Guns and Gear Test - Part Two - 7.62x54r Ammo - Quantity vs. Quality

In a check to see if using quality ammo in my Mosin-Nagant M91/30 rifle would make a significant difference, here are the test results. First off this was by no means a professional test and was a very simple comparison of ammo for my own purposes.  Depending upon your own skills and abilities, you may have different results. 

The rifle used was my Mosin-Nagant M91/30 rifle and some 7-62x54r 180 grain FMJ ammo which was obtained from Bulkammo.com. The source of the bulk ammo was a local gun dealer. The rifle had iron sights which were set at 100 meters (110 yards). This was also the distance to the target.
Five rounds of bulk ammo rounds were fired at the target and the results checked after each set. This was followed by five rounds of quality ammo. The rifle was also cleaned after each set of five rounds (the magazine capacity) were fired. A total of 20 rounds, 10 rounds of bulk surplus ammo and ten rounds of quality ammo were fired during the test.


All test shots were fired with iron sights from the kneeling position using the bipod on its shortest setting. There were no additional aids used other than a small table (see pic) as a gun rest. It was a clear day and the temperature was in the low 90’s with little or no wind.

A new paper target was placed on an old corrugated plastic sign after each set of rounds were fired.  Here are pics of the different targets with the results of the test rounds.

The first five rounds of quality ammo. All five rounds were on target but no direct hits.

The second five rounds of quality ammo. Four rounds were on target with one near miss (lower left which is not circled).

The first five rounds of bulk ammo. Two hits on target and two near misses (one low and one to the left of the target).

The second five rounds of bulk ammo. Two hits on target and two near misses (both low).

Here are my thoughts on the results:

1. There were no failures or jams with the quality ammo.


2. A total of nine hits were made on the target at 100 meters out of the ten rounds of quality ammo that was used.

3. A total of four hits were made on the target out of the ten rounds of the bulk ammo used.

4.There were a total of four cartridges with split necks from the bulk ammo. This was a bit unusual and was not previously experienced to this degree.

5. One jam was experienced when the primer cap separated from the cartridge and caused the bolt to hang up. 


6. A quarter-sized target is a lot harder to hit at 100 meters with iron sights than you may realize. 

7. My  Mosin-Nagant will need a scope to take full advantage of its capabilities.


8. Your son doesn't mind doing a little "plinking" with your rifle and your ammo afterwards.

9. The custom stock makes the recoil a lot more manageable. 

10. Sometimes you have to pay a little extra to get more.


The fact this ammo was reliable and had shown itself to be fairly accurate in this simple comparison test makes this 7.62x54R ammo a good choice for use in my Mosin-Nagant. While the cost is somewhat higher, the reliability and accuracy of the rounds fired more than compensate for this factor. The rifle was also significantly easier to clean because the quality ammo was non-corrosive.

Hopefully, there will be time in the near future to repeat this test and see if similar results are obtained after a second test.


Got 7.62x54R?


Special thanks also go to RW, Jr. for his help with this gear test. Thanks Jr.!


Staying above the water line!


Riverwalker