The 7.7x58mm Japanese was adopted in 1939 in 
the Arisaka bolt-action rifle.  It was to replace 
the older 6.5mm round but the latter was never 
really phased out, and remained in service.

    Coincident with the arrival of surplus rifles 
after W.W.II, the cartridge enjoyed some 
popularity in the U.S. as a hunting round.

    In terms of performance, the 7.7 achieves 
ballistics just below that of the .308 
Winchester.  That is, it is adequate for most 
North American game, pushing a 150-grain
bullet along at about 2500 fps.