SKS for deer

[Big Antlers]

Anyone had any experience on an SKS for deer in (1) woods and (2) in the open for 100 yards or more? Would appreciate the benefit of your thoughts as am thinking about trying one next year

[quackrstackr]

I had a buddy that hunted with one for a couple of years... I was not impressed with it's terminal performance. Do the deer a favor if you insist on using one and find a round with a quality bullet. I personally wouldn't hunt with anything smaller than a .243 and then only with a quality projectile.

As far as the gun is concerned, a lot depends on whether it is one of the cheap mass produced Chinese guns or one of the more expensive machined Russian guns. You get what you pay for in these normally.

Straight powder.......

[AlaskaMauserFan]

A friend of mine up here used an SKS on two hunts, both before I knew him. He still talks about it: it was marginal on the deer, but he managed to hit it twice in rapid succession, luckily he didn't have to track it. He figured it was on account of the FMJ military stuff he was using, so his next hunt was with reloads.
Don't know what he was thinking, but he tried it on moose, and he wound up blipping off half a clip over the course of several hours of tracking. Far from a humane kill. After that, he sold it as fast as he could, and went to a 270 Weatherby.
I wouldn't want to use one unless it was a survival thing, personally. A 243 or 257 Roberts is probably a far better choice-and if semi-autos are your thing, there's lots of good choices, the 308 Winchester is a superb round, and the recoil is not excessive, especially with a semi-auto.
Be leary of some of the sloppily made Chinese models, I've heard horror stories of the things going full-auto, safeties not working, etc., etc.

[mossyhorns]

Can't imagine why anyone would want to.

[moosehead rollins]

I Love it...I have shot 4 with mine and a buddy used it and got a doe. All of the kills put the deer to the ground. I have killed 2 bucks and 2 does. All were heart shots. Put them to the ground instantly...no tracking,no running. I use Winchester ammo only in mine. I would limit it to 100 yards though. The last buck I shot was at 120yds...that was pushing it. As far as cheap, Mine is a chin. made. I can verify a 3in five shot group @ 115yds, open sights, bench rest using Winchester ammo. I know guys with Rem's Win's etc. that cant hold a group like that w/a scope. Its a great gun. IMO

[moosehead rollins]

FMJ's no matter what the caliber, will not work as well as a soft pt on deer. Its not the gun, its the ammo. You are right about the full auto thing. Mine did it at the range once...It was the coolest thing...I spent the rest of the day trying to get it to do it again to no avail.

[ksp965]

I bought a SKS when the Government was outlawing the 20 shot clip, just to have one. Actually, it has been a fun gun to have and to shoot. I wouldn't use it for serious work, but it has been reliable, fun and cheap to buy and shoot.

[Larry Carter]

I always get a kick out SKS discussions. Often they bounce between "greatest thing going" to" sorry shit" . Ballistically it is a 30/30 with a better shaped bullet. If the 30/30 is cool to 150 yards why isn't the 7.62x39?

[Multidigits]

Mooseheads right, nothing wrong with a cheap gun, just don't use any full metal jacket ammo. 7.62 is .30 caliber, so that's plenty big enough. Use a good sofy point or billistic tip bullet and it'll work just fine. You will be limited to a 10 shot clip.

[schuyler olt]

FMJs are illegal to use hunting in Kentucky![:0]

[Basswipe]

It's all about the ammo, not the gun. If you use cheap FMJ ammo, you're not going to get a good kill. There is a lot of quality hunting ammo available in 7.62X39.

Ballistically the SKS is very comparable with a 30.30. I have owned an SKS for years and have killed several deer with it. I have never had to take more than one shot to kill the deer. I know the gun, and I know it's limitations. If I'm hunting in the thick stuff where a long range shot is out of the question, I take the SKS. It's tough, reliable and ugly. The tough and reliable are self explanatory, the ugly is nice because I don't have to worry about scratches in the stock or on the blueing.

I would highly recommend the SKS for those reasons. Just remember to get quality ammo, and know the limitations of the gun.

[adam20_66]

i have a russian sks and i like it alot. I have only shot at 2 deers with it and the farthest they went was 10yds with one shot. The farthest shot was about 60yds.

[AlaskaMauserFan]

Good discussion, I'm enjoying this one. Results in the field seem to be saying that as long as you're keeping the range around 100 yards or so, and use decent bullets, it's okay for deer. (As for using a "ugly" rifle in the field, pretty is as pretty does. My Mauser's stock has lots of little dents and nicks, etc., got it that way. I just rub some oil on it, have no desire to replace it, gives the rifle "character", after all, it's not a wall hanging, it's my "moose gun").
BTW, any of you folks ever make it up here to Alaska for a hunt, I'm not a registered guide, (you'll have to have one, to be legal), and work/family schedules are what they are,no I'm not trying to put together a hunt. (Not to be rude, I like to hunt solo, though most people think it's goofy/irresponsible), still and all, I'm in Anchorage, maybe a cup of coffee would be the thing? Just to say "hey" in person, etc., etc.
Curious: anyone ever try FlatPoints in a 7.62x39? Do they feed reliably? FP's, nice "slap" to them, just wondering.

[massive horns]

Well Big Antlers since you're getting on up there in age the recoil would suit you. However, I have seen you shoot at snakes with that gun. i hope your aim is better than that on a deer size target. As long as you have a bullet other than a FMJ you will do fine. Find a larger weight grain bullet if you can.

[Big Antlers]

So good to hear from my favorite ???? relative, Massive Horns, who does not own an SKS and never has.

[moosehead rollins]

I have to warn you fellas...the bullet size has to be .311 if your going to load your own. The .308 bullets will shoot like $hit because they are too small. You are extremely limited on bullet selection.

[AlaskaMauserFan]

LOL, that friend of mine that used an SKS on deer, then moose, before I knew him, I'm wondering if he knew to use .311" bullets instead of .308"...I do know that he got out of reloading, not exactly the kind of personality for it. Details, Details, not his thing. (So much for wondering if a flat-point has been tried, too. I didn't know that about the 7.62x39, myself, but then I've never owned one, let alone reloaded for it)

[goldenboy]

sks is interesting.I would not hunt with one but I have had buddies who have. They have all had problems with the bolt not closing when the load up into the chamber. I feel a reliable lever-action. Or a good bolt action rifle.

[Larry Carter]

Quick check of Barnes book doesn't give a .311 bullet diameter. For 303 British or 7.7 Arisaka but .308 for the russian round.
Goldenboy if the bolt didn't close the rifle must be super dirty. SKS is one of my least favorite rifles but they are fairly reliable till people tinker with them.

[moosehead rollins]

I use the "Any shot you want" book.

[mossybottoms]

it is illegal to use fmj----

[squirrelsniper]

I have used several SKS rifles for plinking, and my father used one for deer hunting a few years ago just to see how it would work. Of course it worked fine, just like he and I both knew it would. Like some of the others have already said, from a ballistics standpoint, the 7.62x39 with a 123gr bullet is extremely similar to a 30-30 with a 150 bullet. Being so, the 7.62x39's performance on game is similar to that of the 30-30.

Now, the main reason I haven't personally taken an SKS hunting is because I'm not hapy with the accuracy they produce. I've never been able to get better than 2" groups at 100yds even with good ammo, and most are in the 3-4" group range. While that is good enough for close range whitetail, I just don't have confidence in it.

As for bullets, in my opinion, the quality pointed soft points from respected manufacturers are the only ones to even consider. Many people use the cheap hollowpoints that are available, but from what I've seen, they perform similar to a FMJ unless you hit something extremely tough.

And finally, as many others have already said, FMJs are illegal for deer hunting in KY. On top of being illegal, using FMJs for deer sized game is just asking to lose an animal. So, unless you want to get caught for using illegal ammo or get to tell all your buddies that you hit one and lost it, then don't use FMJs.

[snareman]

Big Antlers,

As you can tell by now everyone has an opinion on the SKS as a deer hunting rifle. Plain and simple, it's cheap to shoot and lots of fun at the range. But, if you are wanting to hunt deer in a serious way you would never take an SKS to the woods, Chinese or Russian that is unless you can't afford anything else in that case I'll loan you a gun. I own an SKS so I'm not an SKS hater.[:)]

[moosehead rollins]

Why would you say hunting w/an SKS is not serious hunting? What do you think of the Ruger mini 30? I had one...It didnt shoot as well as my SKS. I remember shooting a doe at 20 yards in the mid to high behind the shoulder...I could see the light through the golf ball size hole before she hit the ground. My 11 year old loves it too. Its just light and small enough for him to be comfortable. SKS is a hell of a gun.

[snareman]

Hey Moose,

You ask what do I think of the Mini 30? It's a fun gun just like the SKS, AK47, Mini 14 and so on. None of these guns were designed to hunt deer, they were built to throw lead down range. I've got an SKS and a mini 14 and neither will hit the broad side of a barn past 150 yards. I'm not debating whether or not an SKS will make a golf ball size hole that the sun can shine through, an anti-aircraft gun will do that but it isn't an ideal deer gun. In my opinion a serious deer gun is bolt action( proven to be more accurate), is not semi auto(avoids jams),is designed for scope mounts(doesn't have to be tapped)and has effective range past 150 yards. You're right, the SKS is a helluva gun..........at the range, playing around.

To Each His Own![:)]

[moosehead rollins]

So you dont like the 30-30 either? Same thing. I see your point. This would fall under knowing your weapon...I know my SKS. My buddies and I used to shoot at this 5in dia. metal pole @ 210 yards. I could hit it 9 out of 10 times just leaning against a rail. Its really cool...You would know you hit it by the "ting". "Boom.......Ting". I used my buddies gun and couldnt hit it. Knowing my weapon makes it a fine choice. I have shot thousands of rounds and never had a jam or miss-fire. If I want to shoot a deer at 150 plus yards (rare), Ill break out the .338 win mag w/ 175gr ball. tip.

[aceoky]

Well now for my $.02 worth(if it is).......


<hr noshade size="1">
I'd rather be lucky than good any day!!

Reloaders Haul Brass!

[aceoky]

Well now for my $.02 worth(if it is).......

Most deer are killed at under 100 yards(fact)...so with the proper bullet selection and knowing your rifle(no matter what you shoot this is important less so with some rounds for certain, but still important never the less) I (for one) see NO reason for not using one ......if you like it and own it .......it IS legal to use in KY, ( no fmj however) [:)] sometimes we "like" this rifle or that rifle, but how many deer have fallen to a .22 rimfire?( illegal BTW)...

Deer are NOT that hard to kill,IF hit in the "boiler room"(or brain as in the .22 example) shot PLACEMENT is the main factor ( and you can't do that past YOUR rifle/and your ability with it) so IF you can put the bullet from the rifle of YOUR choosing then the rest is a moot point....

Are there some rifles/calibers better than others? YES! But that again is only opinions (which are like........) If a .22 rimfire can take thousands of deer( even illegally) then I'd say use what you want(if it's legal to use) and forget the "opinions" ...and I shoot a 30/06) I have NO problem killing a deer with a .243 and love the way they shoot! I shoot the '06 for many reasons among #1 is.... I wanted MY gun one that I could ( if ever needed) take anything on this continent(yes even a grizzly.....Jack O'Conner killed several with his using factory ammo) ( 180 grain Remington Core Loct to be specific), yet be a "fun" gun to own and reload for, the '06 is VERY hard to beat here; range of .308 bullets, how much you can vary velocity with etc..

In other words use what YOU like, are able to HIT what you aim at whatever "X" yards amounts to, if it's 100 or 500 yards doesn't matter, (from a bench isn't what I mean, from REAL field conditions ....using a tree....if one's there sitting etc.) that's a bit more than you SHOULD take a shot a deer, it's different with LIVE targets......they tend to move while you shoot most targets don't) [:D] YOU'RE the one doing the hunting/shooting, so what YOU can and are able to do will be whether there will be venison to eat or not, what you shoot has less to do than what THAT rifle can do in YOUR hands( again if it's a legal weapon) being a bow or a revolver means little(the rest does however) [:)] I've known several people who've killed deer cleanly with about anything legal, I've seen people wound them with "cannons"....hitting the proper "mark" means much more than with what they're hit with, if a broadhead can kill cleanly that quick, how can an sks NOT? There are and always will be so many variables, bone,animal movement as you shoot(gun or bow) etc., those we can't control.....so more power is a plus not a "have to have".......but a calm deer in the right situation, within limits that fit that situation, I'd bet on a "dead deer" from the sks .....hope it's of some help.



<hr noshade size="1">
I'd rather be lucky than good any day!!

Reloaders Haul Brass!

[moosehead rollins]

Right on the money Ace...My experence is that people look at that 39mm casing and judge it my its size and not its power.

[quigleysharps4570]

Wouldn't be my first choice but you'll do alright with one out to 100yds, after that the sight picture starts going to hell. It was said that they were just made to throw lead, guess that's true. But I'm sure that was also said by the old timers about the lever guns and later the bolt actions when the Sharps, Remingtons and other single shots still prevaled! That is why they were designed, was to throw more lead as compared to the single shots if I recall. Shot placement and a good sight picture, you'll do fine.

[moosehead rollins]

It wouldnt be anyone's first choice...most people have it in there heads that they have to have a $700+ dollar rig to go hunting. If mine didnt shoot so well, Id use my M77 Ruger .338 more often.

[Big Antlers]

What I like about this site is that a question gets answered. Have killed several deer with other centerfire, eg 270 and 243, but never one with an SKS. May try it this fall but only in woods and not too far away, assuming those conditions happen. Thanks to all for your information.

[aceoky]

That's what makes this site so great Big Antlers, some very knowledgeable people on here all willing to try to help each other! It would be very hard indeed to find a better group of people who are willing to share their knowledge to help another sportsman/woman. [:)]

<hr noshade size="1">
I'd rather be lucky than good any day!!

Reloaders Haul Brass!

[grouseman 1]

I don't think the question is if the sks will "kill" a deer (so will a baseball bat if your close enough). The thing I can't understand is why you would want to when there are so many better choices out there that are cheaper than the sks. The HR single shots,the Rossi with interchagble barrels(all avalible in proven deer calibers),a good used 30/30. As for using the sks for a kids first deer rifle, I belive that a semi-auto incourages"putting down a line of fire" instead of a clean, humane,well placed, one shot. This should be any hunters goal.

[snareman]

grouseman1,

EXACTLY!

[moosehead rollins]

Ok you want to talk ethics...The 5 total kills from my sks were on the ground kills...0 yards after shot on all kills. Lets take a popular deer cartridge...I think the 7mm mag is too big tho hunt with in Ky at short distances...I have witnessed the shoulder of a deer being blown off with a 7 mag. By the way...the balistics of the 7.62x39 is almost identical to the 30/30. So to say the 30/30 is better is truly moronic. The small stature of the sks makes it a great childs weapon...My 11 year old boy hunts w/ one. Granted he only gets to shoot 1 round at a time. Dont blame the weapon for bad teachings and judgement.

[moosehead rollins]

The cost of plinking ammo is super cheap...600 rounds for 50 bucks...more practice=better shooters.

[quigleysharps4570]

Shooting one with an sks makes more sense than some of the guys going into the field to shoot small deer with any .30 caliber magnum. The meat damage is terrible. Seems to be the trend though, shoot a 150lb. deer with a 300mag., even with some of these big bucks around here I see no use in them.

[ksp965]

I've killed deer with shotgun slugs, .44 magnum, .30-06 and 9mm (mercy killing). In my opinion, range and shot placement is the key. Know your gun and its and yours capabilities and limitations. Practice until you can take the weapon of your choice and place a bullet (or arrow) of sufficient size and energy in the kill zone within the range limits of the gun. It will work ever time.

[grouseman 1]

According to the 2003 Federal ammunition guide the 7.62x39 Soviet's muzzle energy is 1445 foot pounds. The 30/30's is 1900 foot pounds. It is much easier to mount a quality scope on a 30/30. Quality ammo is much more readily available. Accuracy of the 30/30 is going to be better (better triggers , barrels). Not to mention they have been killing deer since 1894. They are proven. So I don't think my preference for the 30/30 is "moronic" as you say. As for the 7mm. comment, well I don't know were that one came from. If I'm not mistaken it came from the same guy who was bragging on his .338 Win. mag. I don't like magnums for deer either. I have never said that the 7.62x39 wouldn't kill a deer! My grandfather used to kill meat hogs all the time with a .22. A hog is tougher than a deer. My point is that why choose one when so many better choices are avalible in the same price range? Take the New England single shot .243 for example. You could really make an sks look silly at the shooting range. Even if you practice with your "cheap ammo". Want to teach/learn trigger control? Buy some snap caps. Don't like the .243? They are available in .270,.308,.30/06 the list goes on. The Rossi's are also available in a host of calibers. Both rifles can be had with interchangable barrels(.50 muzzle loader/.243 etc). Either of these rifles are available in youth versions. The trigger pulls, accuracy, reliability, caliber availability, and the ability to mount scopes properly of both guns are far superior to the sks. They are also both in the same price range as an sks. So I know the sks will work. However can anyone give me a reason why anyone would choose one over one of the many other better choices?

[moosehead rollins]

89 dollars is what an sks cost. The Rossi's and New england arms single shots($189) cost more than 89 dollars. The 7mm comment was spawned from the fact that it is a popular deer cartridge and the fact that some of the hunting society thinks you have to have that cal. As far as my .338...It shoots a 250 gr bullet 2700fps as opposed to the 3200 fps of the 7 mag. The .338 w/a partition does minimal damage to deer because of the decrease in speed. The 7 mag is ideal for long range shooting ( 200+). At that range, Its vol. is toned down a bit and doesnt compromise the meat. Its all about speed. How can you say a 30/30 is more accurate and has better components. My SKS has a chrome lined barrel...To my knowlege not too many if any 30/30s have chrome lined barrels. Also, the ammo selection for the 30/30 is not that great due to the magazine. I have comparable bullet selection w/my SKS. As far as an accuracy comparison...I have a 30/30 and it does not shoot as well as my SKS. Ok...Shooting at the range is tons better when it comes to trigger control. Snap caps are no comparison to dealing w/natural recoil. As for scopes...who said I have to have a damn scope. I want my son to learn how to shoot open sights and be good at it before he can ever look through a scope. As far as my knowlege of weapons and ballistics(if it is ever in question)...I am the bullet production manager for the A-square company. I test calibers in a shooting tunnel all the time. I deal with 7mm stw all the way up to the .700 N.E. and have my own muzzle energy stat sheets. We provide Federals proof and reference ammo. Federal's guide is not far off when it comes to FEDERAL ammo. I dont shoot federal ammo through my SKS so the comparison is bias. To conclude...the 30/30 is a little better but not enough to discount the 7.62x39.

[moosehead rollins]

As far as the .243...its better at longer range than the 30/30 but not as good at shorter range when brush is a factor. Its a very nice caliber.

[ksp965]

Has anyone tried to wild cat the 7.63X39 mm? What did you do? What was the results?

[grouseman 1]

The Bud's Gun Shop(Lexington) web site has the Rossi single shots listed at 154.46 for a new rifle. Chambered in either .308,30/06,.243 and a few varmit calibers.I'm not calling anyone a liar but I have never seen an sks for $90. However I think that I could scrounge around and come up with the difference of $65 to go from a minimal powered, 100 yard maximum deer gun, to a rifle in a proven caliber with a 300+ yard potential. Sureley you are joking when you say that a 7mm mag. causes more meat damage than a .338 mag. As far as the scope comment, if you want to use sights shoot a .22. I think that the experts will agree that a serious deer rifle needs a scope.

[moosehead rollins]

The gun show last weekend at the fairground had Yugo. SKS's from 89 to 125...the Yugoslav. SKS has all milled parts and is better quality than the china jobies. I have a china sks but it shoots extremely well. Who can actually consistantly shoot a good 300yd grouping under pressure? How far is the average shot? The answer on the first question is not many. So why worry about a 300yd shot. Most people dont have the skill. The answer to the second Question is...under 100yards. No I was not joking when I stated that a 7mag does more damage...IT DOES. 7 mag...140 gr ballistic tip @ 50 yards will flat blow a deer in half. A .338 w/a 250gr nosler partition does no more damage than a 30.06. AS A MATTER OF FACT...The 30.06 w/ a 180 gr nosler ballistic tip travels at 2700fps...the .338 travels at w/ a 250gr NP travels at 2700fps. The 30.06 in this example will do MORE damage than the .338. WHY??? Because the ballistic tip (very popular in deer hunting)is designed to explode on impact. The more speed and less distance makes it even worse. NP have controlled expansion=less tissue damage. I outta know...I have tested and shot them all. ITS MY JOB TO KNOW. The real purpose of this thread was to find out if the guy could hunt w/ an SKS. Not what is the best cal. for deer. The answer is Yes...If and only if the weapon holds a great pattern with the right ammo and the anticipated kill is under 100yds. Ksp965...I have tinkered around a bit. I loaded some 150gr's max cup pressure...ended up w/an average of 2100fps at the muzzle. Been also tinkering with the 180 grainers but havnt come up w/ an appropriate charge. I dont want to blow anything up. For the guys that shoot rugers...the 110gr ballistic tip is sweet at 2550fps...this bullet cannot be used in an sks because of the .308 bullit dia. As for the scope comment. I shoot a average 2 1/2" group @ 115yards w/ MY SKS with open sights bench rest. I out shot a friend using a Rem. 7400 6mm. w/ a scope. I dont think I need a scope. I want my son to shoot as well as me w/out the AID of a scope. Scopes have their place...for me its not under 100yards.

[grouseman 1]

.458 solids are no worse on a deer than a .30/06 if you look at it that way. Compairing Nosler Partition to Ballistic Tips is like compairing apples to oranges. 30/06 and 7mm are also avalible with NPs. NPs are desighned for heavy game(elk, moose).Ballistic tips are designed for preadators. They reduce the chance of ricochet around farms,houses etc. Yes, people use them for deer, but thats not what they are desighned to do. Besides you originaly refered to 175gr ballistic tips in your infamous .338 mag. As for the three hundred yard comment you yourself said that it is harder to shoot under preasure. A 100 yard rifle becomes a 50 yard gun when you start shaking while you are aiming at a big buck. So it is my belief that a person should use the best rifle that they can. I believe that for most people that is a scoped rifle. Especially for an inexperenced hunter. Why handicap yourself with an ineffcient rifle? If we make a bad shot, then the only one that suffers is the poor gut shoot deer. For the last time I am going to ask does the sks have one real advantage as a deer rifle?

[ksp965]

"A 100 yard rifle becomes a 50 yard gun when you start shaking while you are aiming at a big buck." What I want to know is how do you hold it <u>that </u>steady when its a big buck?[:D]

The advantage for the SKS as a deer rifle/round is that some people want to use it, are comfortable with using it and have practice with it to a degree of proficiency. That's all that it takes. Are there other guns/ cartridges that will do it better, cheaper, prettier, etc., etc.? Heck yes. That's like saying who is the prettiest baby. Everyone has a different opinion, most will not be all right or all wrong. There is no one right gun/cartridge combination that is right for all people or all situations. Its a matter of personal preference. Any legal gun/cartridge combination that the owner wants to use, can use proficiently, and will use safely and within its limitations is the one for them, whatever it may be. I have a SKS. Will I go deer hunting with it? No, but I certainly believe that I could efficiently kill a deer with it if I choose to take it hunting. I've settled into my .30-06/.44 magnum combination years ago and that's what I'm most comfortable with. If you have a comfort level with the SKS, more power to you. Just know your weapon and use it wisely and safely. Beyond that it doesn't matter, its a personal choice. At least that's my opinion.

[moosehead rollins]

The reason I brought up the ballistic to partition issue is the fact that most people use ballistic tips for hunting deer. Is it the best choice??? All depends...If I know im going to take a long 250 to 300 + yard shot on a deer...im going to use a ballistic tip. Ballistic tips are for long range shooting so you can get max expansion at low vel. They are not designed just for pred.hunting dude...My 300 yard comment is directed to the average hunter not myself. Not that im the king daddy of hunting and shooting but I have proven myself at long distances and high pressure situations. I know what my weapons will do and what im capable of doing. 2002 I shot a very nice 9 pt at 120yards with my sks open sights. Hes a nice buck and would get anyone rattled. I felt comfortable taking that shot and hit right on the mark putting him down in his tracks. As far as solids go...we recomend that the big bore hunter use those for small game ( deer sized animals) in africa. I know a guy that uses his .470 capstick to hunt various small game in Africa...He uses the monolithic solid and loves it. As far as best rifles for the job...Your right. If you have a rifle that shoots like crap dont use it. Quailty is hidden everywhere...example...the swedish mauser. It is a military grade rifle. It is one of the best rifles built IMO. 1/2 in group at 100 for a 69 dollar rifle. I bought it in "92", its worth a little more than that now.