[Last Dakotan]

I hadn’t realized the carbine used such a weak round. Thanks for the help.

[Lurker]

Be advised that the most commonly available 7.62 x 39 ammo is FMJ which is illegal for use on game animals in many states.

Soft point hunting ammo is made, but you need to be sure you purchase and use the correct cartridge lest you run afoul of the game laws in your state.

That being said one of those Ruger Mini-30's would be a real handy rifle for many purposes.

L

[Boundless]

> I hadn’t realized the carbine used such a weak round.

I’ve owned a couple of them. Stovepipe jams were common.

And let me correct one of my remarks.
The .30-30 and the 7.62x39 are actually comparable
in ballistics. I imagine that suitable hunting
rounds are available in the 7.62, and SKS-based
semi-autos are relatively cheap.

[AmericanDave]

The 30 carbine round is oft maligned, but consider this:
At 100 yards It has a velocity slightly greater at 1500fps and and energy slightly greater at 600lbs, than the 357 magnum revolver.
It is only weak for a rifle round! It is still decent compared to a pistol at 100 yds or less. Any state that allows 357 mag pistol for deer should consider it adequate.

Therefore for more accuracy than a pistol at 100 yards, and still easy to point one handed for self defense at close range, delivering more power than a 357 magnum; it really does what it was designed to do. And it holds 10, 20, 30 rd magazines, much more than a pistol too!

[Atlas Sneezed]

You were right, except now with Hornady’s pointed tip “LEVERevolution” 30-30 bullet, it is a fine medium-range whitetail round.