The 7.62×53mmR (7.62x53R Finnish, 7.62x54R, 7.62x54R Russian) was developed in 1891 by Col. S.J. Mosin for the Mosin-Nagant rifle. It was adopted by Finland, China, and ultimately by most Soviet satellites. The 7.62x53R (7.62x54R) remained standard issue through both world wars, and is still widely used in machineguns and sniper rifles...thus one of the oldest cartridges still in service. With a 150-grain bullet at a very credible 2800 fps it is a powerful and effective cartridge, certainly in the same class as the 7.62x51 NATO and .30-06 although, with its longer case, the .30-06 does better with heavier bullets. The 7.62x53R (7.62x54R) remains an extremely popular hunting cartridge throughout the Russian/Soviet sphere of influence, and is certainly adequate for game up to big bears. —
Craig Boddington