5.56 for hunting in BC?

[Bimmon]

Hey Guys,

what do you think of using 7.62X39mm semi for Hunting in BC? Is it doable, maybe not optimal?

Deer size or smaller targets are usually shot at 100 yards or less here?

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[murph83]

I have hunted with 7.62x39 before, bang..flop. deer in the freezer. A good round to hunt with, keep the shots to about 50yrds max and in the wheel house.

 

[CranePete]

5.56/.223 would be dandy for varmints(no ball ammunition), 7.62x39 not optimal but I suppose if it’s all you had....there are MANY better options. Just my opinion

 

[Gatehouse]

Both will kill deer. In the same sort of class of cartridges, 6.5 Grendel is a good performer.

 

[Bimmon]

When would you use a 308? I guess only for big games like elks, black bears ?

 

[rjf1963]

Instead of using a caliber that should be fine you need to use a caliber that is fine IMHO

 

[Phat Eagle]

.223 or 7.62x39 with proper hunting bullets will easily take the small deer we have here. As you stated, most shots are sub-100m due to close bush. 7.62x39 is quite similar to the .30-30 in ballistics, and I suspect that over the years more deer have been taken with .30-30 than any other cartridge.

Make sure you're using ACTUAL 7.62x39 hunting ammo; not just the "soft points" you see sold in bulk... Proper hunting bullets will expand MUCH better and will ensure a humane kill. Federal makes a Fusion load that is quite effective.

If you're talking elk or moose you should consider a .30-06 or better. IMHO .30-06 is probably the best "all-round" in BC. You can use light loads for deer and heavy for elk.

 

[Bimmon]

Great information guys !

Sort of related question, is there a big handicap for using AR style typed rifle in terms of ergonomics, accuracy etc as a back up hunting rifle?

For example , the xcr- L can be configured in all of the above mentioned rounds.

 

[Phat Eagle]

No handicap other than Conservation and Police Officers constantly jacking you up as they think they're restricted... Hate to say it but other factor is who knows what the government is going to do to them.

 

[Gatehouse]

Great information guys !

Sort of related question, is there a big handicap for using AR style typed rifle in terms of ergonomics, accuracy etc as a back up hunting rifle?

For example , the xcr- L can be configured in all of the above mentioned rounds.

Sort of depends on how you configure it and how much it weighs. A 16" barrel AR15 with a Government profile or pencil barrel and a compact optic is a real pleasure to carry. Start adding a heavier barrel profile, a heavier handguard and a large buttstock and it starts to get a bit unwieldy. If you look at an M4 style AR15 with a scope, it's great. Of course you will need a non restricted length barrel, too, which adds another 2.5" of weight.

 

[trevj]

5.56/.223 would be dandy for varmints(no ball ammunition), 7.62x39 not optimal but I suppose if it’s all you had....there are MANY better options. Just my opinion

Meh. You don't get folks getting all hand-wringy over hunting with a 30-30.

I have taken several deer with a .223. Several more have been taken here on out family property. Longest run out after the shot has been three steps.

Don't shoot them in the arse with a Magnum Loudenboomer, and expect the horns to fall off as a result.

 

[Bare]

Use the proper bullet and you won’t have a problem. Dropped two blacktails this year with a 6.5 Grendel and one was a monster. Both deer didn’t know what hit em drt .

My brother took a whitetail at 315yards with a grendel and it was a instant death