The 7.62x54R cartridge holds a unique place in firearms history. First introduced in 1891 for the Mosin-Nagant rifle, it remains one of the longest-serving military cartridges still in active use. From the trenches of World War I to the battlefields of today, the 7.62x54R continues to see service in Russian military weapons like the Dragunov SVD sniper rifle and PKM machine gun.
For civilian shooters, millions of surplus Mosin-Nagant rifles have been imported into the U.S., making 7.62x54R a popular choice for collectors, historical enthusiasts, and hunters. Whether you're looking for accurate range ammunition, long-range precision rounds, or an effective hunting load, we’ve selected the best 7.62x54R ammunition available today to maximize the performance of your surplus rifle.
Our Top Picks for 7.62x54R Ammunition
- Prvi Partizan 7.62x54R FMJ 182gr - Best for Plinking at the Range
- Sellier & Bellot 7.62x54R 174gr HPBT - Best for Long-Range Target Shooting
- Prvi Partizan 7.62x54R SP 150gr - Best for Hunting Applications
- Sellier & Bellot 7.62x54R 180gr SP - Best Budget Hunting or Range Ammo
Best 7.62x54R for Plinking at the Range: Prvi Partizan 182gr FMJ
PPU 7.62x54R FMJ 182gr
For surplus rifle owners looking for an affordable and reliable round for range days, the Prvi Partizan 182gr FMJ is an excellent choice. Designed for consistent accuracy and smooth feeding, this ammunition is ideal for casual target shooting and training with your Mosin-Nagant or Dragunov-style rifle.
Ballistic Data:
- Muzzle Velocity: ~2,620 fps
- Muzzle Energy: ~2,767 ft-lbs
- Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
Pros:
- Affordable and great for high-volume shooting
- Non-corrosive primers, safer for surplus rifles
- Brass-cased and reloadable
Cons:
- Not designed for hunting or self-defense
- FMJ rounds may over-penetrate targets
Why We Selected This Product:
The Prvi Partizan 182gr FMJ offers solid accuracy and reliability for range shooting, making it one of the best choices for plinking with surplus rifles.
Best 7.62x54R for Long-Range Target Shooting: Sellier & Bellot 174gr HPBT
Sellier & Bellot 7.62x54R 174 Grain Hollow Point Boat Tail OTM
For those looking to push the 7.62x54R to its limits at long range, the Sellier & Bellot 174gr Hollow Point Boat Tail (HPBT) is the best choice. This round features a match-grade projectile with a boat tail design, allowing for greater stability, better aerodynamics, and improved accuracy at extended distances.
Ballistic Data:
- Muzzle Velocity: ~2,575 fps
- Muzzle Energy: ~2,580 ft-lbs
- Bullet Type: Hollow Point Boat Tail (HPBT)
Pros:
- Superior accuracy for long-range shooting
- Boat tail design minimizes drag and wind drift
- Ideal for Mosin-Nagants with upgraded optics
Cons:
- More expensive than standard FMJ rounds
- Not designed for hunting or self-defense
Why We Selected This Product:
For precision shooters who want to maximize accuracy out of their com-block rifle, the Sellier & Bellot 174gr HPBT is an excellent choice for long-range target shooting! In fact, I myself use this particular product in all of my Mosin Nagant rifles for when I want to reach out and reliably engage steel at a distance!
Best 7.62x54R for Hunting: Prvi Partizan 150gr Soft Point
PPU 7.62x54R SP 150gr
Hunters using 7.62x54R rifles need reliable expansion and deep penetration, and the Prvi Partizan 150gr Soft Point (SP) delivers exactly that. With controlled expansion upon impact, this round is highly effective for deer, wild boar, and similar-sized game.
Ballistic Data
- Muzzle Velocity: ~2,800 fps
- Muzzle Energy: ~2,611 ft-lbs
- Bullet Type: Soft Point (SP)
Pros:
- Soft point bullet provides controlled expansion for hunting
- Lighter 150gr bullet has a flatter trajectory
- Brass-cased and reloadable
Cons:
- Not ideal for larger game like moose or elk
- Slightly more expensive than standard FMJ ammo
Why We Selected This Product:
The Prvi Partizan 150gr SP offers excellent hunting performance with reliable expansion, making it a top choice for hunting deer and medium-sized game with surplus rifles.
Best Budget 7.62x54R for Hunting or the Range: Sellier & Bellot 180gr SP
Sellier & Bellot 762x54R 180gr SP
For shooters looking for affordable but effective hunting or range ammunition, the Sellier & Bellot 180gr Soft Point offers great value without sacrificing performance. The soft point design expands reliably, making it suitable for hunting deer, hogs, and black bear, while still being accurate enough for general range use.
Ballistic Data:
- Muzzle Velocity: ~2,600 fps
- Muzzle Energy: ~2,704 ft-lbs
- Bullet Type: Soft Point (SP)
Pros:
- Affordable hunting and range ammo option
- Reliable expansion and stopping power
- Brass-cased and reloadable
Cons:
- Not as precise as match-grade or HPBT rounds
- Limited availability compared to FMJ options
Why We Selected This Product:
For shooters and hunters on a budget, the Sellier & Bellot 180gr SP is a versatile and affordable choice that performs well for both hunting and target shooting.
Final Thoughts
The 7.62x54R remains a historic and powerful cartridge, offering shooters an effective, affordable, and versatile round for a variety of applications. Whether you're using a Mosin-Nagant, Dragunov, or another surplus rifle, selecting the right ammunition can improve accuracy, performance, and terminal effectiveness.
- For casual range shooting, the Prvi Partizan 182gr FMJ is a top choice.
- For long-range precision, the Sellier & Bellot 174gr HPBT offers superior accuracy.
- For hunting applications, the Prvi Partizan 150gr SP is the best option.
- For budget-conscious shooters, the Sellier & Bellot 180gr SP is a great balance of affordability and performance.
No matter your needs, 7.62x54R continues to be a great cartridge for surplus rifle enthusiasts and hunters alike. Happy shooting!
Frequently Asked Questions
The 7.62x54R is effective out to 800-1,000 yards, but for hunting, shots should stay within 300-400 yards to ensure ethical kills.
Yes! Brass-cased ammo from Prvi Partizan and Sellier & Bellot is reloadable, but Berdan-primed surplus rounds from Russia and the Soviet era are much harder to reload.
Not necessarily, but steel-cased ammo is harder on extractors and may cause more fouling in the chamber. If using a surplus rifle, cleaning after shooting steel-cased ammo is recommended.
- FMJ (Full Metal Jacket): Best for range shooting and historical accuracy, but not ideal for hunting.
- SP (Soft Point): Expands on impact, making it better for hunting deer, elk, and wild boar.
Many Russian-made steel-cased 7.62x54R rounds have been restricted from U.S. imports due to sanctions. While older surplus ammo still exists, supplies are shrinking.
Yes, but heavier 200+ grain soft point or bonded bullets are recommended for deep penetration on larger animals.
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