Rifle · Soviet / Russian GRAU
7.62x54R
Oldest military cartridge still in frontline service.
- Caliber
- 0.3118″ · 7.92 mm
- Introduced
- 1891
- Case
- Rimmed
- Primary use
- Military, Hunting, Target
- Status
- Active
- Introduced
- 1891
- Type
- Rifle
- Origin
- Russia
- Inventor
- N. F. Rogovtsev (Russian Imperial Army)
- Manufacturer
- Tula Arms Plant
- Standard
- Soviet / Russian GRAU
- Status
- Active
- Availability
- Abundant
- Case capacity
- 65 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:9.5
- Primer
- Large Rifle
- Case type
- Rimmed
- Max pressure
- 56,000 psi, CIP transducer
- Eff. range
- 900 yd
- Max range
- 4200 yd
- Recoil
- 18–25 ft·lb
Introduced by Tula Arms Plant
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for 7.62x54R.
Performance
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
CIP TDCC · verified| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 7.92 | 0.312 | ✓ |
| Neck ⌀ | 8.53 | 0.336 | ✓ |
| Shoulder ⌀ | 11.61 | 0.457 | ✓ |
| Shoulder angle | 18.5° | — | ✓ |
| Base ⌀ | 12.37 | 0.487 | ✓ |
| Rim ⌀ | 14.48 | 0.570 | ✓ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.60 | 0.063 | ✓ |
| Neck length | 9.42 | 0.371 | ≈ |
| Case length | 53.72 | 2.115 | ✓ |
| Overall length | 77.16 | 3.038 | ✓ |
Size vs familiar rounds
Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. 7.62x54R is highlighted below.
Factory loads
Being verified
Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.
Suitable powders
5 reloading powders listed for 7.62x54R, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory
Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.
Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.
Firearms chambered in 7.62x54R
Lineage
Connected reference
History
Adopted by Imperial Russia in 1891 for the Mosin-Nagant rifle. Survived the Russian Revolution, both World Wars, and Cold War. Still standard Russian sniper and machine gun cartridge. One of the most produced cartridges in history - billions of rounds manufactured. The 'R' designation means 'rimmed'.
FAQs
- What twist rate does 7.62x54R use?
- 7.62x54R typically uses a 1:9.5 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is 7.62x54R?
- 7.62x54R uses a 0.3118″ (7.92 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is 7.62x54R still in production?
- 7.62x54R is active; typical availability is abundant.
- What is 7.62x54R used for?
- 7.62x54R is primarily used for military, hunting, target.
- What are the best powders for 7.62x54R?
- Reloading powders commonly listed for 7.62x54R include IMR 3031, 203-B, IMR 4064, URP, among 5 suitable options.
Sources & provenance
- Standard C.I.P. — C.I.P. TDCC — Tables of Dimensions of Cartridges and Chambers
- Manufacturer Sellier & Bellot — S&B 7.62x54R 180 grs SP — product detail · representative_gun, grain_ballistics archived
- Manufacturer Prvi Partizan (PPU USA) — PPU 7.62x54 R — ammunition product page · representative_gun, grain_ballistics archived
- Manufacturer Sellier & Bellot — S&B 7.62x54R 174 grs HPBT (Target Match) — product detail · representative_gun, grain_ballistics archived
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 88 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →
