I would like to hear from all that reload this cartridge.

It seems to have potential in the 150 grain bullet class. It uses most of the case volume for powder and very little extra space.

It has a few strange traits, like an extremely long loaded O.A.L. for the brass trim length.

Has anyone "Improved" this cartridge by pushing the shoulder forward and using a sharp angle? (like an Ackley)you could even shoot factory ammo in it, too.

7.62x54R reference loads:
1) "Modern Reloading: Richard Lee, 180 gr 38.7 gr IMR4895, 2.952" 2454 fps
2) "Sierra 50th" 1985, 180 gr, 45.1 gr IMR4895, 2.8" 2500 fps

I like the Sierra .311" dia 180 gr SPT bullets the best in my 91/30.

I have also used the Remington 180 gr bullets, but they do not group as well.

Reloaded with partial neck sized cases, CCI 200, 2.843" OAL, and IMR4895 powder shooting 3 shot groups at 100m from a benchrest, 29" barrel 91/30 Russian, not glass bedded:

40 gr 2.7"
41 gr 2"
42 gr 2.25"
43 gr >4"
44 gr 1.2"
45 gr 2.9"
46 gr 1.4"
47 gr >4"
48 gr 2.5"
49 gr 3.3"
50 gr 2.5" w/ sticky bolt

I reloaded again:
43.0 gr > 2"
43.3 gr 2.4"
43.6 gr 3.5"
44.0 gr 2.1"
44.3 gr 1.2"
44.6 gr 2.2"
45.0 gr 1.7"
45.3 gr 1.7"
45.6 gr 4.5"
46.0 gr 2"
46.3 gr 2.6"
46.6 gr 4.6"
47.0 gr 3.2"
47.3 gr 1.3"
47.6 gr 3.8"
48.0 gr 2.2"
48.3 gr 2.7"
48.6 gr 3"

I like Lapua brass much better than S&B. The S&B Boxer brass has two problems:
1) the base of the primer pocket has too large a radius and needs reaming.
2) The handloads are not as accurate as the original ammo.

The factory loaded ammo:
7.62x54R S&B soft point 180 gr. ammo 2" 3 shot groups at 100 yards

I have was getting the rifle on the paper with surplus ammo and cleaning the bore with Ammonia, but I have decided it is too much trouble. I now get on the paper with handloads.

50 grains Varget, 150 grain Hornady .311" bullet, CCI200 primer, 2.880" COL, 2850 fps in my M39, 2700 fps in my M44. Runs about 51 KPSI in cool weather, and up to 58 KPSI in very hot weather. Your individual results will vary, and you can be in a lot of pressure trouble in the 7.62x54R before you start to see a lot of "pressure signs".

As Clark says, the S&B brass does not have as nice a primer pocket as Lapua, but I find it quite serviceable. The primers end up flush instead of recessed .004", but that's not a big problem in bolt actions as far as I can tell. I have had no accuracy problem with it. My M39 gives me sub 1" groups at 50 yards, with iron sights.