Quoted:
Would I be correct in assuming the 7.62x39 is a stronger load in energy and damage done to the critters due to twice the bullet weight, bigger caliber and slightly lower velocity?
MSUDawg, great pics, whats the barrel length on your rifle?
It kinda depends on the bullet used, but yes when shooting expanding bullet loads I feel the x39 offers game taking ability far and above what .223 offers. Especally as you go up in critters and size of he game increases
think of 7.62x39 as a rimless short action 30-30 any game you would use a 30-30 on you can take with the 7.62x39 as well, the two cartridges can be used interchangeably as far as hunting goes. I like to use the 30-30 analogy because that's a cartridge just about everyone can relate to.
read about what my use of 7.62x39 on game
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=121&t=404566
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=121&t=406040