On January 9, 2025, Federal Ammunition unveiled its revolutionary new caliber: the 7mm Backcountry. Designed to deliver magnum-level performance in short-barreled rifles, this caliber meets the needs of modern hunters who favor compact weapons equipped with suppressors, which are increasingly used and popular today!
Peak Alloy Technology: a major innovation in the 7mm backcountry caliber
At the heart of the 7mm Backcountry is patented Peak Alloy technology. This high-strength steel alloy bushing design can withstand chamber pressures up to 80,000 psi (5515 bar),
In comparison, “modern” magnum calibers have operating pressures close to 4400/4500 bars. During bench tests of these weapons, they undergo tests at CIP pressure + 30%, i.e. 5800 bars… Close to the normal operating pressure of a 7mm BC.
This principle of using steel on the cases is not new, Sig introduced when its new caliber the 277 fury arrived a case that combines brass (for the lower part) and stainless steel (for the base). This hybrid design allows to support very high internal pressures, reaching up to 80,000 psi (compared to approximately 62,000 psi for the 5.56 NATO).
But unlike SIG, Federal announces that its 7mm backcountry caliber is a safe ammunition in traditional weapons?! The real innovation lies here: The deformation of the case “rubs” in the chamber during combustion, thus relieving the forces applied to the recoil tenons! And therefore allows the case to undergo a force similar to that applied by “conventional” magnum cartridges.
This technology allows to largely exceed the limits of traditional brass cases. On the other hand, we are not very confident about the “rechargeable” side of this type of case…
These particularly high muzzle pressures allow for higher muzzle velocities, even with 20-inch barrels, without proportionally increasing the recoil felt. In fact, the acceleration of the projectile comes from the pressure of the cartridge, these higher pressures allow the projectile to be “catapulted” more quickly and therefore to reach high muzzle velocities even on short barrels.
Exceptional ballistic performance of the 7mm backcountry
The 7mm Backcountry is optimized for 170/180 grain bullets, reaching an impressive 3,000 feet per second (approximately 914 m/s) from a 20-inch barrel. This combination provides a tight trajectory and increased terminal energy, ideal for long-range hunting. Additionally, the cartridge’s non-magnum design allows for a standard magazine capacity. In fact, this case is very similar in proportions to the 280 Rem AI.
Compatibility and availability
The 7mm Backcountry is designed to fit standard-length rifle actions (such as the 30-06 SPRG/280 Rem/…), making it easy for gunmakers to adopt. Several compatible rifle models are already in development, giving hunters a variety of options to take advantage of this new caliber.
Projectile Options for the 7mm BC
To fully exploit the advantages of the 7mm Backcountry, Federal offers several types of projectiles adapted to different hunting situations:
Terminal Ascent : Available in 155 and 170 grains, this welded bullet provides deep penetration at close range and reliable expansion at long range thanks to its patented Slipstream polymer tip.
Barnes LRX : In 168 grain version, this monolithic copper bullet offers a high ballistic coefficient and controlled expansion, ideal for long-range shots.
Fusion Tipped : Weighing in at 175 grains, this economical yet high-performance bullet features molecularly bonded construction and a contoured polymer tip for reliable expansion and increased accuracy.
Berger Elite Hunter : The heaviest in the range, at 195 grains, this bullet offers an exceptional ballistic coefficient of 0.755 and is designed to cause significant wound cavities, ensuring maximum stopping power.
All of these munitions and their ballistics can be seen on the Federal website
7mm BC Carbine:
2 days after its release, no less than 12 manufacturers are already offering models chambered in 7mm BC! A good omen for the future of this caliber.
Comparison of 7mm BC to 7mm PRC:
| Characteristic | 7mm PRC | 7mm Backcountry (BC) |
| Maximum pressure | ~65,000 psi (brass sleeve) | ~80,000 psi (alloy steel sleeve, Peak Alloy technology) |
| Base diameter | 0.532" Magnum | 0.447" Standard (308 Win base) |
| Length of ammunition | 3.34" (84.84mm ISO 30-06 SPRG) | 3.34" (84.84mm ISO 30-06 SPRG) |
| Optimal barrel length | 26 inches | 20 inches |
| Type of action | Long Action Magnum | Standard action |
| Speed with standard projectile | 3,000 fps (180 grains) | 3,000 fps (170 grains) |
| Typical Ball Weights | 160-195 grains (e.g. Hornady ELD-X, InterBond) | 160-195 grains (e.g. Berger Elite Hunter, Terminal Ascent) |
| Long distance trajectory | Ultra tight (ideal for shots beyond 1,000 m) | Ultra tight (ideal for shots beyond 1,000 m) |
| Weapon Compatibility | Rifles designed for magnum calibers | Standard rifles |
| Main use | Long-range hunting and sport shooting on extreme targets | Versatile hunting (short and medium distance, demanding environments) |
| Technological innovation | Classic brass cartridge case, optimized for high ballistic coefficient bullets | Peak Alloy steel cartridge case, magnum performance with compact rifles |
| Rechargeable | Perfectly rechargeable | It remains to be proven |
| Target audience | Long Range Hunter and Long Range Shooter | Long Range Hunter |
Our opinion on the 7mm BC:
Federal's 7mm Backcountry represents a significant advancement in hunting ammunition, combining technological innovation with high-level ballistic performance. Hunters looking for a versatile and powerful cartridge, suitable for compact rifles and long-range shooting, will find the 7mm Backcountry a choice option for their next expedition.
On the other hand, its acceptance by long-distance shooters remains to be verified, in fact if the cases are not refillable, this risks being a "deal breaker" for many of them! To be continued!
Note: It seems that RCBS is working on specific DIES for the 7mm BC...