zak123,

In direct answer to your question. Yes.....you can use an AK47 to hunt deer. There are considerations that need addressed before doing it however, (some have been mentioned).

First, make sure semi-auto's are legal where you are hunting. Next, check regulations concerning magazine capacity. If it is limited to a specific number....insure you don't exceed it. (Side note: The rifle does not meet legal requirements by just loading appropriate amount of ammo. You had asked if you could just put a single round in the magazine......NO. You have to actually "block" the capacity of the magazine......or obtain a magazine that already meets the standard.) Third.....sight in the rifle using a "soft point" expanding bullet. Fourth, insure you shoot the rifle at the range from field positions and learn at what range you can always hit a paper plate. Do not exceed that range in the field! (If by some chance you can consistently hit a paper plate at ranges greater than 150 yards.......not likely but possible.......do not shoot at deer, hogs, etc. further than 150 yards. The 7.62X39mm really starts running out of sufficient energy past that range.)

And your other question regarding bullets tumbling. They don't tumble in flight....unless they've been deflected in some manner. If they did....they would be completely inaccurate from that point on! (The reason a rifle bullet continues to accurately remain on it's flight path is because of the stabilization provided by the bore's rifling.)

If you do all of the above.....you can use an AK47 for light big game hunting. But as was said before.....there are better choices!

Good luck with your decison!

Dave