7.62x39

I have a friend up in Canada that kills deer and Moose on a regular basis with a bolt action 7.62 x 39 using the Lee 185 gr. RN gas check bullet cast from air cooled WW's,average BHN is around 12 to 13 with good expansion leaving quarter size holes on exit. Average MV of his loads are just under 1700 fps. he hasn’t lost an animal yet.

Lots of good combinations of cast bullets and powders in the 150 to 200 gr. range along with powders that will get you between 1700 to 1900 fps. that kill deer just fine. Develop a good load that is accurate,take your time an put the bullet in the vitals and you will keep the freezer full. The only real limitation is your marksmanship not the slower moving cast bullet.
 
I developed a load for my Norinco (not Nerinco) NHM-91 using AA 2520 with 165r and up wt bullets, though I have used 123r FMJ with no issues. Most would question the use of this slower powder. 3 things... 1; the Norinco NHM-91 has a 20+" barrel. The dwell time is significantly longer, which allows use of slower powders. 2; Using heavier bullets increased powder burn. 3; AKs are over gassed, so a slow powder you may not think will cycle the rifle, will work. It will cycle just fine more than likely. However, it's as Mobuck says, not very efficient...velocities will suffer.

I have developed a lot of loads for this AKM using non-traditional powders, like H322, and 4064. It's not something I'd advise unless you really feel like you know what you are doing. I started hand loading and load development in the mid 80s in the Marines trying to tweak loads for our M21s, and bolt action 70s and 700s.

The AK is pretty forgiving, but won't forgive 'stupid'. Be overly careful.
 
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