[The KG9 Kid]

"... The original was chambered in 54mm, so that the rifle could accept both Warsaw Pact and the NATO 7.62x51mm rounds. The 7.62x39mm round is a "civilian" version of the weapon and the round became popular here in the US. I have a rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm (Ruger Mini-30)..."

What on EARTH are you talking about? A .308 Winchester (7.62 NATO) will not chamber in a Russian 7.62x54 rifle, and vice-versa. The latter cartridge has a rimmed case. Compared side by side, there's no similarity except that they're both pointy.

Okay, I'm fleeing this discussion. :)

[Poohbah]

Compared side by side, there's no similarity except that they're both pointy.

Well, the bullets are copper-jacketed, and the casings are brass...

Just a little more similarity :o)