The AK round IS the ballistic equivalent of the old 30/30 Winchester,though. When was the last time you heard a 30/30 being refered to as a "high-powered rifle"?
BTW,generally speaking,the AK series of rifles are the most inaccurate pieces of crap ever made,and if you hit a man with one at 200 yards,it could be considered to be a accidential shooting. Even the old 30/30 lever actions are much more accurate.
They are super reliable,though.
Due to the loose tolerances which lead to less a less accurate rifle as you mentioned it is.