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7.62x39 Ballistics in barrell lengths

Stevan1
OK people,
Here is my question to proven experts only!! I am older now and wish to hunt the late Iowa Doe only season. I have to decide which AK, RPK, and SKS rifles to keep. I have far too many and now want to keep only one or two for deer hunting in timber or some open field conditions.

Simply stated, using Wolf velocities, am I better off keeping a longer barrel rifle or not. What is the difference in muzzle velocity between a short barrel AK or a longer barrel RPK or an SKS? My rifles vary by 4 to 5 inches in length.

I am fully aware a longer barrel usually gives better muzzle velocity, but how much better based on a 2360 fps?

Thanks Guys!
Steve
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • 511pe
    RPKs seem heavy this should be a ruling factor.It shouldn't matter much with a inch difference. SKS should provide a better sight platform that's if the bore is straight. Apples and oranges.
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  • quickmajik
    Ak-47 16" barrel 2330fps
    sks 20.5" barrel 2410FPS
    RPk 23" barrel 2450fps

    These velocities are from com bloc M-43 ball.
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  • Stevan1
    quote:Originally posted by quickmajik
    Ak-47 16" barrel 2330fps
    sks 20.5" barrel 2410FPS
    RPk 23" barrel 2450fps

    These velocities are from com bloc M-43 ball.
    Thank You! That's exactly what I wanted to know. It gives me a definite point of reference even if I were to use the Wolf 154 gr. bullet. Which of course is slower.

    Steve
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  • quickmajik
    I'd go with the SKS. If it was me.
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  • Stevan1
    quote:Originally posted by quickmajik
    I'd go with the SKS. If it was me.
    I think you are right. The NHM91 is a bit heavy, but sure shoots straight.

    When I get the case of Wolf 154gr. loads, I'll find out I guess.
    Mean while, I still have about 2500 rds. of MFS Hungarian to play with.

    Thank You Again,

    Steve
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  • select-fire
    Check you state for magazine requirements. Some states do not allow over 5 rds. I hunt with a mini 30 and just aquired a cz 527 carbine in 7.62x39. Happy hunting
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  • sandwarrior
    quote:Originally posted by quickmajik
    Ak-47 16" barrel 2330fps
    sks 20.5" barrel 2410FPS
    RPk 23" barrel 2450fps

    These velocities are from com bloc M-43 ball.


    Since you are deer hunting, I would look at the velocities of soft pointed Federal. I'm not too sure you're allowed to hunt with FMJ bullets. I chrono'ed them at 2260. I didn't clock the Winchester Super X but it rates @ 65 fps faster. So, maybe 2300 fps. Russian "Brown Bear" comes with a 125 gr. soft pointed spitzer. I would imagine it's around the same velocity.

    Any way you look at it you're going to find 2200-2400 for velocity. That's enough to get you to 150 yds or so without having to hold much. You'll have plenty of energy to kill a deer with that. What you're not going to find is one magic 7.62x39 round that is loaded hot enough to shoot like a lazer past 150. There just isn't enough case to push it that fast. Again, though, you have enough energy to kill a deer so don't sell them short. With an expanding bullet that's just fine. It isn't going to make a whole lot of trajectory difference no matter what choice you go with.

    My choice of the three would be the SKS first then the RPK and then the AK. The only thing that may really help you with velocity is a bolt action.

    -hope that helps, and good luck.
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  • quickmajik
    Yeah after I saw that his RPK was a NHM91 I started wondering if it has the side mounting base for a pso or posp scope.

    I like the side mounts more then most of the scope mounting options for the SKS.

    The only scope mount that compares for the SKS is a dovetail rail fixed to the side of the reciever, and they are hard to find these days.. Plus you need a drill press to drill screw holes to attach it.
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  • beantownshootah
    The 7.62x39 round was really designed for use in a carbine, and doesn't get much more velocity from longer barrels.

    So I don't think the relatively small differences in velocity you'd see from shorter/longer barrels would make any practical difference at the relatively short distances you'd likely take a shot at a deer.

    If you were sniping something at 400+ yards, then sure. . .you'd want the maximum velocity possible. But at 100 yards, I doubt the deer could tell the difference between a round at say 2000 fps vs 2100 fps.

    Your choice about which gun to keep for hunting should really be mostly about which gun you think you'd want to take with you for hunting (ie weight/bulk, sights, trigger).

    Though any of the three could work, I agree with the above suggestion of the SKS as probably the most "sporting" of the three choices. RPK just seems too bulky, and the AK sighting system isn't quite as good as the SKS.

    But if you happen to have a sighting system on one of them that you like, or a strong personal preference one way or the other, then pick that gun.

    There is a relatively easy to install receiver peep-sight option from "Tech-sights" that you could look into for the SKS, by the way.
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  • drobs
    Which rifle gives you the best groups? My bet is it's your sks.

    Unless you are broke and need the money I would hold on to everything you have right now.
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