The 7.62x54R Russian is sometimes called 7.62x53R Russian. It was adopted in 1891 with the Model 1891 Mosin-Nagant bolt action rifle. A version with a 150 grs spitzer bullet was adopted in 1909. This cartridge was standard issue in the Russian army during World War II. It is still standard issue for heavy machineguns and the SVO sniper rifle. It was also adopted by Finland, China and most ex-satellite nations. It remains as one of the few rimmed military cartridges still in standard issue. With the 150 grs bullet, the 7.62x54R Russian is in the same class as the 30-06 Springfield. However, since the rifle has a shorter magazine, it will not do as well as the 30-06 when loaded with heavier bullets. 

This text is based on information from “Cartridges of the World”, Hodgdon reloading manual, the cartridge designer and/or own resources.