposed to other calibers just don’t think a higher power is worth it as I’m in deep Bush and rarely see game past 200. The way things are these days I won’t be purchasing more guns and would like to figure out the limits of what I can do with what I have cause I won’t be buying beef from the store once I emptied my freezer.
Thanks for the advice
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The ethical hunter would say not take the shot.....I’m thinking a head shot with any caliber should drop any big game depending on distance .....buuuut the x39s knock down range is probably maxed at 300 but I’m unsure that’s why I’m asking your expert opinions.
I was smacking a 6” plate at 200 yards this weekend so I think 250 head shot on a moose could be done ....with surplus steel core it should knock the brains out a big game.....thoughts?
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My thoughts are it might help for you to read some of your posts out loud to yourself before you post them.
 
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