[T. O'Heir]

7.62x54R ammo isn't going to be found in small places. The rifle is decidedly long too. No parts in small places either. So it's ok for now, but not if things get any worse. Mind you, you won't be finding any kind of ammo, anywhere, if that happens.
Brand name factory ammo is far too expensive to be shooting regularly. And not all less expensive ammo is corrosively primed. Usually is Berdan primed though. And that alone is reason enough to not use it. Not that you'll find Boxer primers(or powder) if bad things happen anyway.
"...ridiculously high over point of aim at 100 yards..." The rifles we had in the shop long ago were dead on at 200 yards.