Thread: .308 or 7.62X54R?????????

I'm about to send off an order to Atlantic Arms ( http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct1212.aspx ) for a new VEPR and am weighing the pros and cons between the 7.62X54R and the .308 model with the 27 inch barrels. Both rounds have the same sized casings and have similar characteristics based upon the size of the charge in the casings, but the Russian round has a longer bullet and so is a slightly heavier round.

I've heard that the .308 rounds aren't as accurate in Russian made weapons, but with a good scope and those 27 inch barrels, that shouldn't be an issue.

The only thing I can really boil it down to is cost. The Silver Bear Russian ammo is a LOT cheaper than the Winchester .308.

Perhaps I am wrong about the accuracy and characteristics and would like some input before I go blow nearly a grand on one of these.

Originally Posted by Mandrake

I'm about to send off an order to Atlantic Arms ( http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct1212.aspx ) for a new VEPR and am weighing the pros and cons between the 7.62X54R and the .308 model with the 27 inch barrels. Both rounds have the same sized casings and have similar characteristics based upon the size of the charge in the casings, but the Russian round has a longer bullet and so is a slightly heavier round.

I've heard that the .308 rounds aren't as accurate in Russian made weapons, but with a good scope and those 27 inch barrels, that shouldn't be an issue.

The only thing I can really boil it down to is cost. The Silver Bear Russian ammo is a LOT cheaper than the Winchester .308.

Perhaps I am wrong about the accuracy and characteristics and would like some input before I go blow nearly a grand on one of these.

Go the round with the original weapon if russian made russian round ,i used a 7.62 nato round with a Reminton 308,they worked but were inferior in accuracy to the .308 Winchester .good enough for killing Kangaroos ,what are you using the weapon for ,hunting or target shooting or both?

Both. I plan to get good with it and then pop across the river to hunt boar in Arkansas. The 7.62X54R round was the round initially designed for this Vepr, which is basically a sexed up and much improved Soviet RPK.

I currently use an old Mosin, but I'm getting older and since it takes more time than I care to take to manually chamber another 7.62X54R round, I find myself increasingly relying upon the bayonet to keep from getting gored by those tusks since big boars tend to get a bit psychotically murderous when you shoot them and a single shot very rarely kills them.

Depends on what you want. Both are good rounds. You are already used to the 54R and have another rifle in the same caliber. For your use hunting hogs, either would be accurate enough.

I think you have already defined your choice.

If you want greater accuracy then the 308 and an AR-10 platform would be my choice.

If you get the Vepr in 54R, let us know how it performs.

Originally Posted by Mandrake

I'm about to send off an order to Atlantic Arms ( http://www.atlanticfirearms.com/storeproduct1212.aspx ) for a new VEPR and am weighing the pros and cons between the 7.62X54R and the .308 model with the 27 inch barrels. Both rounds have the same sized casings and have similar characteristics based upon the size of the charge in the casings, but the Russian round has a longer bullet and so is a slightly heavier round.

I've heard that the .308 rounds aren't as accurate in Russian made weapons, but with a good scope and those 27 inch barrels, that shouldn't be an issue.

The only thing I can really boil it down to is cost. The Silver Bear Russian ammo is a LOT cheaper than the Winchester .308.

Perhaps I am wrong about the accuracy and characteristics and would like some input before I go blow nearly a grand on one of these.

Do you plan on reloading? Then I suggest the .308.

The 7.62x54R is fine, however the cheap ammo is corrosive, and the bullet diameter is .311". If you use .308" bullets the accuracy will go out the window..... you do not have any where near the .311" bullet selection as you do .308".

Originally Posted by Wolverine

Do you plan on reloading? Then I suggest the .308.

The 7.62x54R is fine, however the cheap ammo is corrosive, and the bullet diameter is .311". If you use .308" bullets the accuracy will go out the window..... you do not have any where near the .311" bullet selection as you do .308".

I think they use different barrels for the 54R and .308 in the VEPR.

Originally Posted by Hoosier8

I think they use different barrels for the 54R and .308 in the VEPR.

Right, but what I am saying is that if he plans to reload ammunition, then the .308 is the way to go.

.311" is a pretty limited market.