When it comes to cartridges, the 7.62mm or (.308 caliber) is one of, if not, the most popular bullet diameter out there. In this article, we’ll look at two of the most widely used cartridges: the 7.62x54r and the 7.62×51. Both cartridges have their unique characteristics and applications, so let’s dive into the details to see how they compare.
Short Answer:
Both of these cartridges have about the same energy and about the same recoil. However, the 7.62x54R has better long range performance. The 7.62×51 is more popular and has more bullet weights available.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look at each cartridge, their ballistics, and how these two cartridges compare in-depth.
In-Depth Look at the 7.62x54r
The 7.62x54r cartridge has a long history, dating back to its adoption by the Russian Empire in 1891 for the Mosin-Nagant rifle. It features a rimmed design, and is still a very effective cartridge especially when you consider it has been around nearly 135 years.
The 7.62x54R is not a bad choice for hunting big game such as deer and elk. Although it is an older cartridge, with just a few modifications to a relatively cheap Mosin rifle, you can have a very effective hunting rifle that can take just about any animal in North America.
However, because the 7.62X54R is an older cartridge it is not as popular as the newer options. This means that it is harder to find and will cost more per round to shoot. Another issue with this round is that it is only available in the Mosin Negant rifle as it is not widely produced anymore so you are limited with optioins.
Here is a ballistic chart of the 7.62x54R with a 150-grain spitzer bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2840 | 2686 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.2 | 2724 | 2471 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.9 | 2611 | 2270 |
| 150 | -1.1 | 1.8 | 2500 | 2082 |
| 200 | -3.6 | 3.3 | 2392 | 1906 |
| 250 | -7.6 | 5.3 | 2287 | 1742 |
| 300 | -13.3 | 7.9 | 2185 | 1590 |
| 350 | -20.8 | 11 | 2085 | 1448 |
| 400 | -30.3 | 14.7 | 1988 | 1316 |
| 450 | -41.8 | 18.8 | 1892 | 1193 |
| 500 | -56 | 23.8 | 1801 | 1081 |
In-Depth Look at the 7.62×51
The 7.62×51, also known as the 308 Winchester, was introduced in the 1950s as a commercial hunting cartridge and was later adopted by NATO forces as the standard battle rifle cartridge. It has seen use in just about every war since its invention and even more use by citizens.
One of the reasons the 7.62×51 is so popular is because it has a very controllable amount of recoil while still having enough energy to take game like elk out to 300 yards with a 180-grain bullet. Additionally, the 7.62×51 is available with bullets that weigh from 130-200 grains and even has some sub-sonic options for suppressed rifles.
There is no real downside to the 7.62×51. Some might consider 7.62×51 rifles and recoil too heavy for tactical shooting. Others will say that this round is a little too light for a game like elk, although it works just fine with proper shot placement and at close ranges.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 7.62×51 with a 150-grain jacketed soft point:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2820 | 2648 |
| 50 | -0.1 | 0.3 | 2673 | 2380 |
| 100 | 0 | 1.1 | 2532 | 2134 |
| 150 | -1.2 | 2.4 | 2394 | 1909 |
| 200 | -3.9 | 4.4 | 2261 | 1702 |
| 250 | -8.4 | 7.1 | 2132 | 1514 |
| 300 | -14.7 | 10.4 | 2007 | 1341 |
| 350 | -23.1 | 14.6 | 1886 | 1184 |
| 400 | -34.2 | 19.7 | 1771 | 1044 |
| 450 | -48.1 | 25.9 | 1661 | 919 |
| 500 | -65 | 32.9 | 1557 | 807 |
In-Depth Comparison
When comparing the 7.62x54r to the 7.62×51, there are several key differences to consider:
Ballistics: While both cartridges offer respectable performance, the 7.62x54r has better long range ballistics. With the same bullet weight, it will have 10 inches less drop and about 200 more foot pounds of energy. However, the 7.62×51 has better bullet options for long-range shooting, such as a boat tail design or bullets with higher BC.
Availability: The 7.62×51 is more commonly available and widely used in a variety of firearms, including military rifles, sporting rifles, as well as hunting rifles. The 7.62x54r is primarily associated with Soviet and Eastern bolt action rifles such as the Mosin Nagant.
Recoil: The reoil these cartridges have is about the same (15-18 foot pounds depending on the load). But generally, the 7.62×51 has higher recoil because of its high velocities and larger case capacity.
Versisitilty: Because of the fact that the 7.62×51 is more popular, has more bullet weights available, and has more bullet designs available, it is going to be better at a wider array of tasks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the 7.62x54r and the 7.62×51 are capable rifle cartridges with their own strengths and applications. The 7.62x54r is a reliable and effective cartridge with a long history of military service, while the 7.62×51 offers superior versatility in a wide range of firearms.