This refers to sealed metal containers, often resembling commercial food cans, containing surplus 7.62x54mmR ammunition. The 7.62x54mmR cartridge is a rimmed rifle round, historically used by the Russian Empire and Soviet Union, and still in widespread use today. These “spam cans,” as they are colloquially known, typically hold hundreds of rounds, often on stripper clips or loose, and are popular among shooters for their affordability and bulk availability.
The availability of surplus ammunition in this format provides an economical option for target shooting, training, and collecting. The 7.62x54mmR cartridge’s long history and continued use in numerous firearms, including the Mosin-Nagant rifle and Dragunov SVD, contributes to the sustained demand for these economical ammunition containers. Storing ammunition in sealed metal containers helps protect the cartridges from moisture and degradation, ensuring longevity and reliability.