[tobnpr]

The 7.62 x 54R is a caliber still very much in use and production today, so "drying" up isn't a realistic possibility IMO.

But the economic laws of supply and demand still apply- so as demand increases, so will price. And as ammo price increases, the demand for- and price of- the Mosin will likely decline again.

When you can buy a Ruger American that'll outshoot it all day long for three bills, if 54R surplus starts approaching OTC centerfire ammo prices it'll be the death knell. It's the cheap ammo, and a "so-so" accurate rifle that makes them attractive these days.

I have a minute-of-angle Mosin "sporter" that I shoot long range, but that requires match handloads. The surplus ammo is just too inaccurate for precision target shooting. When I shoot at a target, I like to know that when I miss it was my fault- and not because of inherently inaccurate ammo- so I don't buy or shoot it.

Now, if you just want to hit a 3-4 MOA chunk of steel, it's fine.
I do agree that keeping a few spam cans around for "you know" isn't a bad idea...