SKS for deer

[xdmer]

I've seen Hornady, Privi and MFS softpoints... I've though about using mine for hunting, I have the option of making some hand loads, but really, I would just buy Hornady. Might try it this fall.

 

[Curly1]

Strangely I can't see any limitation in the RELM book other than caliber. Seems like there was a 1.75" limitation years back IIRC.
Which would effectively remove the 44 Magnum from the table, good thing we got that weak-a**ed round sidelined
But I digress.
Bear made a 154 grain hunting round, still got some kicking around I believe. Certainly hope I was not 'coloring outside the lines' when I used my SKS to take 4-5 deer.
Pretty short range action required though. Most folks that I've hunted with would push the boundary of their cartridges effective range upon spotting a decent deer at 200 or 250 yds. If you can't turn down the shot; then acquire a more powerful rifle.
My thoughts anyhow...

Last time I hunted in Alberta was 1995, so the regs may have changed since then. I just thouht it was kinda silly to limit a round based on length of the case, as you say it effectively stopped the 44 mag as well as the 7.62x39.

 

[thepolinator]

Make sure you test her out with soft points first. My sks would cut chunks out of the lead in the rounds, which translated to terrible accuracy.

 

[bearkilr]

These are really good rounds as well but they are loaded hotter. Sighting in needs to be done if you change to these.

You should be doing that every time you switch ammo manufacturers and/or bullet weights and types, regardless of caliber.

 

[adriel]

Alberta just has the 23 caliber, centerfire limit now, no case length mentioned.

+1 on the Hornady SST ammo for hunting. Inexpensive 50 round boxes give you enough to get sighted in and go hunting for years.

 

[FreedomIsn'tFree]

Hornady SST all the way. Wolverine had them awhile back I picked up 200 rounds and no problem dropping a deer at 150 yards with an SKS.

 

[Tenguns]

Alberta hunting regs were limited to cases 40mm or greater so the 7.62x39 was not allowed, but, I think you are good to go everywhere else.

Not true anymore. Based on calibre, not case length now. Lots of us hunt with SKSs and 858s with great success.

 

[dgradinaru]

My god..... every year..... Why when so many cheap options fo rgood hunting rifles are available these days?......

I have a few good hunting rifles in larger calibers like 8x57 and 9.3x62, but sometimes I like to take a challenge while hunting, and try out a battle rifle with irons. I would only use an SKS in the early season of deer hunting in September/ and beginning of October, but past that I would rather use something bigger as there could be a good chance you can stumble across a moose. Using the irons is a challenge and after a successful hunt you feel good about your self achieving something that needs skill and is more difficult. Theres nothing wrong with using an SKS if thats all someone owns.

 

[jay007]

I have several other good hunting rifles but there is something drawing me towards wanting to get a deer with my sks.
I have bought some mfs and federal fusion rounds that I plan on trying out on paper before going after deer but I will be packing it with me in the bush this year at some point.

 

[Gatehouse]

Guy on another thread shot a nice moose with the 7.62x39. One shot kill.

 

[Boomer]

Be sure to zero your rifle with the ammo you'll hunt with. The SKS is small and handy, and should make a decent woods rifle, although I wouldn't wish that trigger on anyone who cares about marksmanship. Now a CZ-527 chambered in 7.62X39, that's a small .30 caliber rifle I could get excited about. Further to Gate's comment, a local fellow here made a one shot kill a moose with his Ruger 77 in 7.62X39 as well. At the time it really shook up what I thought I knew about terminal bullet performance in big animals.

 

[LawrenceN]

I nailed a nice little 4 pt. buck last year with my sks, one shot kill. I have no problem using it within 100 yd. though I know some folks have done longer range kills with it. Most of the area I hunt has 40-60 yd. sight lines so it's lovely for that kind of hunting and it's coming out with me again this year.

 

[tokguy]

I found mine to be heavy and awkward truth be told. Not that this makes it unsuitable to fill your freezer of course.
Sure no thirty-thirty Winchester that is for sure.

 

[636andy636]

OP, if you cannot find any x39 sst in time for fall let me know. I have a box of 20(zmax labeled gut green tipped sst) I'd be willing to part with. Located in Saskatoon...

 

[Codygp]

This will be my first deer hunt and I plan on using my sks as well. Please keep the ammo suggestions coming. My stand has field of view out to 90 m and I'm confident in my grouping with the soft points I have out to 100. Be sure to post your results of your hunt! Good luck.

 

[M12shooter]

...life is too short to hunt with an ugly gun

 

[rosh7674]

Are you saying it is illegal to hunt with 7.62x39 Soft Point in Alberta? Because I was thinking about using my sks to hunt deer again this year.

Alberta hunting regs were limited to cases 40mm or greater so the 7.62x39 was not allowed, but, I think you are good to go everywhere else.

 

[Superbrad]

I have a few good hunting rifles in larger calibers like 8x57 and 9.3x62, but sometimes I like to take a challenge while hunting, and try out a battle rifle with irons. I would only use an SKS in the early season of deer hunting in September/ and beginning of October, but past that I would rather use something bigger as there could be a good chance you can stumble across a moose. Using the irons is a challenge and after a successful hunt you feel good about your self achieving something that needs skill and is more difficult. Theres nothing wrong with using an SKS if thats all someone owns.

And how will you feel if you fail your challenge?.... And what are the consequences to your prey?

 

[dgradinaru]

And how will you feel if you fail your challenge?.... And what are the consequences to your prey?

Normally I'm pretty confident within 100 yards with irons and practice makes perfect. Practice makes perfect.

 

[doublelung]

And how will you feel if you fail your challenge?.... And what are the consequences to your prey?

Should everyone hunting in a bow only zone only use a crossbow due to the fact that a compound bow is more challenging, requires skill and is more difficult?