Soviet or Swede?

[burbotman]

The annual fall big decision, which rifle to carry for November Deer. With this years efforts focused in a ground blind with shots maxing out at 110 yards the candidates are a CZ527 carbine in 7.62X39 or a Swedish Mauser in 6.5X55. The Swede has taken a number of deer for me over the years but the Carbine has yet to. For those having taking deer with the 7.62X39 what have been your experiences?

[burbotman]

I should add both are decent shooters 1-1.5” @ 100

[KGB]

There were a lot of bodies taken by the 7.62x39…. Good bush/jungle cartridge….q

[Pioneer2]

I use 25.5gr of H4198 /mag primer and a 123gr SP 1/2" groups are the norm. Never shot a deer twice. A buddies daughter dropped her cow moose with one a few years back and the bullets exited broadside! For chickens 3.5gr of Bullseye and a 71gr FMJ designed for a .32ACP does wonders.

[stob]

Nyet Nyet Soviet, you already have a Swede spot

[Pioneer2]

Originally Posted by burbotman

I should add both are decent shooters 1-1.5” @ 100

FWIW seat the bullets out just shy of the lead/throat as long as they fit the magazine with a little gap for function. Groups with shrink considerably. I have also bumped factory bullets and groups went from like your's to under .50"

[Smokinyotes]

If it were mine I would use the Swede

[waldedw]

Sweeeeeeeed all day long

[barsik]

the russian is about the same ballistically as a 30-30. good for short range and very low recoil but not even close to the 6.5 if you find yourself having to stretch the range from the 110 yards you stated.

[6.5 shooter]

Dump the CZ (sell it to me) and use the Swede.

[Stinky Buffalo]

Originally Posted by stob

Nyet Nyet Soviet, you already have a Swede spot

LOL!

Clever.

[Grizzly Adams1]

I've never heard a deer ask yet, so what cartridge did you shoot me with?

[58thecat]

Swede...too bad you aint got an ol'303 to hammer the big buck with

[fordtruckin]

Originally Posted by KGB

There were a lot of bodies taken by the 7.62x39…. Good bush/jungle cartridge….q

There’s been a lot of bodies as you say taken with a 556 as well. yet many states and provinces say that’s too small for deer or antelope, Despite many successfully taken with it every year where legal. I’ve never considered the 762x39 anything more than a plinker or “defensive” round definitely not a hunting round although it is more than capable within its limitations. I’ve never had the desire to go out with a WASR, SKS or mini 14 and chase deer. Sure some people are chambering it for a bolt action now days but just never appealed to me as if I’m spending that $$ I’ll spend it on something that was designed for my purpose. To the OP I’d hands down go with the 65x55!

[catnthehat]

6.5 Swede all day, although these days my 6.5 is a 6.5X54MS!
Cat

[elkhunter11]

Without a doubt the Swede.

[KGB]

Originally Posted by fordtruckin

There’s been a lot of bodies as you say taken with a 556 as well. yet many states and provinces say that’s too small for deer or antelope, Despite many successfully taken with it every year where legal. I’ve never considered the 762x39 anything more than a plinker or “defensive” round definitely not a hunting round although it is more than capable within its limitations. I’ve never had the desire to go out with a WASR, SKS or mini 14 and chase deer. Sure some people are chambering it for a bolt action now days but just never appealed to me as if I’m spending that $$ I’ll spend it on something that was designed for my purpose. To the OP I’d hands down go with the 65x55!

I would go with 223 before the 7.62 any time too but it’s illegal to hunt with 223 here as you already know. At a 100yards it doesn’t really matter if it’s 7.62 or or Swede…. If the Op is shooting past 100- then it’s different.

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by catnthehat

6.5 Swede all day, although these days my 6.5 is a 6.5X54MS!
Cat

I should qualify my statement by saying that the only reason I own the 6.5x54 is because it is in an original 1903 Mannlicher Schoenauer, otherwise I would more than likely be shooting something in a single shot action
Single shots in various 6.5 cartridges are a lot easier to come by than 7.62x39 single shots
Cat

[burbotman]

Originally Posted by 6.5 shooter

Dump the CZ (sell it to me) and use the Swede.

🤣🤣 That little CZ makes me smile just looking at! What a sweet little gun and really no debate that it will get its chance this year

[burbotman]

Appreciate the comments everyone, figured it would be an interesting discussion

Thy will both likely get some field time this year

[Pioneer2]

RE#22 in 129-140gr bullets IMR 4350 a close second.....156-160gr 42gr of either IMR 4350 or N204 never found a bullet in a moose just an in and out hole.