if you use the right ammo, 7.62X59 is very similar to the 30-30.

I plan on taking an SKS along with my 30-06 when I go deer hunting in a few weeks.

You nailed it.

i have also read that it is comparable to a 30-30, wich is a more common deer riflr. I was told that if i use a name brand ammo i should be good because the sp will expand beter.

I too would recomend the Sp. When talking about name brand ammo, just remember, "you get what you pay for". Wolf is good ammo, but it is made rather cheap ( I have shot it for years plinking, target practice varmits, etc.). Name brands such as Winchester and Remington cost a little more but are made with better leads and primers, And I have usedthese for deer and hogs and it has worked just fine.

An SKS was intended to hit a man sized target at 300 meters. It will do fine on deer. 125 gr sp will fill your tag if you make the shot. Check local laws for any restrictions prior to hunting with it though.

At 300 meters, how high would you have to aim, 6 feet?

SKS is a fine rifle I have killed deer with one and my son just killed a 9 point with his. soft points are not as accurate as the regular rounds. Dropped with one shot where he stood 30 yards though

An sks is more than enough rifle for deer if you use the correct ammo. Much better than a 20 ga in my opinion. You can't even compare a 30 cal centerfire to a shotgun slug in my book.

Like the others said, a 7.62x39 is pretty close to a 30-30 which is a VERY popular deer round. The 30-30 has the advantage of offerings with heavier bullets. Pick a quality bullet designed for hunting with a heavier bullet weight and you should do fine at medium ranges providing the gun is accurate with that load. Don't skimp and use cheap surplus ammo or anything like that. Go with name brand ammo and a bullet designed for what you are hunting and you will be fine. The gun will probably shoot better with premium ammo as well.

Paul

Isatarak, if you have to ask you have obvioulsy never shot or handled one.