What is the best hunting round?

Shuak · 04-25-2008, 10:21 AM

I would like to try my hand at deer hunting this year using my 91/30 instead of a 30.06 like years before. Anyone know of any good hunting ammo I can pick up? Price really isn't too much of an issue since I won't be buying plinking rounds.

Mooseman684 · 04-25-2008, 10:30 AM

180 gr. SP Brown Bear ammo has gotten some good reviews...I load my own hunting ammo...

Shuak · 04-25-2008, 10:34 AM

I don't reload so I have to buy...I just heard that FMJ is not good for hunting and I want something that has good expansion. Is Brown bear ammo readily available? Like can I go to Big 5 or Cabelas and get some? Oh and is the 91/30 or M44 better for hunting white tail and elk.

andrew cochran · 04-25-2008, 10:51 AM

MidwayUSA — Shooting Supplies, Reloading, Gunsmithing, Ammunition, Gun Parts & Rifle Scopes carries some good jacketed soft point ammo, in 7.62x54R

Shuak · 04-25-2008, 10:54 AM

Thanks for the web site Andrew. I would like to find some I can buy locally though, sporting good store style.

Geo M44 · 04-25-2008, 11:02 AM

Big 5 usually does not carry ammo for 7.62 x 54R, but if they do it's Winchester 180gr SP (Soft Point hunting ammo). Cabellas usually carries Sellier & Bellot SP.

If you are going to hunt frequently you might want to consider reloading. A decent setup runs about $250. Once you have the basics additional die sets (for other calibers) are about $20.

Shuak · 04-25-2008, 11:07 AM

You know what I just realized my father in law reloads. I don't know if he is set up for 7.62x54r or not though, I'll have to ask. I've seen ammo for the mosins at big 5 before, but is the winchester any good for hunting big game?

SwedeSteve · 04-25-2008, 11:15 AM

Just go check it out and read the box/ look at the rounds. Mosin model doesn't matter unless you're taking longer shots at elk. Then I would go with the M91/30.

Shuak · 04-25-2008, 11:23 AM

M91/30, Soviet (4) 8 3/4 lbs.
4 kg.

M44 (5) 9 lbs.
4.1 kg.

These are the weights for the two rifles I am considering. the 91/30 is lighter and has better accuracy at longer ranges. The only down side of the 91/30 is length. Oh and has anyone for sure figured out if shooting the M44 with the bayonet out really improves center of aim? I would hate to go hunting with a rifle and a bayonet sticking out of the front of it.

sh4d0ww4rri0r · 04-25-2008, 11:32 AM

Yes it does affect the aim. With it folded in it shoots left. You can drift your sight with a brass punch though.

Shuak · 04-25-2008, 11:33 AM

That might work for me since I don't shoot my M44 with the Bayonet extended.

sh4d0ww4rri0r · 04-25-2008, 11:35 AM

Yeah I get made fun of at the range by the rangemaster. He keeps asking me if I am roasting marmallows or making sishkabobs. Hardy har har. He's asked me like 3 times already on 3 diffferent occasions. I think he is senile. Which is scary..... But it is all good. I have no problem being "different". I just like it when it goes BOOOOOM and everyone turns around and asks me "what is that thing?"

Shuak · 04-25-2008, 11:55 AM

Yeah the boom is the fun part. The first time I shot it around my dad he ducked when it went off not expecting such a big BOOM!

Cyrano · 04-25-2008, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shuak

You know what I just realized my father in law reloads. I don't know if he is set up for 7.62x54r or not though, I'll have to ask. I've seen ammo for the mosins at big 5 before, but is the winchester any good for hunting big game?

If your father in law reloads, he'll probably be happy to teach you how if you buy the necessary dies for 7.62x54R ammo for his reloading gear. The big thing is obtaining reloadable brass. I've read here that is is possible to obtain Berdan primers but that getting the old ones out of the primer pocket is a real pain and very messy, involving a dowel and water. I've also read that someone is producing 7.62x54R brass set up for Boxer (standard sporting-type as opposed to oldstyle military) primers, but I don't know who or where or how much per 100 cases.

One note: don't forget to have your Mosin slugged to find out what diameter bullet to buy! Most are .311 but that can vary up or down, and it does affect performance a lot. Once you know that, you can buy the appropriate SP or HP bullets for loading up hunting ammo. As noted above, you can get SP rounds commercially but I've never heard of any company making HPs for the Mosin.

Shuak · 04-25-2008, 12:45 PM

Thanks for the advise Cyrano!

Mooseman684 · 04-25-2008, 01:22 PM

Here is some Reloading Brass....Graf & Sons - 7.62mmx54R Russian
Rich

marion57 · 04-25-2008, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sh4d0ww4rri0r

Yes it does affect the aim. With it folded in it shoots left. You can drift your sight with a brass punch though.

just take it off or site it with the bayo folded

Geo M44 · 04-25-2008, 01:33 PM

Just buy commercial brass ammo and reuse the cartridges. I have 250 rounds of brass from Winchester, Igman, Wolf (Gold) and Sellier & Bellot, and it all reloads very well. the idea is that you get factory loaded ammo and reloadable brass at the same time.

I just bought 100 rounds of Prvi Partizen FMJ ($10.25 a box of 20 at AIM) for practice but will reload them with Speer 180gr. SP (hunting round) and Sierra 174gr. HPBT (Match Target round).

If your father-in-law reloads and doesn't mind you using his setup, all you need to do is buy the reloading dies (~$20) case trimmer (~$4), and maybe a primer shell holder if he uses a Lee Auto Prime (#16 which you will need to buy separately as it does not come in the normal set).

It's pretty interesting that each rifle type has it's own ammo personality/preference. The nice thing is that you can adjust the load and ogive to match the best characteristics of each rifle, or relaod for the "norm". I have separate loading methods for the carbines, and the M39. Haven't fired the new 91/30 yet, but will take samples of each type to test.

Surprisingly MilSurp ammo is pretty accurate in all types, as are most commercial factory loads.

Kismet · 04-25-2008, 02:49 PM

Not an expert, nor do I play one on TV, but I prefer 150 gr sp, same weight as the milsurp ammo I practice with.

Getting some 168gr sp in the next month from a friend. We'll see if much difference. Dunno.

Took bayo off M44. Mine shoots right on. YMMV.

3/4s of a pound---waaay out there----difference. I notice it.

Mosin Shooter · 04-25-2008, 03:05 PM

If you can find some hollow point .308 cal bullets, buy some factory ammo and pop the bullets out and replace them with the .308 HP's.

Hollow points dont ricochet, they shatter on hitting just about anything.
Even if they hit the ground, they wont go very far, cuz any dirt it picks up will cause the bullet to mushroom and lose aerodynamic efficiency and will also destabilize the bullet, causing it to slow and land on the ground.

HP's are very safe rounds.

04-25-2008, 10:30 AM	#2
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,668 Images: 2	180 gr. SP Brown Bear ammo has gotten some good reviews...I load my own hunting ammo... __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

04-25-2008, 10:51 AM	#4
andrew cochran Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Little town in ARKANSAW! Posts: 2,155	MidwayUSA — Shooting Supplies, Reloading, Gunsmithing, Ammunition, Gun Parts & Rifle Scopes carries some good jacketed soft point ammo, in 7.62x54R __________________ If you don't have anything good to say... Don't say it!

04-25-2008, 11:02 AM	#6
Geo M44 Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: The Desert Posts: 2,197	Big 5 usually does not carry ammo for 7.62 x 54R, but if they do it's Winchester 180gr SP (Soft Point hunting ammo). Cabellas usually carries Sellier & Bellot SP. If you are going to hunt frequently you might want to consider reloading. A decent setup runs about $250. Once you have the basics additional die sets (for other calibers) are about $20. __________________ Remember when seconds count... the police are only minutes away.

04-25-2008, 11:15 AM	#8
SwedeSteve Thor's Hammer Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Alaska Posts: 10,346 Images: 1	Just go check it out and read the box/ look at the rounds. Mosin model doesn't matter unless you're taking longer shots at elk. Then I would go with the M91/30. __________________ Thank God we don't get as much Government as we pay for! -Will Rogers

04-25-2008, 01:33 PM	#18
Geo M44 Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: The Desert Posts: 2,197	Just buy commercial brass ammo and reuse the cartridges. I have 250 rounds of brass from Winchester, Igman, Wolf (Gold) and Sellier & Bellot, and it all reloads very well. the idea is that you get factory loaded ammo and reloadable brass at the same time. I just bought 100 rounds of Prvi Partizen FMJ ($10.25 a box of 20 at AIM) for practice but will reload them with Speer 180gr. SP (hunting round) and Sierra 174gr. HPBT (Match Target round). If your father-in-law reloads and doesn't mind you using his setup, all you need to do is buy the reloading dies (~$20) case trimmer (~$4), and maybe a primer shell holder if he uses a Lee Auto Prime (#16 which you will need to buy separately as it does not come in the normal set). It's pretty interesting that each rifle type has it's own ammo personality/preference. The nice thing is that you can adjust the load and ogive to match the best characteristics of each rifle, or relaod for the "norm". I have separate loading methods for the carbines, and the M39. Haven't fired the new 91/30 yet, but will take samples of each type to test. Surprisingly MilSurp ammo is pretty accurate in all types, as are most commercial factory loads. __________________ Remember when seconds count... the police are only minutes away.

04-25-2008, 10:21 AM	#1
Shuak Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: ctrl,alt,del Posts: 183	What is the best hunting round? I would like to try my hand at deer hunting this year using my 91/30 instead of a 30.06 like years before. Anyone know of any good hunting ammo I can pick up? Price really isn't too much of an issue since I won't be buying plinking rounds.

04-25-2008, 10:34 AM	#3
Shuak Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: ctrl,alt,del Posts: 183	I don't reload so I have to buy...I just heard that FMJ is not good for hunting and I want something that has good expansion. Is Brown bear ammo readily available? Like can I go to Big 5 or Cabelas and get some? Oh and is the 91/30 or M44 better for hunting white tail and elk.

04-25-2008, 10:54 AM	#5
Shuak Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: ctrl,alt,del Posts: 183	Thanks for the web site Andrew. I would like to find some I can buy locally though, sporting good store style.

04-25-2008, 11:07 AM	#7
Shuak Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: ctrl,alt,del Posts: 183	You know what I just realized my father in law reloads. I don't know if he is set up for 7.62x54r or not though, I'll have to ask. I've seen ammo for the mosins at big 5 before, but is the winchester any good for hunting big game?

04-25-2008, 11:23 AM	#9
Shuak Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: ctrl,alt,del Posts: 183	M91/30, Soviet (4) 8 3/4 lbs. 4 kg. M44 (5) 9 lbs. 4.1 kg. These are the weights for the two rifles I am considering. the 91/30 is lighter and has better accuracy at longer ranges. The only down side of the 91/30 is length. Oh and has anyone for sure figured out if shooting the M44 with the bayonet out really improves center of aim? I would hate to go hunting with a rifle and a bayonet sticking out of the front of it.

04-25-2008, 11:32 AM	#10
sh4d0ww4rri0r Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: San Diego Posts: 186	Yes it does affect the aim. With it folded in it shoots left. You can drift your sight with a brass punch though.

04-25-2008, 11:33 AM	#11
Shuak Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: ctrl,alt,del Posts: 183	That might work for me since I don't shoot my M44 with the Bayonet extended.

04-25-2008, 11:35 AM	#12
sh4d0ww4rri0r Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: San Diego Posts: 186	Yeah I get made fun of at the range by the rangemaster. He keeps asking me if I am roasting marmallows or making sishkabobs. Hardy har har. He's asked me like 3 times already on 3 diffferent occasions. I think he is senile. Which is scary..... But it is all good. I have no problem being "different". I just like it when it goes BOOOOOM and everyone turns around and asks me "what is that thing?"

04-25-2008, 11:55 AM	#13
Shuak Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: ctrl,alt,del Posts: 183	Yeah the boom is the fun part. The first time I shot it around my dad he ducked when it went off not expecting such a big BOOM!

04-25-2008, 12:45 PM	#15
Shuak Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: ctrl,alt,del Posts: 183	Thanks for the advise Cyrano!

04-25-2008, 01:22 PM	#16
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,668 Images: 2	Here is some Reloading Brass....Graf & Sons - 7.62mmx54R Russian Rich __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

04-25-2008, 02:49 PM	#19
Kismet Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: rural WI Posts: 159	Not an expert, nor do I play one on TV, but I prefer 150 gr sp, same weight as the milsurp ammo I practice with. Getting some 168gr sp in the next month from a friend. We'll see if much difference. Dunno. Took bayo off M44. Mine shoots right on. YMMV. 3/4s of a pound---waaay out there----difference. I notice it. __________________ Kis Safety? SAFETY??? Is gun for to shoot, not to be on SAFETY!!!

04-25-2008, 03:05 PM	#20
Mosin Shooter Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 416	If you can find some hollow point .308 cal bullets, buy some factory ammo and pop the bullets out and replace them with the .308 HP's. Hollow points dont ricochet, they shatter on hitting just about anything. Even if they hit the ground, they wont go very far, cuz any dirt it picks up will cause the bullet to mushroom and lose aerodynamic efficiency and will also destabilize the bullet, causing it to slow and land on the ground. HP's are very safe rounds. __________________ Save a cow, eat a vegetarian.