Looking for feedback on using 7.62x39 rifles for deer and hog hunting under 200 yards. While researching ballistics, I came across this 7.62x39 rifle comparison that suggested some interesting load options, but I'm more interested in field results from hunters.

For those using AK-pattern rifles or bolt-actions like the Ruger American Ranch in this caliber – what bullet weight and type have you found most effective on medium game? The standard 123gr FMJ seems marginal, but are there expanding or soft point loads that consistently deliver clean kills?

Also curious about practical accuracy – with quality ammo, can these platforms reliably hit vitals at 150+ yards? I've heard mixed reports about the Ruger's precision with steel case versus handloads.

Any first-hand experiences comparing terminal performance to traditional .30-30 or .300 BLK would be especially helpful.

I can only speak on behalf of accuracy using an original Colt AR-15 7.62x39 and a very early Ruger Mini-30.

Using the old Hornady .311" spitzer (now .310"), the Mini-30 shot 12" patterns at 100 yards, scoped. The AR shot MOA with the exact same load.

Tony

I have used https://www.academy.com/p/winchester-hog-special-762-x-39mm-123-grain-centerfire-rifle-ammunition for my 7.62x39 in an AR platform. I have yet to find a hand load that it likes. All I have loaded haven't been near as good as these. for some reason it eats these factory rounds like candy.

my barrel was a 1/9 twist as well. I was getting 1" groups at 100 yards. if you are wanting to wack pigs inside of 75-80 yards, any load in a 7.62x39 will do the trick, I would think.

No personal experience with this calibre but I'll never forget the words of an older American woman who had been shot three times by a maniac with an AK. She was just glad he had not had something decent like a .30-30.

With a decent bullet placed in a decent spot it kills just fine.

It is what it is a 30 caliber 125gr bullet at around 2300 to 2400fps.

Having seen whitetails killed with it.

They have died.

A friend (PH) used one in Kamchaca, Russia to hunt big Brown Bears. Their guns were confiscated in one of the 'stans, 'jans or 'bans (I forget which one) enroute to the hunt. The only guns available were AK's. This was maybe 3 years ago. They both got big boars.

I have a Savage bolt action 7.62x39 with a .308 bore. I have used the 130 gr Hornady bullets as well as 150 gr to fill a few doe tags. All my shots were broadside lung shots . The 130 opens up and puts deer down pretty quick. If I was going to use it on hogs I would opt for the 150 gr bullet. Or another option would be the 130 gr Barnes TSX. They would hold together a penetrate. In a bolt action they will do pretty much anything a 30-30 will do and that is quite a lot in the hands of a good shooter.