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I see lots of posts online saying the 7.62x39 is not powerful enough for large game.

I would have to disagree, even the 125gr sp rounds performed well up to 100 yards in my experience.

The 150gr 7.62 rounds are sparsely available now, if at all. What are some cheap calibers to hunt deer with that aren't strictly bolt action? I can't afford $1 per round at the moment.

I see lots of posts online saying the 7.62x39 is not powerful enough for large game. I would have to disagree, even the 125gr sp rounds performed well up to 100 yards in my experience. The 150gr 7.62 rounds are sparsely available now, if at all. What are some cheap calibers to hunt deer with that aren't strictly bolt action? I can't afford $1 per round at the moment.

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[–] • 1 pt

Yeah for whitetail and mule deer 7.62x39 is fine.

Like NoisySilence said, check your local laws.

Make sure you're using soft point or other bullet type made for hunting.

Ruger Mini-30 would be a decent hunting rifle for medium range.

[–] • 1 pt

Excellent point. Brother went hunting with 5.56 one year and grabbed the wrong mag. He grabbed FMJ. Through and through. He didn't get his deer and the poor deer had a very bad day.

That said, the HP loads he used had no trouble dropping white tail and mule.

[–] • 2 pts

A wounded animal getting away is the worst feeling.

I wouldn't use 5.56 on deer, I guess you could in a pinch but very not ideal. It's great for picking off varmints and smaller animals like coyotes though.

[–] [deleted] • 0 pt

Mini 30 is a good option, but I think I'll stick with the 'ole warhorse sks. Battle proven and all. There are also AR's chambered in 7.62x39 as well, but that just seems weird haha.

[–] • 0 pt

Don't forget the Ruger Mini-30 is battle proven too. It's part of the Garand family with the M1 Garand, M1 Carbine and M1A (M14/M21) the later of which is STILL in service.

SKS is rad too though!

Yeah, and there are AK's chambered in .308 and 5.56 lol.

[–] [deleted] • 1 pt

>It's part of the Garand family with the M1 Garand, M1 Carbine and M1A (M14/M21)

Didn't know this, thanks for the info.