7.62 X 39 AR For Hunting?

[sleepr71]

I'm kinda new to the AR-15/platform & am looking into a bigger caliber(than 223/5.56) upper receiver for deer/hogs/zombies... So far, my limited research shows the 6.8SPC is the up & coming caliber for the AR-15 platform(for heavier game)...My question, and I'm no ballistics expert(even in my mind) is why not use/develop the 7.62X39?? It's one of the most available calibers ANYWHERE in the world,shoots 308 cal. bullets, & brass/bullets should be much cheaper, right?? I'd like to stay lightweight(~6 1/2-7lbs) w/ this gun, so I think the AR-10 platform is out for me.. Thoughts/Opinions?

 

[DS7418]

I have my ar15 set up with the 7.62x39 and it shoots great. I reload 308 bullets for mine,, but u can get the .311s also.
The 6.8 has more speed,,but not enough to pay the difference.
At 100 to 125 yrds. it wont matter to a deer or yote.
I use the LEE die-set,, which has a 308 & 310 spindle.
My 308s in 125gr speer TNT shot good.@ 2350fps....

 

[redneckcamo]

I had one a few years back ....a DPMS ..
I was gonna deer hunt with it but could not find a magazine that fed well .....tried several different kinds of mags ..

C-products has since came out with a mag for this caliber in the AR15....

mine was very accurate and fun to shoot except it wouldnt get thru a whole mag without jamming ;(

when you google it youll get days worth of reading on the subject ..

 

[Doc_Holliday23]

I've killed a few deer with my Mini-30. Farthest one was about 120 yards. Down she went with 123 gr Remington Soft Points.

 

[DS7418]

I use the "C-Products" 762x39 magazines...
mine work flawless with a A2 stock and rifle length buffer & spring.

 

[99Tarbox]

I've heard there are issues with bolts breaking, that may have been resolved. The ballistics don't compare as well with the 6.8SPCII, but would certainly get the job done.

 

[sleepr71]

Thanks guys! Looks like they've made a few improvements to the 6.8SPC(SpecII,1:11 twist,etc) since it first came out & now are getting more velocity out of it! I remembered like 2,400fps w/ 110 gr loadsinitially...

 

[99Tarbox]

DMR increases 6.8 performance a bit as well.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=121&t=369145

 

[tomski007]

Google CZ USA. I have a Mod 527 carbine in 7.62x39.
Great little gun, stops deer in their tracks. Small & lightweight.

 

[Rolan_Kraps]

I killed my first deer with a SKS loaded with JSP 7.62x39

 

[sleepr71]

Different( but relevant) issue is ammo availaility... 7.62x39 is everywhere & less $$(as compared to 6.8SPC/308).. About 30-30 performance/ballistics & I'm thinking it would be nice to have a compact,accurate rifle that I can hoard up enough ammo to keep the zombies &"blue hats" at bay for a long time, cheaply