Saw ammo labeled this way at Gander Mountain today, and assume it is for 7.62X54..certainly looks like it. Has a soft point and looks to be about 200gr.

Any one try this? Thinking that it would be a real butt-kicker for hogs with my M38.

Bob, Norma does make at least one or two different loads for the 7.62x54R caliber. (180gr. and the 200gr that you saw)

Personally, I'd want to compare the cartridges to another, "known" 7.62x54R round.

Norma makes good ammunition, though it is very pricey.

If you're looking to use commercial ammunition for hunting, there aren't very many options.

Wolf makes a 200gr soft point. (2380FPS/ 2516.2 FPE)

Beyond that, there's Winchester's 180gr load, but it's FMJ, and I don't think FMJ is legal for hunting anywhere.

Personally, if you have the capability, I'd handload for it. Then you'd have your choice of premium hunting bullets to choose from.

mike

Yes, Mike, it was a bit pricey, around $45 per 20. I've got some of the Wolf stuff but fear it might be a little soft for hogs. Handloading is an option, of course, if I figure to use it more than one hunt. I've been telling myself for years that the M38 deserves a hog hunt of its own, but alway grab the Whelen.

I have a box of Norma 7.62 Russian and have shot about half of it. My 91/30 really likes it and the brass is tops.

Tex...

Have you tried any of it on game?

$45 a box, yep, that's Norma for you. Same price as factory .338wm. I've shot the 200gr Wolf, and it worked fine, though I've never used it on game. My 91/30 is a little long for trudging through the woods.

Norma's brass is good. Got a bit of it. To me it all seems a little thin though.

How accurate is the 200gr wolf in your M38? If it was me, I'd use it.

mike

The Wolf shoots quite well in my 38 ( about 1.25" at 100 yds) but not nearly so well with the 91/30 ( which indeed is too long to go poking through the woods with ). My only concern is whether or not is is stout enough in construction to be a viable hog round.

Probably so.

Bob,

I have not. At the present, both my Mosins are collector's items and I only shoot paper with them. I would not hesitate to hunt whitetail deer or hogs with this cartridge and these rifles however.

Thanks,

Bob, I can understand your concern, especially with hogs. But, personally, I think that 200gr, even with a soft jacket, would be enough. The only thing I would question would be a shoulder shot.

Maybe a go with some balistics gel would be an idea. You don't hear too much about people using Wolf for hunting, so you don't get the bullet retrieval stories that you do with other ammunitions.

You could also contact Wolf, and see what they say. Who knows, they may say or on the hog.

Just some ideas to entertain.

mike

Winchester does make a 180gr Soft Point for the 7.62x54R, we have it here in Ohio at our Gander Mountain store.

I wasn't sure if Winchester produced their 180gr in a soft point or not. I can only get, and have only seen it in FMJ.

180 soft point would be good for hunting.

mike