My Grandfather had a bolt action rifle that was 7.62X39. I don't remember him killing any deer with it but my Great Uncle shot 3 does in a row with it within 2 minutes. He didn't mean to, he thought the gun may have been off but when he shot they dropped in their tracks and fell out of sight. He thought he was missing (which is RARE for him) and when the next one would step up he would put her down too! He was using a plastic tipped bullet and they DESTROYED eveything on the inside. Poor ol deer never had a chance. I think it is a great round for deer hunting under 200 yards. I used to hunt with my SKS but never killed anything with it. Just liked the ideal of having 40 rounds with me hahaha! Young and dumb I guess!