So I quite like the little Ruger in 7.62x39. I think it’d make a fantastic deer gun, to 200m or so. I’m sure it will reach out and touch something a lot further, but that would mean heavier scope, etc. I like it for it’s small and lite design.
But!
I’m use to streamline design, due to the way I carry my rifle. This one has a protruding magazine, that really messes with me. Making it pretty uncomfortable to carry in one hand.
Yep, about same or slightly less grunt than 30-30. You can use spire bullets which help unlike 30-30. But bit light on for Sambar or Reds in MHO.
Pigs, Goats, Fallow would be great.
In this case more is more is better.
For many years 30-30 was the legal minimum for Reds & Sambar and should still be.