7.62x39 Question

[Wiz]

Hey there.

I have a Robinson arms XCR in .223 and have been weighing the option of picking up the 7.62x39 conversion kit.

How does this round fair for hunting deer? What specific hunting brands do you use? I have never really looked for hunting ammo in that caliber and have only seen bulk military rounds. Are hunting loads available?

Thanks,

[VOODOO]

There are a few options for factory loads that are not the standard FMJ, but most are variations of varmint loads. Hornady Vmax as an example, or the ZombieMax rounds. Not the best choices for deer or larger game. If you hand load, there are many more options.

I have played around a bit with the XCR & 7.62x39 ammo & accuracy was still dissapointing. We also found effective range is pretty limited, bullet drop @ 200y was 7 inches, and accuracy was....poor. We tested loads using a chinese SKS, a CZ 858, and the XCR. The CZ was the most accurate of the bunch not that any were real tackdrivers. Average around 3" groups @ 100yds.

If I was set on using the XCR to hunt, I'd try to find a 6.8spc conversion.
The round is known to be far more accurate, and downrange performance would be much better than 7.62x39.

[Hotwheels81]

Had one...

Hornady loads SST's in the x39

Groups around 4" @200M, prvi has factory SP so does S&B all around the same groups

Pain in the arse cleaning the XCR after shooting corrosive, I have a nice SKS for that sorta thing now....

Get the 6.8spc kit if you want to hunt and not just bang away with cheap ammo

[Wiz]

Great advice! Thank you