M-44 Mosin
Is the M-44 a good deer gun or should I use my 8mm. Both are new to me so which would be better to hunt with.
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The 7.62 X 54 Russian is a good round, not as potent as the 8mm, but pleanty for whitetail. My advice would be how much weight do you want to carry, and which one are you most accurate with? Which one do you like to shoot the best? It doesn't matter how powerful a cartridge is if you can't hit what you aim at. Practice, then make up your own mind. Either one will take your deer cleanly if you can place your shot. Good luck and be safe! 0 -
The M44 is a good rifle, but light. You may find that the 7.62x54R has a bit more kick then you might like with the light rifle. For the price, however, they are worth getting right now. I have an M38 and a 91/70. Both are in original configuration (barring the rearsenaled items) without scopes, and they reach out easily and accurately with iron sights to 200m. One point people don't often realize is that they are made to zero at 200m so don't be alarmed if they sight a bit odd.
As to the round, the 7.62x54R is all the round you will need to take deer. I would not hesitate to use it on Elk, but that is me and my shooting. The round is just between the .308 (Nato 7.62x51) and the .30-06 in performance and power. This is plenty of round for what you are talking about.
The 8mm is a great round, but if you are looking to use one of the Yugo Mausers, I would second the suggestion to fire one first. They are fun, but with the steel butt plate and the recoil a sore shoulder and shooter flinch come quickly.
Both rounds will do the job on a deer. For the vast majority of hunters and recreational shooters, stay within a 100-150 yard shot. I find so few hunters that can place a round off-hand at 200+ yards with a 10 lb rifle, yet I find so many who think they can and try. That's not good.
I hope this helps in some small way.0 -
I believe balistically the 7.62x54r is comparable to the .303 
Go Army Beat Navy
IF you wanna have fun join the cavalry0 -
I have no idea as to where the previous responders have been getting their information. Of course ANY round can be loaded a bit hotter or a bit milder than "standard", but the ballistics of the 7.62 X 54 R are IDENTICAL to the 30/06 in factory ammo! Look up an old Gun Bible (or similar info source) anbd take a look at what was then called the 7.62 Russian.
Also note that US factory 8 mm. is downloaded somewhat. European military loads are considerably more powerful, but still not quite the 30/06. The .308 gets its extra oomph by being loaded to significantly higher pressures than any of the other cartridges.
Morty
Have fun, be careful!0 -
I agree with king999, every ballistic info i have seen puts the 7.62x54 well above the Brit .303 0
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