Dint read all the posts but did git the general drift ....
... coupla things ...
More people have been killed with a .22LR than any other cartridge. Too, more deer have been killed with the .30-30 - not much to argue there.
In any event, a very main reason to each is that both are the most employed for any given scenario. Doesn't mean that either is the BEST man-killer or deer-killer. It's just the way way of statitics - the more use, the more kills - all-in-all.
No flames or zip for anything argumentative. A deer can be killed with any cartridge. So can a man. But, there's better choices.
A person would hopefully use a cartridge that is MORE suitable for any given task than one that is handy.
May be that a 7.62X39 is a pretty good deer cartridge & I wouldn't argue the point - I think the round itself is up to it given certain range limitations AND firearm platform (a big arguing point).
It's doubtful to me that rapid second shot really comes into
play often enough to warrant a "fast shooter" when, if the first shot is placed accordingly with a suitable bullet, the hunt is over.
If you want to use an SKS, do so, but please, do become familiar enough that the "extra 20 rounds" isn't the reason to use it. A single shot 7.62X39 really is all you should need.
For all the game I've ever taken, I would say that in only <10% did I ever require a second/follow-up shot.
I guess a very long-winded comment on "cartridge selection and bullet placement" brings home more game than does any rapid-fire anything.