They were BALLISTIC tips...and thats legal

sks is fine for white atil at under 100 yards. I'd recommend the soft lead face bullets for hunting.

I think that is what CervidSlayer has. Soft tips. I had a ballistic tip chambered and soft tips ready to fly.

Yep. And 30-30 is substantially better - especially at likely ranges - because common 30-30 hunting bullets are usuallly much better that common SKS/AK bullets. I'll take a flat point/large HP (such as Barnes 150gr) in 30-30 any day over 123gr FMJ (or HP or PSP) in 7.62x29.

i have never taken a deer with my SKS ,but i have taken a number of them with the 7.62 X 39.
AR 15
mini 30 ( i was really close)
encore 24" rifle barrel

I've killed two nice Bucks with a SKS paratrooperone with 122 gr.SN and one with a 150gr. Silver tip (i know its a 308 cal. in a .310 cal. ) But it was a great and accurate load .. I couldn't tell any difference to a 30/30 (but they should be a Diff.)

I hunt sometimes with a chinese version which holds a 3" at 100 yards open site, great close range gun and awesome reliability.

I like it too, and for you guys who don't know what FMJ stands for, it means Full Metal Jacket, which has little or no expansion, and pretty much goes straight through the target.Militaries use them alot.