7.62X39 vs. .300 BO

[Saltydog235]

I'm getting my youngest his first CF rifle this year. I've pretty much decided on a Ruger American platform and was leaning toward a compact in 7mm08 until I got ahold of a Ranch. I really like the 16" barrel and feel of the gun. Seems it would be perfect for a smaller shooter. However it only comes in 4 choices. I don't see a whole lot of difference ballistically in the BO and 39 with ammo costs similar as well. If I didn't have 2k rounds of 39 he could burn through, I'd go BO all day. Who has used these cartridges to hunt deer? How'd they do?

[birdweiser]

I shot a doe with my 7.62x39 AR with hornady round. SST I think. It passed clean through and she didn't run but 20 yds. I really enjoy hunting with it when I know I won't have any long shots to make.

[Phone Man]

Id go with the russian round.

[Bad Habit]

I killed a buck at 170 yds with a mini 30 tactical shooting the ruskie caliber- broadside pass through and performed well- I shoot the Winchester 123 grn power points- groups about 2" at 100 off a rolled up coat with a cheap scope and bad eyes.
Love the feel of the mini 30 over an AR style and happy with the round. Great 150-200 yd deer and pig gun. Zero recoil- my 8 year old grandson loves shooting it

[Palmetto Bug]

Relatively weak cartridges require much more consideration of the fine details of ballistics, shot placement, bullet performance, and tracking ability.