Changing the idea on the one rifle. Thanks for all the advice.

[thedaddycat]

Both 7.62X39 and .308 are .30 cal. bullets, as are .30-30. .30-06 and others. You may be able to get more powder behind some than others which makes a big difference, and you may have a greater choice of bullet weights and styles, but a bigger bullet? Longer case? Sure...

What range do you usually shoot at? Do you need a 1000 yard gun for hunting across a canyon or a 100 yard "woods gun"? I think I read once that a 7.62X39 was about the ballistic equivalent to a .30-30. Due to the round or flat nose bullets commonly used in the tube fed lever guns, they are good to about 150 yards while the pointed bullets of a 7.62X39 can easily double that range.

If ammo costs are a big concern and typical range is under 300 yards then the 7.62X39 would probably make more sense than the .308.

 

[chris in va]

308 and x39 are different diameters, as is the 30-06. 311 vs 308.

 

[checkmyswag]

The Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle would be awesome if I'd like a bolt, which I don't.

Both 7.62X39 and .308 are .30 cal. bullets, as are .30-30. .30-06 and others. You may be able to get more powder behind some than others which makes a big difference, and you may have a greater choice of bullet weights and styles, but a bigger bullet? Longer case? Sure...

Right, good point. Longer case, typically heavier bullet.

I think I read once that a 7.62X39 was about the ballistic equivalent to a .30-30.

This has always been the conventional wisdom which I hear.

What range do you usually shoot at? Do you need a 1000 yard gun for hunting across a canyon or a 100 yard "woods gun"?

I'd like to be able to shoot up to 400/500 yards, not for hunting, would keep those shots much closer.