Thread: Max ethical range on a 7.62x39 bolt-action for deer

Assuming decent hunting projectiles & accuracy easily as far or further than a 223

Originally Posted by Kiwi Greg

Assuming decent hunting projectiles & accuracy easily as far or further than a 223

So, 150gn Sierra at 2200fps: +4" at 100yds to get a 200yd zero, 15" drop from 200yd to 300yd. Velocity at 200yds 1750fps. Velocity at 300yds 1550. (On a good day)

Rather have a .223 pushing a 50gn Gameking or TTSX.

Originally Posted by 257weatherby

So, 150gn Sierra at 2200fps: +4" at 100yds to get a 200yd zero, 15" drop from 200yd to 300yd. Velocity at 200yds 1750fps. Velocity at 300yds 1550. (On a good day)

Rather have a .223 pushing a 50gn Gameking or TTSX.

I'm not getting into a pissing comp with this, the 7.62 cal generally uses 123 - not 150 & the frontal area/energy makes the 223 with normal weight projectiles look pathetic.

Not many people will use a 223 or 7.62 x 39 effectively at 300, its not its purpose, more like inside 200, way inside..

The 123 in 7.62 x 39 has more energy, frontal area & SD than the 55 in a 223

You need to compare them side by side, in the field, theory, ballistic charts are one thing real life is another

Don't take my word for it ask anyone who has recently-ish hunted two legs as well as four.

Originally Posted by Kiwi Greg

I'm not getting into a pissing comp with this, the 7.62 cal generally uses 123 - not 150 & the frontal area/energy makes the 223 with normal weight projectiles look pathetic.

Not many people will use a 223 or 7.62 x 39 effectively at 300, its not its purpose, more like inside 200, way inside..

The 123 in 7.62 x 39 has more energy, frontal area & SD than the 55 in a 223

You need to compare them side by side, in the field, theory, ballistic charts are one thing real life is another

Don't take my word for it ask anyone who has recently-ish hunted two legs as well as four.

+1

I have shot goats and deer with both the 223 and the 7.62x39 out to 200m in recent times, and I would take the 7.62x39 any day over the 223. I just wish my AR-7.62 had enough hammer strike to detonate the Hornady factory 123 SST steel cased ammo. Would be interesting to see how the SST's perform.
I guess I'll just have to make do with the 3,000 rounds of Highland 123 PSP's I have in the shed.

Originally Posted by hotbarrels

+1

I have shot goats and deer with both the 223 and the 7.62x39 out to 200m in recent times, and I would take the 7.62x39 any day over the 223. I just wish my AR-7.62 had enough hammer strike to detonate the Hornady factory 123 SST steel cased ammo. Would be interesting to see how the SST's perform.
I guess I'll just have to make do with the 3,000 rounds of Highland 123 PSP's I have in the shed.

How does the 7.62 x 39 go in the AR platform?
The mini 30's good for the first few shots but not so good when hot.
Ideally needs a lighter trigger as well.

Sent from my SM-G388F using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by Steve123

How does the 7.62 x 39 go in the AR platform?
The mini 30's good for the first few shots but not so good when hot.
Ideally needs a lighter trigger as well.

Sent from my SM-G388F using Tapatalk

I've got an NEA barrel and bolt in a AERO upper and its great. 100% reliable to date with the 20 round mags I imported specially for it. Sighted it in at 75m as I only have a 1-4 scope on it and haven't actually tried it for groups since breaking in the barrel. Its killed everything I've pointed it at and never lost an animal. Highly recommended in my book.

Originally Posted by Kiwi Greg

Assuming decent hunting projectiles & accuracy easily as far or further than a 223

Greg just a quick question -ive done a little research and have found published ballistics seem to be very similar to a.303.as i own both a 7.62x39 and the grandaddy .303 whats your thoughts on this. regarding range -well if i cant get within 100m or it looks dubious then its not on!

Originally Posted by kotuku

Greg just a quick question -ive done a little research and have found published ballistics seem to be very similar to a.303.as i own both a 7.62x39 and the grandaddy .303 whats your thoughts on this. regarding range -well if i cant get within 100m or it looks dubious then its not on!

There is little difference between the 303 & 308 if you use decent projectiles, brass, powders, action & barrel.

Most of the published data is for old rifles, like the 6.5 x 55 etc

Its a shame in a way that there aren't modern rifles made for the 303, that's what lets it down.

Originally Posted by Kiwi Greg

There is little difference between the 303 & 308 if you use decent projectiles, brass, powders, action & barrel.

Most of the published data is for old rifles, like the 6.5 x 55 etc

Its a shame in a way that there aren't modern rifles made for the 303, that's what lets it down.

or modern projectiles. That's the main reason I traded from .303 to 7mm.
Ahem ! the 7.62x39 actually uses .312 projectiles doesn't it.
I used 125gr "303" projectiles and my max effective range was 200m with the Brit.

When you look at those ballistics tables, take into account that most projectiles aren't designed to expand under 1800 fps.

I'd test it out on goats gradually increasing the range till you start to get good shots going through with an exit wound less than an inch diameter (2-3 cm ). Then back off by 50m. Practice and experience is the thing. You don't want too much bad experience of course but if you have to track more than 30m after the shot practical lethality is marginal.
There, numbers pulled out of the air !