Hunting moose with 7.62 by 39

by Andrew
(Quebec)

Can you hunt moose in Quebec with 7.62 X 39 ?

I think it's a great chambered rifle with a lot of punch.

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While the 7.62X39 is a popular cartridge among the users of ex-military type rifles and calibers (as well as being offered in sporting versions), I think this caliber is somewhat lacking as far a ballistics go.

Ballistically speaking the 7.62X39 is more comparable to the 30-30 which in my opinion would not be my first choice as a moose hunting rifle.

The 30-30 offered with a 150 grain bullet has very close to the same performance levels as the 7.62 X 39 with a 123 grain bullet except the 30-30 has much higher energy.

Lets compare the two:
30-30 energy at 100 yards 1356 foot pounds
7.62 energy at 100 yards 1129 foot pounds

When you look at the substantial drop and compare these to a 30-06 with a 150 grain SST having an energy level of 2700 foot pounds at 100 yards or a .308 with a 150 grain SST having an energy level of 2558 at the same distance, it's not hard to see that the small calibers just don't measure up when chasing north Americas largest land animal... the moose!

As for your question: Can you hunt moose with a 7.62 in Quebec?
I don't know of any specific regulation that prohibits that particular caliber. Your best bet would be to consult the game department in Quebec and find out for sure.

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