Well, it depends. I own the following and this will explain my own humble opinion in a minute:

1 Chinese SKS
1 Russian SKS
1 FEG Hungarian variant of the AK-47
1 Ruger Mini-30 (stainless)

For hunting under 100 yards, I'd go with the Ruger mini-30. I only say this because with a 5 round magazine, that's plenty of bullets. Also, the mini-30 has a longer stock which is more comfortable and easier to put on a decent scope as compared to the SKS'S.

The FEG I own, hold 5 or 30 round magazines but it like the SKS's aren't very accurate for hunting. They were designed to "spray & pray" for battle field conditions with a large amount of fire power. The philosophy was "who cares about accuracy when you're emptying a 30 magazine at your enemy?"

You must realize one thing...All of those guns mentioned above are NOT accurate rifles. That is why I limit the range to uder 100 yards. I was very disappointed with the Mini-30 when I bought it about 10 years ago. That's why it sits in the back of my safe now.

If you want a 30 caliber semi auto, try a Remington 7400. I have on in '06 and I belive it's also chambered in .308 and .243. Much better bullet and a little better accuracy than any of the semi autos chambered in 7.62x39mm.

Good luck.