quote:
The 7.62x39 will shoot flatter and carry more down range energy than the 30-30 because you can shoot pointed bullets with it. I would say they would have plenty of knockdown at 200yds. The problem is being able to hit anything at 200yds.
I don't think this is correct. Sure the 7.62x39 shoots pointed bullets, but that's only part of the equation. The bullets may be pointed, but they are light and stubby at only 125 grains, which is going to have a profound effect on ballistic coefficient. And the Soviet only shoots that bullet slightly faster than the 30-30 can propel a larger 150-180gr bullet. The larger longer bullet will greatly improve downrange performance. And it is possible to use spitzer pointed bullets even in a lever action rifle.
Actually, although factory ammo seems to be generally limited to 122-130 grain stuff (Wolf now sells a 150-grain load!), one can handload the 7.62X39mm to shoot 150 grain bullets at 2250 FPS
or more, and I have a load that uses the Speer 180-grain .311" RN @ 2000 fPS. Now with the pointed 150-grain bullets, remaining energy is still above 1000 Ft/Lt @ 250 yards. I realize this ain't much, but some people use 1000 Ft/Lb. as a minimum figure for killing deer. I use the round in an SKS and a CZ 527 carbine. The CZ will put three of the 150's @ 2250 FPS into 1.5", while the 180 grainer @ 2000 fps goes into a ragged hole with three shots! Some day, I may try to kill a deer with the CZ! My SKS will do 3" groups, and some have been as small as 2". This is with a Ramline sporter stock, and a 4X scope. But the trigger is just bloody awful!! Regardless of what you do, the SKS cannot be made into a light and handy sporter, any more than can an M1 Garand. The thing is a military rifle, and is a lot of fun as such. I too once owned a Mini-30, and it WAS NOT as accurate as the SKS either!