7mm Backcountry

[ftrovato]

What are peoples thoughts on this new Federal cartridge?

I'm more a traditional cartridge guy but had to try this one out.

It is impressive the velocity that is being realized with short barrels and large for caliber bullets!
And I read that the Federal ammo is doing really well in the accuracy department too.
They are offering ammo with bullets from 155 to 195 grains.

Reloading ammo could get interesting with the new none brass alloy cartridges.
More to come as I learn about that.

As I age, I like the idea of a compact light rifles with punch that can reach out and touch something far off!

I'll keep all abreast as I learn more about the Christensen rifle (16.25" bbl) and this cartridge at the range in the coming months.

I'm looking at 7 pounds for rifle, scope, rings and base. Hard to top that in a mountain gun!

 

[BonUm16]

Thread 'New Federal 7mm Backcountry “Ammunition Reinvented”'

Jan 7, 2025

Federal has been teasing something big was coming. I typically pay no attention to new calibers hitting the market. I can’t think of a single new cartridge in the last 20 years that had any practical impact on hunting. Most ammo development has gone towards extreme long range where the benefits of the latest and greatest aren’t realized until well outside of practical hunting ranges.

However, this one has me intrigued. They claim to produce magnum level velocity out of shorter suppressor friendly barrels with no increase in recoil.

How did they achieve this feat of physics...

• sureshot375
• Replies: 131
• Forum: Firearms & ammunition

• 

 

[ftrovato]

Thread 'New Federal 7mm Backcountry “Ammunition Reinvented”'

Jan 7, 2025

Federal has been teasing something big was coming. I typically pay no attention to new calibers hitting the market. I can’t think of a single new cartridge in the last 20 years that had any practical impact on hunting. Most ammo development has gone towards extreme long range where the benefits of the latest and greatest aren’t realized until well outside of practical hunting ranges.

However, this one has me intrigued. They claim to produce magnum level velocity out of shorter suppressor friendly barrels with no increase in recoil.

How did they achieve this feat of physics...

• sureshot375
• Replies: 131
• Forum: Firearms & ammunition

• 

It would seem they achieve this leap forward in physics with new cartridge case alloy that can withstand much greater pressure than brass and then reasonably fast burning powder to get it done in a short barrel.

 

[uplander01]

The industry is ripe with pressure to think up something new that people will want to buy. Seems like the backcountry thing is a sound theory when it comes to the numbers, but, IMO I'd be concerned about what this is going to change with what you need at the reloading bench with that brass, or should I say "not brass". If you're a guy that's going to buy a flat of ammo and just go hunting, probably no big deal. My days of crawling around at high altitude are over, so a super light short suppressed small/medium bore rifle is irrelevant to me, while they are nice to carry, but that's about it.

 

[WoodencrossIII]

I’m glad you made this post I’m waiting just a bit but I’m totally gonna get one of these I’m gonna go the cheap route and buy a savage 110 I like them rifles and they can shoot but to me this is a revolutionary step in cartridge and firearm technology

 

[Sideshow]

Great introduce a cartridge that you can’t reload for so have to rely on the ammo company to keep producing it…..let me think now ummmmmm NO you can keep that one

 

[ftrovato]

Great introduce a cartridge that you can’t reload for so have to rely on the ammo company to keep producing it…..let me think now ummmmmm NO you can keep that one

Dies:

7mm Backcountry Dies

7mm Backcountry Reloading Dies

leeprecision.com

Yes, the Federal 7mm Backcountry cartridge is designed to be reloadable, but it requires specialized dies (like those from Lee Precision and RCBS, working on them) and techniques because of its high-pressure steel-alloy case (Peak Alloy), which differs from traditional brass. While reloading is possible, it involves more steps, and you'll need specific data and tools from partners like Lee, with more reloading information expected from Federal.

Federal Data:

https://www.federalpremium.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-VistaFederalSharedLibrary/default/v68205b7d09a89b7c38f0bded27521a718d8eb7a9/contentDocuments/FP2100-7mm-Backcountry-Reloading-Data-Sheet_web-disclaimer-2.pdf

 

[Sideshow]

Dies:

7mm Backcountry Dies

7mm Backcountry Reloading Dies

leeprecision.com

Reloading Data:

7mm Backcountry Dies

7mm Backcountry Reloading Dies

leeprecision.com

Yes, the Federal 7mm Backcountry cartridge is designed to be reloadable, but it requires specialized dies (like those from Lee Precision and RCBS, working on them) and techniques because of its high-pressure steel-alloy case (Peak Alloy), which differs from traditional brass. While reloading is possible, it involves more steps, and you'll need specific data and tools from partners like Lee, with more reloading information expected from Federal.

Thanks when I looked into it back last January that wasn’t available. Obviously I’m not the only one that had the above thought.

 

[ftrovato]

Thanks when I looked into it back last January that wasn’t available. Obviously I’m not the only one that had the above thought.

Who knows if this cartridge will sustain. Most dont. But it is interesting.

 

[Choupique]

I like it. Centerfire rifle tech has been effectively the same since the late 1800's with minor incremental improvements. A realistic means to handle increased chamber pressure without compromising reliability is a big deal.

 

[MS 9x56]

What are peoples thoughts on this new Federal cartridge?

I'm more a traditional cartridge guy but had to try this one out.

It is impressive the velocity that is being realized with short barrels and large for caliber bullets!
And I read that the Federal ammo is doing really well in the accuracy department too.
They are offering ammo with bullets from 155 to 195 grains.

Reloading ammo could get interesting with the new none brass alloy cartridges.
More to come as I learn about that.

As I age, I like the idea of a compact light rifles with punch that can reach out and touch something far off!

I'll keep all abreast as I learn more about the Christensen rifle (16.25" bbl) and this cartridge at the range in the coming months.

I'm looking at 7 pounds for rifle, scope, rings and base. Hard to top that in a mountain gun!

View attachment 735890View attachment 735891

I prefer to be up close and personal with my game. Except for bears, I am ok shooting them at 200-300 yards. Gives me plenty of opportunities for follow-up shots. Long distance I take as an affront to my hunting abilities. I prefer to being able to see their eyelashes before I fire.

 

[375Ruger416]

I think it’s great. I’m optimistic it will become popular and have legs. Not much you can’t do with a heavy for caliber 7 mm magnum. Very versatile. If you don’t want a short barrel, get a 24” and enjoy the extra velocity.

If I had an empty space in my gun rack, I’d probably buy one. Maybe in a few years when my kids are ready to step up from their 6.5 CM to something with more recoil

 

[atrious]

If I wanted a short and handy hunting rifle it would be a .308 or .284Win. If I needed a bit more and could stand a longer barrel, then a .30-06 or maybe 7 Rem Mag.

 

[Philip Glass]

What are peoples thoughts on this new Federal cartridge?

I'm more a traditional cartridge guy but had to try this one out.

It is impressive the velocity that is being realized with short barrels and large for caliber bullets!
And I read that the Federal ammo is doing really well in the accuracy department too.
They are offering ammo with bullets from 155 to 195 grains.

Reloading ammo could get interesting with the new none brass alloy cartridges.
More to come as I learn about that.

As I age, I like the idea of a compact light rifles with punch that can reach out and touch something far off!

I'll keep all abreast as I learn more about the Christensen rifle (16.25" bbl) and this cartridge at the range in the coming months.

I'm looking at 7 pounds for rifle, scope, rings and base. Hard to top that in a mountain gun!

View attachment 735890View attachment 735891

Yes I am looking! I'm a hunter first and a shorter rifle is better. I could care less about reloading!
This is one to watch.

 

[dogcat1]

I looked into this one as I did the 7mm PRC. No interest at all.
The 7mm Rem Mag shoots virtually the same. The .280 Rem or .280 AI are very close, the 7x57 and .275 Rigby are slower but less punishing to shoot.

I sold a couple of Creedmore's and anything with AI on it as well as anything Weatherby recently. I paired down to .275 Rigby, .280 Rem, .300 HH, .375 HH and .222 Rem

I grow weary of the makers trying to sell me stuff that is what I already have.

If you are going to invest/buy something new - upgrade your scope and binos. The money is better spent.

Even a better idea, spend the money and time learning to shoot what you have at SAAM school or somewhere that teaches you to shoot what you have.

 

[375Ruger416]

I looked into this one as I did the 7mm PRC. No interest at all.
The 7mm Rem Mag shoots virtually the same. The .280 Rem or .280 AI are very close, the 7x57 and .275 Rigby are slower but less punishing to shoot.

I sold a couple of Creedmore's and anything with AI on it as well as anything Weatherby recently. I paired down to .275 Rigby, .280 Rem, .300 HH, .375 HH and .222 Rem

I grow weary of the makers trying to sell me stuff that is what I already have.

If you are going to invest/buy something new - upgrade your scope and binos. The money is better spent.

Even a better idea, spend the money and time learning to shoot what you have at SAAM school or somewhere that teaches you to shoot what you have.

No question I have enough rifles and cartridges. Trying to have a 1 in, 1 out policy. Have a few that need to get sold this year. Both my Blaser R8 and Gunwerks Nexus are switch barrels, so that decreases the need for other rifles further. My current collection is 17 HMR, 22 LR, 223, 6.5 Grendel, 6.5 CM, 6.5 PRC, 7 RM, 300 WM, 300 PRC, 375 H&H, 410 and 12 gauge. Its worse than it sounds because there are multiples of some of these... My 6.5 PRC and 300 PRC get almost all of the work hunting - smaller than elk 6.5 PRC, elk and bigger 300 PRC in NA. My Blaser R8 in 300 WM/375 H&H has me covered for a traveling rifle. It was purchased specifically for Africa after my experience traveling to Namibia with a full-size rifle case. I flew through Frankfurt to Windhoek so it wasn't bad, but I hope to travel somewhere wilder in Africa and traveling with a Blaser in a small case through multiple connections is very appealing. I would love a Dakota or Rigby in 416, but the Blaser was a much more practical choice. Going to practice hard with the Blaser this year and see how I like it. Only a few rounds through it so far.

+1 on better optics and training. My son and I are going to the SAAM Field to Fork school in April - looking forward to it. He took his first deer this fall, now they are going to work on his marksmanship, hunting skills, and teach him to dress and cook game. We have done the Mapleseed course together - a rimfire marksmanship course similar to the NRA Appleseed course - I highly recommend. It's also very reasonably priced and an excellent value.

 

[MS 9x56]

I don’t think it does anything that can’t be done with a 128 year old 7x57.

 

[ftrovato]

I don’t think it does anything that can’t be done with a 128 year old 7x57.

I used to be of the mindset that I didn't want or need anything other than the classics.

Now, in my 60s, I have to say I'm having fun in the field, at the range and at the reloading bench chasing new ideas and keeping my mind active.

 

[Choupique]

I grow weary of the makers trying to sell me stuff that is what I already have.

I understand this sentiment. If we'd stopped with centerfire rifle and cartridge development in about 1920 we'd still be pretty much in the same place we are now in our ability to effectively kill game.

It isn't about that anymore. We've been able to effectively kill everything on the planet at very long range for a very long time now, at least in terms of the cartridges and rifles available to us. Most every advancement since the early 1900's has been a marketing stunt by a company looking to increase revenue and move more rifles or ammo. Sure, the stuff we have now is "better" but unless you're a long range shooter, none of it actually enables you to kill game that you would not have killed if you didn't have the newest whizzbanger.

To be fair to the 7mm BC, it is actually markedly different than what we already have. Bi-metal cases do have the attractive quality of being able to handle faster powders for better efficiency in short barrels. So, it is a cool and measurable change in the technology available to us. Worth selling all your rifles to get one? No, not hardly. It does signal that there is still some room for measurable innovation when it comes to launching bullets from repeating centerfire rifles.

 

[MS 9x56]

I used to be of the mindset that I didn't want or need anything other than the classics.

Now, in my 60s, I have to say I'm having fun in the field, at the range and at the reloading bench chasing new ideas and keeping my mind active.

Different strokes for different folks. I am in my late 60’s and take every opportunity to hunt with my classics and enjoy carrying them in the field.