Hunting with sks?
- Thread starter jabberjaw112
- Start date
No. 30-30 usually gives 1800-1900 foot pounds. x39 ~1500. So, in reality, the x39 is not as powerful as the not very powerful 30-30.
If you *must* hunt with x39, it can be made to work, but you better be extra careful about your shots.
unstableryan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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- Beautiful Okanagan Valley
But by that logic, 2 or 3 shots is 3000-4500 ft/lbs.. it's not like a '39 is going to do huge bloodshot meat damage.
The old board above the table at my grandpas cabin had lots of info from the 50-70's about how moose and 30-30's used to go.. "3 point bull, 70 yards, 7 shots"
The old board above the table at my grandpas cabin had lots of info from the 50-70's about how moose and 30-30's used to go.. "3 point bull, 70 yards, 7 shots"
The 30/30 would be quite a bit more effective on deer sized game, so i ask the same old question: Why hunt with something that is minimally effective, when there are hundreds of better options out there, this same thing goes for using the .223 on deer sized game. I think that we owe it to the game we hunt to use a tool that has the best chance of helping cause a clean, quick, kill.
Northman999
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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- Southern Yukon
I would hunt deer/black bear sized game without hesitation with the 7.62x39.
For crying out loud. Time to cut the crap!!
For those of you who keep saying that this is not a deer round, do your research and shut your mouths.
I consider the minimum terminal energy to take a deer to be 800ft/lbs.
The 7.62x39 with a 125gr bullet will do this out to 200yds and with a 150gr bullet will do this out to 300yds. When loaded into a quality rifle chambered for it, it will do this job repeatedly.
The .30-30 with a 150gr bullet can easily do it at 200 yds but not come close at 300, and, again, handily with a 170gr bullet at 200yds but no where close at 300. Let it go. Embrace the fact that this is a good round.
So, since I am mouthing off, let's compare apples to apples. From Bob Forker's Ammo and Ballistics Ed 3.
125gr bullet in 7.62x39mm
MV=2438fps, ME=1629 ft/lbs
100yds V=2069fps, E=1173 ft/lbs
200yds V=1756fps, E=845 ft/lbs
300yds V=1490fps, E=609ft/lbs
150gr bullet in 7.62x39mm
MV=2300fps, ME=1762 ft/lbs
100yds V=2052fps, E=1403 ft/lbs.
200yds V=1821fps, E=1105 ft/lbs
300yds V=1609fps, E=863ft/lbs
Now the .30-30, using the hottest load listed
125gr bullet
MV=2570fps, ME=1830 ft/lbs
100yds V=2090fps, E=1210 ft/lbs
200yds V=1660fps, E=770 ft/lbs
300yds V=1320fps, E=480ft/lbs
150gr bullet
MV=2480fps, ME=2049 ft/lbs
100yds V=2095, E=1462
200yds V=1747, E=1017
300yds V=1446, E=697
170gr bullet
MV=2200fps, ME=1830
100yds V=1900fps, E=1355ft/lbs
200yds V=1620fps, E=990
300yds V=1380fps, E=720
So we can see that with both loaded with a 125gr bullet, the .30-30 is only slightly faster out of the muzzle and has only 70ft/lbs more energy. Don't think the deer will feel the difference at 25 yds. At 100yds, the much more powerful .30-30 round is only 40fps faster and, what's this?? almost 200ft/lbs LESS energy. How can that be at only 100yds?? And at 200yds there is no comparison. The .30-30 isn't even in the same game being well under the established energy for a kill, while the 7.62x39mm is still above it.
Oh, but wait, no one uses the 125gr bullet in a .30-30, lets use the 150gr.
Okay, the .30-30 once again has the advantage in MV by almost 200fps, and ME by almost 300ft/lbs. Again I doubt that the deer will notice the difference at 25yds.
however, at 100yds thing change again...they are almost even with a bare 43fps and 59ft/lbs of energy going to the .30-30. Again, not sure that a deer will notice the difference.
Let's see what happens at 200 yds? The .30-30 is, can this be true?? SLOWER than the 7.62x39mm round by 74fps and is less powerful by 88ft/lbs. Again, in reality, I don't think the deer would notice the difference, but if the .30-30 is considered adequate for deer, and it is a proven deer getter, then anything more powerful should also be adequate.
I will admit, however, that this is getting to the upper end of the weight range for this round but the .30-30 still can't beat this performance even with a heavier 170gr bullet. The 7.62x39mm starts out faster but hits a little lighter at the muzzle however, 70 ft/lbs is not much harder. At 100yds the game is over. It is traveling faster and hitting harder all the way out to 300yds proving that this is an adequate deer round.
So, somebody, PLEASEtell me how this is an inadequate round for deer!!
For those of you who keep saying that this is not a deer round, do your research and shut your mouths.
I consider the minimum terminal energy to take a deer to be 800ft/lbs.
The 7.62x39 with a 125gr bullet will do this out to 200yds and with a 150gr bullet will do this out to 300yds. When loaded into a quality rifle chambered for it, it will do this job repeatedly.
The .30-30 with a 150gr bullet can easily do it at 200 yds but not come close at 300, and, again, handily with a 170gr bullet at 200yds but no where close at 300. Let it go. Embrace the fact that this is a good round.
So, since I am mouthing off, let's compare apples to apples. From Bob Forker's Ammo and Ballistics Ed 3.
125gr bullet in 7.62x39mm
MV=2438fps, ME=1629 ft/lbs
100yds V=2069fps, E=1173 ft/lbs
200yds V=1756fps, E=845 ft/lbs
300yds V=1490fps, E=609ft/lbs
150gr bullet in 7.62x39mm
MV=2300fps, ME=1762 ft/lbs
100yds V=2052fps, E=1403 ft/lbs.
200yds V=1821fps, E=1105 ft/lbs
300yds V=1609fps, E=863ft/lbs
Now the .30-30, using the hottest load listed
125gr bullet
MV=2570fps, ME=1830 ft/lbs
100yds V=2090fps, E=1210 ft/lbs
200yds V=1660fps, E=770 ft/lbs
300yds V=1320fps, E=480ft/lbs
150gr bullet
MV=2480fps, ME=2049 ft/lbs
100yds V=2095, E=1462
200yds V=1747, E=1017
300yds V=1446, E=697
170gr bullet
MV=2200fps, ME=1830
100yds V=1900fps, E=1355ft/lbs
200yds V=1620fps, E=990
300yds V=1380fps, E=720
So we can see that with both loaded with a 125gr bullet, the .30-30 is only slightly faster out of the muzzle and has only 70ft/lbs more energy. Don't think the deer will feel the difference at 25 yds. At 100yds, the much more powerful .30-30 round is only 40fps faster and, what's this?? almost 200ft/lbs LESS energy. How can that be at only 100yds?? And at 200yds there is no comparison. The .30-30 isn't even in the same game being well under the established energy for a kill, while the 7.62x39mm is still above it.
Oh, but wait, no one uses the 125gr bullet in a .30-30, lets use the 150gr.
Okay, the .30-30 once again has the advantage in MV by almost 200fps, and ME by almost 300ft/lbs. Again I doubt that the deer will notice the difference at 25yds.
however, at 100yds thing change again...they are almost even with a bare 43fps and 59ft/lbs of energy going to the .30-30. Again, not sure that a deer will notice the difference.
Let's see what happens at 200 yds? The .30-30 is, can this be true?? SLOWER than the 7.62x39mm round by 74fps and is less powerful by 88ft/lbs. Again, in reality, I don't think the deer would notice the difference, but if the .30-30 is considered adequate for deer, and it is a proven deer getter, then anything more powerful should also be adequate.
I will admit, however, that this is getting to the upper end of the weight range for this round but the .30-30 still can't beat this performance even with a heavier 170gr bullet. The 7.62x39mm starts out faster but hits a little lighter at the muzzle however, 70 ft/lbs is not much harder. At 100yds the game is over. It is traveling faster and hitting harder all the way out to 300yds proving that this is an adequate deer round.
So, somebody, PLEASEtell me how this is an inadequate round for deer!!
7.62x39 has served me and my friends since '85 for deer.
Plenty powerful enough unless you are an ass shooter.
Also we are using Ak's which have a shorter barrel than an sks, and it only takes good shot placement.
But then again I know a lot of people who think deer are as large as elephants and anything smaller than .300 mag would only bounce off.
Plenty powerful enough unless you are an ass shooter.
Also we are using Ak's which have a shorter barrel than an sks, and it only takes good shot placement.
But then again I know a lot of people who think deer are as large as elephants and anything smaller than .300 mag would only bounce off.
SKS works good out to 200 yards with iron sights, IMO. Maybe stretch it a little further with a scope. It's done a pretty good job for me when I've kept things under 200 yards.
Which makes sense when you accept that it's an intermediate round designed for 200-300 yard ranges( or so I've read)
Compares pretty close to a 30-30.
IMO
Which makes sense when you accept that it's an intermediate round designed for 200-300 yard ranges( or so I've read)
Compares pretty close to a 30-30.
IMO
I have [and love] my 6.5X55 SWEDE-it costs about the same as an SKS,but it gives me far more capability than my SKS,so why would I reach for my SKS when I'm going deer hunting?Its way more accurate,has way more range and has minimal recoil.Or if money is an issue you can buy a bubba'd old 303 for about $75-$100 at gunshows and pick up ammo at any wallyworld for about $18 a box.Any experianced hunter knows one careful shot is infinitely better than multiple shots.The old''one shot-one deer,two shots maybe one deer, three shots -no deer ''wasn't coined for no reason.
As for ''capability''-the .22LR* has accounted for many, many deer-one shot at 40 yards behind the eye and they drop in their tracks...
* illegal for hunting big game in most areas
As for ''capability''-the .22LR* has accounted for many, many deer-one shot at 40 yards behind the eye and they drop in their tracks...
* illegal for hunting big game in most areas
OP was asking if the SKS was okay for hunting. It is. Granted, many other round/rifle combos may have better accuracy than the SKS. However, the cartridge is easily good to the 150yd range in a 125gr and 250 in a 150gr. Especially if fired in something other than an SKS that has better accuracy. Like a Mini30, Ruger #1, Remington 799, or even the Norinco JW103. Any of those will easily extend the range of a 150gr to 300yds for accuracy.
Thanks for the replies
Gentlemen;
The responses recieved are really appreciated!.The sks is an extremely affordable alternative "family" shooter.I will be joining your community today with my kids and I picking up ours. With your input it has convinced us here of it's vesatility and viability.
Thanks again;
Chris
Gentlemen;
The responses recieved are really appreciated!.The sks is an extremely affordable alternative "family" shooter.I will be joining your community today with my kids and I picking up ours. With your input it has convinced us here of it's vesatility and viability.
Thanks again;
Chris
It's a nice fun-gun and a capable shooter in the right hands ... just remember to buy lots of ammo. Your going to want to use it for more than just hunting!
I use SKS for early whitetail doe season, but not for big bucks where I need the longer shots and more energy.
One comparison not made against 30.30 is that the 30.30 is a bull nose and 7.62x39 is a soft point boat tail that has a better flight. If you make the comparison then compare the same weight of bullets. Both at 125gr, the x39 is better. Most people use 170 gr in their 30.30s but only 125 gr in their x39. A 170gr 30.30 is better than a x39 in 125 gr. in energy alone. Having this said, both calibers are on the short end of the stick as far as range and energy.
I use both x39 and 30.30, and they work well on medium size deer with iron sights up to 150 yards. When I'm moose or trophy hunting for big bucks, I want all the advantages of range and energy in the larger calibers to ensure my animal drops on the spot for a clean kill.
One comparison not made against 30.30 is that the 30.30 is a bull nose and 7.62x39 is a soft point boat tail that has a better flight. If you make the comparison then compare the same weight of bullets. Both at 125gr, the x39 is better. Most people use 170 gr in their 30.30s but only 125 gr in their x39. A 170gr 30.30 is better than a x39 in 125 gr. in energy alone. Having this said, both calibers are on the short end of the stick as far as range and energy.
I use both x39 and 30.30, and they work well on medium size deer with iron sights up to 150 yards. When I'm moose or trophy hunting for big bucks, I want all the advantages of range and energy in the larger calibers to ensure my animal drops on the spot for a clean kill.
