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Lindcott Armory

Rifle · Soviet / Russian GRAU

7.62x54R

Also known as 7.62x54mmR · 7.62 Russian

Oldest military cartridge still in frontline service.

Caliber
0.3118″ · 7.92 mm
Introduced
1891
Case
Rimmed
Primary use
Military, Hunting, Target
Status
Active

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VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Typical grains148 · 150 · 174 gr
Identity
Introduced
1891
Type
Rifle
Origin
Russia
Inventor
Russian Imperial Army
Manufacturer
Tula Arms Plant
Standard
Soviet / Russian GRAU
Status
Active
Availability
Abundant
Build
Case capacity
65 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:9.5
Primer
Large Rifle
Case type
Rimmed
Pressure & range
Max pressure
56,000 psi
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

Best for Withheld until verified
Best for Withheld until verified
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
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀ 7.920.312 ✓
Neck ⌀ 8.530.336 ✓
Shoulder ⌀ 11.610.457 ✓
Shoulder angle 18.5°— ✓
Base ⌀ 12.370.487 ✓
Rim ⌀ 14.480.570 ✓
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.600.063 ✓
Neck length 9.420.371 ≈
Case length 53.722.115 ✓
Overall length 77.163.038 ✓

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

Verification

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 →

IMR 3031203-BIMR 4064URPNorma 204
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

12 models in the database chamber 7.62x54R. Browse all →

Century Arms PSL-54 7.62x54R 24-inchDragunov Design Bureau SVDM 7.62x54R 21.7-inchIzhmash SV-98TsKIB SOO OTS-03 SVU 7.62x54R 17-inchKBP Instrument Design Bureau SVUDragunov SVUCentury Arms PSL Rifle 7.62x54R 24-inchFabrica de Arme Cugir PSL 7.62x54R Romanian Sniper RifleIzhevsk Mechanical Plant Dragunov SVD 7.62x54R Soviet SniperDragunov SVDIzhmash SVD Dragunov 7.62x54R 24.5-inchZastava Arms USA PAPM91

Connected reference

Loads122 factory loads for 7.62x54RReloading5 suitable powders — cross-referenceFirearmsFirearms in 7.62x54R

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

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 92 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →