Is all 7.62x54 really 7.62x54R?

[TheOtherOne]

I'm looking to buy some ammo for my Mosin Nagant 91/30 and I've found 7.62x54mm, but I know the rifle says 7.62x54R. I don't think there is a difference, but I just wanted to make sure.

 

[Tony Williams]

There is no other 7.62x54 that I am aware of. There is the 7.5x54 French MAS which has an actual bore diameter of 7.62mm but it's never called that. The R for rimmed is often missed off cartridge designations.

Tony Williams: Military gun and ammunition website and Discussion forum

 

[benEzra]

As far as I know, yes. And Finnish 7.62x53 is the same as 7.62x54R.

 

[Kamicosmos]

I could be wrong, but I thought the 7.62x54 vs 7.62x54R was very similiar to .308 vs 7.62 or .223 vs 5.56. IE: Most military surplus rifles should be able to handle either, but a 'match grade' 7.62x54 chamber may not be able to chamber the 'R' ammo due to the 'R' ammo having looser tolerances on dimensions.

But, I could be way way wrong on that, so I'd check it out first.

 

[MrMurphy]

All 7.62X54 is X54R (R standing for Rimmed, sometimes people say it stands for Russian, which it is as well). The 7.62X54R is the oldest serving service round still IN service (1891-now)... Even the .30-06 didn't last that long (1906 to 1957 for active service, limited service until Vietnam).

 

[TheOtherOne]

Thanks.

Does anyone know a source for cheap 7.62x54 ammo? Here's what I was looking to order:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jhtml?id=0015311214769a

(last one on the list, $4.99 for a box of 20)

Cabelas is really the only place I've found that doesn't charge you a fortune for shipping ammo. They just have set shipping prices based on the cost of your total order, not the weight.

 

[AJ Dual]

Where to get 7.62x54?

AIM surplus

SOG

Ammoman

J&G sales

Cheaper than Dirt.

Century International Arms

Just to name a few...

You're in luck on average 7.62x54R is some of the cheapest stuff out there. Usually only 8mm aka 7.92 mauser comes at better prices per case and half-case lots...

 

[benEzra]

Wolf 7.62x54 is excellent ammunition. My Finn M39 REALLY likes the 148-gr FMJ rather than the 200-gr; cheaperthandirt.com sells both. Wolf is noncorrosive, so you don't have to be so religious about cleaning the bore immediately after you shoot it as with military surplus ammo (which leaves corrosive salts in the bore after firing that must be neutralized quickly or else your rifle's innards will rust).

My best group with Wolf 7.62x54 148-gr FMJ is 1 3/8" at 100 yds with the M39.