7.62x54R

7.62x54R cartridge

 

The 7.62x54mmR cartridge is one of the oldest service cartridges still in military use in the world. Originally adopted by the Russian army in 1891 with the adoption of the bolt-action magazine fed Mosin-Nagant rifle, it still remains in  widespread use after more than 125 years of continuous service.

Over time, it has been chambered in a number of bolt-action and semi-automatic military rifles (such as the SVD-98), as well as several machine guns (such as the PKM), and some civilian-type rifles (mostly for hunting purposes).

Many types of military- and civilian-grade loadings are still produced in this chambering worldwide.

 

Designation Bullet weight, g Muzzle velocity, m/s Muzzle energy, J Comments
M1891 13.7 610 2550 with round-nose FMJ bullet
L 9.7 860 3587 with pointed FMJ bullet (M1930 light ball)
D 11.9 795 3760 with pointed boat-tailed FMJ bullet (heavy ball)
B30 11 815 3650 with armor piercing bullet
7N1 9.56 820 3214 with pointed boat-tailed FMJ bullet, for sniper rifles