{"id":210309,"date":"2025-01-07T14:24:06","date_gmt":"2025-01-07T20:24:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=210309"},"modified":"2026-02-05T11:14:37","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T17:14:37","slug":"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\/","title":{"rendered":"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em><strong>The \u2018world\u2019s fastest\u2019 factory 7mm cartridge launches 170-grain bullets at 3,000 fps from a 20-inch barrel with relatively modest recoil. It\u2019s even faster from longer barrels.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-001-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Desert Mule deer harvested with Federal 7mm Backcountry 175-grain Fusion Tipped Ammunition\" class=\"wp-image-210310\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-001-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-001-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-001-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-001-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-001.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The author executed a tricky shot to take this big 3X3 desert mule deer using Federal&#8217;s innovative new 7mm Backcountry cartridge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-7mm-backcountry-delivers-sizzling-velocity\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\" data-level=\"2\">7mm Backcountry Delivers Sizzling Velocity<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-performance-in-perspective\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\" data-level=\"2\">Performance in Perspective<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-ideal-for-shooting-suppressed\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\" data-level=\"2\">Ideal for Shooting Suppressed<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-federal-did-it\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\" data-level=\"2\">How Federal Did It<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-7mm-backcountry-initial-offerings\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\" data-level=\"2\">7mm Backcountry Initial Offerings<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-gun-makers-onboard-with-the-7mm-backcountry\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\" data-level=\"2\">Gun Makers Onboard With the 7mm Backcountry<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-weatherby-and-savage-entries\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\" data-level=\"2\">Weatherby and Savage Entries<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-superb-accuracy-faster-than-advertised\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\" data-level=\"2\">Superb Accuracy, Faster Than Advertised<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-flat-trajectory\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\" data-level=\"2\">Flat Trajectory<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-too-good-to-ignore\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\" data-level=\"2\">Too Good to Ignore<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>I had a decision to make after stalking a big 3X3 desert mule deer in New Mexico. We snuck to within 226 yards before the scant cover of the high desert ran out. I was in a good position to shoot, but the buck I wanted was bedded down with several other bucks. I don\u2019t shoot bedded bucks as a rule &#8212; and couldn\u2019t have because a large rock covered his vitals. We could wait for hours for the buck to move, or we could try to make him stand. At my signal, my guide, Josh Coffey of High West Outfitters, blew on a fawn bleat call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The buck stood, but quickly moved to exit the scene, leaving me only a split-second to shoot. I anticipated that, and was ready behind the trigger of the Weatherby 307 Alpine CT rifle. The shot took the buck quartering away, with the bullet exiting the offside shoulder. He didn\u2019t go 20 yards before piling up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The remarkable thing about the hunt wasn\u2019t the shot or the fawn bleat call getting the buck to his feet. I\u2019ve used that trick before. The truly remarkable thing was the innovative new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.federalpremium.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\">Federal Ammunition<\/a> cartridge I was using. I downed the buck with the just-announced 7mm Backcountry, which may redefine hunting ammunition as we know it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-008-1024x666.jpg\" alt=\"Federal 7mm Backcountry 175-grain Fusion Tipped ammunition with desert mule deer\" class=\"wp-image-210311\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-008-1024x666.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-008-400x260.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-008-150x98.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-008-768x499.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-008.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">For his desert mule deer hunt, the author used Federal&#8217;s 175-grain Fusion Tipped 7mm Backcountry load, which he chronographed at 3,024 fps out of a 20-inch barrel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7mm-backcountry-delivers-sizzling-velocity\">7mm Backcountry Delivers Sizzling Velocity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Federal calls the 7mm Backcountry the \u201cfastest production 7mm rifle cartridge on the planet.\u201d That statement is heartwarming to a hunter like me, who grew up with a fondness for Weatherby magnum cartridges and rifles. Remarkably, the 7mm Backcountry achieves magnum speed out of a non-magnum cartridge, launching high-BC, heavy-for-caliber bullets with relatively modest recoil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider this: I chronographed the load I used on the hunt, which employs a 175-grain Fusion Tipped bullet, at 3,024 feet per second. That&#8217;s a little faster than factory-stated velocity, and <em>that was out of a 20-inch barrel<\/em>. It\u2019s even faster in a longer barrel. These numbers are unreachable with any other same-weight factory 7mm cartridge in same-length barrels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-performance-in-perspective\">Performance in Perspective<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To put this performance in perspective, some quick comparisons with factory cartridges that use .284-inch diameter bullets are in order. The 175-grain Hornady 7mm PRC load achieves 3,000 fps, but that\u2019s out of a 24-inch barrel. Out of the same barrel, the 175-grain 7mm Backcountry launches 125 fps faster. The 160-grain 7mm PRC load hits 3,000 fps out of a 24-inch barrel, but the heavier 168-grain 7mm Backcountry load is 150 fps faster from the same barrel. A 162-grain <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/search?keyword=7mm%20wsm%20rifle\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\">7mm WSM<\/a> can also launch at 3,000 fps out of a 24-inch barrel, but the 168-grain 7mm Backcountry does that out of a 20-inch barrel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From a 20-inch barrel, the 7mm Backcountry is also considerably faster \u2013 and flatter-shooting \u2013 than 175-grain <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/search?keyword=7mm%20rem%20mag\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\">7mm Rem Mag<\/a> loads shot out of longer barrels. 284 Win and 280 Rem are not even close, and good luck finding a factory 175-grain load in either chambering. <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/search?keyword=280%20ackley\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\">280 Ackley<\/a> Improved 168-grain loads are also slower, even from longer barrels. The only factory 175-grain .284 load that gives the 7mm Backcountry a run for its money in sheer speed is Nosler\u2019s 175-grain <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/search?keyword=28%20nosler%20rifle\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\">28 Nosler<\/a> load, but that\u2019s out of a 26-inch barrel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What about the 7mm Rem Utra Mag? Remington lists two 150-grain loads as \u201ccurrently unavailable.\u201d They\u2019re both slower than the heavier 155-grain 7mm Backcountry load out of same-length barrels. The same is true of Winchester\u2019s 7mm WSM 150-grain load. \u00a0  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Compared to other 7mm cartridges, results with the 7mm Backcountry across a range of bullet weights are much the same \u2013 faster velocities from shorter barrels. The cartridge achieves this without punishing magnum recoil, and that is not just a happy accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-002-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"Author shooting Federal 175-grain 7mm Backcountry ammunition at desert mule deer with Weatherby 307 Alpine CT rifle and Leupold VX-5HD scope in Talley rings\" class=\"wp-image-210316\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-002-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-002-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-002-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-002-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-002.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The author is shown seconds before shooting a desert mule deer at 226 yards with Federal&#8217;s new 7mm Backcountry cartridge and a Weatherby 307 Alpine CT rifle.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ideal-for-shooting-suppressed\">Ideal for Shooting Suppressed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In developing the 7mm Backcountry, Federal recognized that hunters are increasingly moving to short, light, compact rifles with suppressors, says Mike Holm, Federal\u2019s director of centerfire rifle ammunition. \u201cShorter-barreled firearms make everything easier when traveling with UTVs or other vehicles, hiking in a thick forest setting, maneuvering in hunting blinds, and you name it. However, shooters lose velocity when barrels are shortened, so there is a trade-off. Innovation was needed to deliver the advantages of hunting with shorter barrels while maintaining high velocities for flatter-shooting trajectory and projectile energy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Until now, cartridges haven\u2019t kept pace. \u201cInstalling an eight-inch suppressor on a 24-inch barrel results in an awkward and impractical platform,\u201d says Holm. \u201cTo counter this, many shooters are selecting rifles chambered in cartridges like 7mm PRC with 20-inch barrels to make room for their suppressor. But, in the process, they lose the magnum velocities, energy, and trajectories their cartridge supplied initially.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What the 7mm Backcountry translates into for hunters is a hard-hitting, flat-shooting cartridge that achieves unprecedented velocity for a 7mm cartridge out of a shorter barrel. That\u2019s great news for hunters who need flat trajectories and want to use suppressors. It\u2019s also good news for those what want even more speed out of longer-barreled rifles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"922\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/FP_P7BCTA3_7mmBackcountryTerminalAscent_Cartridges-922x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Federal 7mm Backcountry ammunition\" class=\"wp-image-210313\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/FP_P7BCTA3_7mmBackcountryTerminalAscent_Cartridges-922x1024.jpg 922w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/FP_P7BCTA3_7mmBackcountryTerminalAscent_Cartridges-270x300.jpg 270w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/FP_P7BCTA3_7mmBackcountryTerminalAscent_Cartridges-135x150.jpg 135w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/FP_P7BCTA3_7mmBackcountryTerminalAscent_Cartridges-768x853.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/FP_P7BCTA3_7mmBackcountryTerminalAscent_Cartridges.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 922px) 100vw, 922px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 7mm Backcountry achieves magnum velocities out of a standard long-action cartridge producing relatively modest recoil.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-federal-did-it\">How Federal Did It<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At a glance, you would never suspect that the 7mm Backcountry delivers the type of performance it does. Superficially, it resembles cartridges like the 30-06 Springfield or 280 Ackley Improved, but accepts heavy bullets with a long ogive. It\u2019s designed to fit in non-magnum, standard long actions to allow gun makers to retain higher magazine capacity.  The cartridge has the same neck length as the 7mm PRC and shoulder angle as the 6.5 Creedmoor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The secret to the 7mm Backcountry\u2019s success is Federal\u2019s new, patented Peak Alloy case technology. This has been in development for six years and has its roots in Federal\u2019s work for the U.S. military. The case uses a special steel alloy, but let\u2019s get one thing clear: the case bears no resemblance to steel cases used in cheap, imported ammunition. It\u2019s much stronger than brass and, while Federal won\u2019t reveal its exact composition, the alloy is similar to the steel used in such things as bank safes and nuclear reactors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result, Federal says the case can be safely loaded at a maximum chamber pressure of 80,000 pounds per square inch, propelling bullets downrange faster. Federal says their testing revealed that their Peak Alloy cases loaded at higher chamber pressures produces similar stress as brass cases loaded at their normal pressures. This results in higher bullet velocities without a proportional increase in perceived recoil. When used properly in modern firearms, says Federal, 7mm Backcountry causes no excessive wear beyond that caused by legacy ammunition, and barrel wear is comparable to common cartridges. Cases are nickel-plated to protect against corrosion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-Upset-and-Cartridge-On-Box-_-Berger-Elite-Hunter-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Federal 7mm Backcountry ammunition with Berger Elite Hunter bullet\" class=\"wp-image-210314\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-Upset-and-Cartridge-On-Box-_-Berger-Elite-Hunter-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-Upset-and-Cartridge-On-Box-_-Berger-Elite-Hunter-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-Upset-and-Cartridge-On-Box-_-Berger-Elite-Hunter-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-Upset-and-Cartridge-On-Box-_-Berger-Elite-Hunter-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-Upset-and-Cartridge-On-Box-_-Berger-Elite-Hunter.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">One of the initial 7mm Backcountry loads launches a  195-grain Berger Elite Hunter bullet at 2,850 fps out of a 20-inch barrel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7mm-backcountry-initial-offerings\">7mm Backcountry Initial Offerings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Federal initially offers 7mm Backcountry ammo in five different loads with bullet weights ranging from 155 grains to 195 grains. All of the loads work well with barrels with relatively fast 1:8 twist rates. In an interesting departure from the industry norm, individual ammo boxes will show two different lines of basic ballistic info \u2013 one for 20-inch barrels and one for 24-inch barrels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The loads and their factory-stated muzzle velocities and G1 ballistic coefficients are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>155- gr. Terminal Ascent&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 20-inch 3,150 fps \/ 24-inch 3,300 fps \/ G1 .586<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>168- gr. Barnes LRX&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 20-inch 3,000 fps \/ 24-inch 3,150 fps \/ G1 .513<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>170-gr. Terminal Ascent&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 20-inch 3,000 fps \/ 24-inch 3,150 fps \/ G1 .645<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>175-gr. Fusion Tipped &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20-inch 2,975 fps \/ 24-inch 3,125 fps \/ G1 .575<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>195-gr. Berger Elite Hunter&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 20-inch 2,850 fps \/ 24-inch 3,000 fps \/ G1 .755<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-Upset-and-Cartridge-On-Box-_-Fusion-Tipped-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Federal 7mm Backcountry ammunition with 175-grain Fusion Tipped bullet\" class=\"wp-image-210315\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-Upset-and-Cartridge-On-Box-_-Fusion-Tipped-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-Upset-and-Cartridge-On-Box-_-Fusion-Tipped-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-Upset-and-Cartridge-On-Box-_-Fusion-Tipped-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-Upset-and-Cartridge-On-Box-_-Fusion-Tipped-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-Upset-and-Cartridge-On-Box-_-Fusion-Tipped.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Federal initially offers the 7mm Backcountry in five loads. This includes the 175-grain Fusion Tipped load, which exceeded 3,000 fps out of a 20-inch barrel in range testing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Federal says 7mm Backcountry cases are reloadable, but the process requires strict adherence to Federal\u2019s lab-tested processes and data. Detailed information on reloading wasn\u2019t available at the time this story was written, but should be available soon at <a href=\"https:\/\/federalpremium.com\/backcountry.html.\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\">https:\/\/federalpremium.com\/backcountry.html.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MSRPs range from $54.99 for the 175-grain Fusion Tipped load to $81.99 for the 168-grain Barnes LRX load per box of 20 cartridges. These prices are comparable or better than Federal\u2019s MSRPs for cartridges like the 7mm PRC or 280 Ackley Improved using similar-weight bullets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-003-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Federal 7MM Backcountry ammunition with Weatherby 307 Alpine CT rifle, Leupold VX-5HD scope and Talley rings\" class=\"wp-image-210317\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-003-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-003-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-003-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-003-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-003-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">For testing the 7mm Backcountry, the author used a Weatherby 307 Alpine CT rifle with a Leupold VX-5HD scope in Talley rings.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-gun-makers-onboard-with-the-7mm-backcountry\">Gun Makers Onboard With the 7mm Backcountry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Federal says nearly a dozen rifle manufacturers will chamber rifles for the 7mm Backcountry, and the company is working with a half-dozen additional gun makers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allterraarms.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\">AllTerra Arms<\/a> makes three rifles chambered for the 7mm Backcountry, including the AllTerra-X, Mountain Shadow Carbon and Mountain Shadow Steel. The Mountain rifles, by default, sport shorter 18- to 22-inch barrels, making them ideal for the 7mm Backcountry. <a href=\"https:\/\/christensenarms.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\">Christensen Arms<\/a> is chambering Ridgeline and Evoke rifles for the cartridge. <a href=\"https:\/\/fiercearms.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\">Fierce Firearms<\/a> will chamber their Rogue, Rival, Rage and MTN Reaper rifles for the 7mm Backcountry, giving hunters a wide range of options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/geissele.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\">Geissele<\/a> will chamber its first-ever bolt-action rifle, the King Hunter, in the cartridge. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gunwerks.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\">Gunwerks<\/a> will support the 7mm Backcountry in its legacy Magnus MTX rifles, offering a handy, lightweight platform perfect for backcountry hunts. <a href=\"https:\/\/ruger.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\">Ruger<\/a> says the company is working on incorporating the cartridge into their rifle lineup, but specific models have not yet been announced. <a href=\"https:\/\/seekinsprecision.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\">Seekins Precision<\/a> will chamber Element and PH3 rifles for the cartridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Federal says that <a href=\"https:\/\/horizonfirearms.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\">Horizon Firearms<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/proofresearch.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\">Proof Research<\/a> will also chamber for the cartridge, but detailed information was not available from those firms when this story was written.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-weatherby-and-savage-entries\">Weatherby and Savage Entries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/weatherby.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\">Weatherby<\/a> is fully onboard with the 7mm Backcountry in the company\u2019s Mark V and Model 307 lines. Mark V models chambered for the cartridge include the Backcountry Guide, Backcountry Guide Ti, Accumark, Apex, Backcountry 2.0, Backcountry 2.0 Ti, High Country&nbsp;and LiveWild. Model 307 rifles include the Range XP 2.0, Range SF, Adventure SD, Alpine CT, Alpine MDT, Alpine MDT Carbon&nbsp;and HUSH edition featuring a HUSH Tundra Camo stock.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/savagearms.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\">Savage<\/a> joins the list of supporting gun makers with the 110 Trail Hunter Lite, 110 Timberline, 110 Ultralite, 110 PPR and 110 Ultralite Elite rifles, giving hunters many options tailored to their hunting needs. Notably, Savage will offer most of these models in left-handed versions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-009-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Target group with Federal 7mm Backcountry ammunition with 175-grain Fusion Tipped bullet and Weatherby 307 Alpine CT rifle\" class=\"wp-image-210318\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-009-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-009-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-009-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-009-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-009.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Both 7mm Backcountry loads tested by the author at the range proved to be superbly accurate. The 175-grain Fusion Tipped load, shown above, produced half-inch average groups and a 0.30-inch best group.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-superb-accuracy-faster-than-advertised\">Superb Accuracy, Faster Than Advertised<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I had only a couple of the new loads to test at the range, but both proved to be superbly accurate. I tested the rounds with the same scope I used on the hunt, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leupold.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\">Leupold<\/a> VX-5HD 3-15&#215;44, set in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.talleymanufacturing.com\/product-category\/talley-scope-rings\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\">Talley<\/a> rings. Measured over my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.garmin.com\/en-US\/p\/771164\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\" title=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\">Garmin<\/a> Xero C1 Pro chronograph, Federal\u2019s 175-grain Fusion Tipped load stepped out at an average muzzle velocity of 3,024 fps out of the Weatherby 307 Alpine\u2019s 20-inch barrel. That\u2019s a little faster than the load\u2019s advertised velocity of 2,975 fps from a 20-inch barrel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Standard deviation was 9.4 fps and extreme spread was 21.2 fps. Those are good numbers for factory ammo, and they help explain why the load turned in a stellar performance at the bench. Average group size for the 175-grain load, based off three, three-shot groups, was exactly 0.50 inches at 100 yards. The best group measured just 0.30 inches. Terminal performance with this load on the desert mule deer I shot was, in a word, impressive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-flat-trajectory\">Flat Trajectory<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For my hunt, I used the old timer\u2019s trick of zeroing the rifle three inches high at 100 yards. Desert mule deer live in some pretty open country. Shooting opportunities can be fleeting, and I didn\u2019t want to take the time to dial corrections. With that zero at the elevation I was hunting, I could hold dead on out to 350 yards, where the bullet drops less than six inches. Time of flight to that distance is just 0.381 seconds, and bullet drift in a full-value 10 mph wind is less than six inches. If I were anticipating longer shots, I would zero this load at 100 yards and dial corrections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The second load tested, which uses a copper Barnes 168-grain LRX bullet, was no slouch, either. That load launched at 3,033 fps, which is also a little faster than factory-claimed velocity from a 20-inch barrel. Standard deviation was 13.9 fps and extreme spread was 32.3 fps. This load printed 0.58-inch average groups and a 0.42-inch best group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-too-good-to-ignore\">Too Good to Ignore<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With this rifle and these two loads, at least, you can expect half-inch or better groups. I\u2019ll take that all day long \u2013 especially from light, suppressor-friendly rifles launching heavy 7mm bullets at better-than-magnum velocities out of a standard long action with non-magnum recoil. If that isn\u2019t innovation, I don\u2019t know what is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As with any new cartridge, how well the 7mm Backcountry fares in the long term, in a market built around brass cases, remains to be seen. Federal isn\u2019t yet saying if they\u2019ll apply the same technology of the 7mm Backcountry to other cartridges, but I wouldn\u2019t be surprised if they do. The results are too good to ignore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-007-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Federal 7mm Backcountry ammunition wiith 168-grain Barnes LRX bullet\" class=\"wp-image-210319\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-007-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-007-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-007-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-007-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/7mm-Backcountry-007.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Federal 168-grain 7mm Backcountry Barnes LRX load has a muzzle velocity of 3,000 fps from a 20-inch barrel and 3,150 fps from a 24-inch barrel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The \u2018world\u2019s fastest\u2019 factory 7mm cartridge launches 170-grain bullets at 3,000 fps from a 20-inch barrel with relatively modest recoil. It\u2019s even faster from longer barrels. I had a decision to make after stalking a big 3X3 desert mule deer in New Mexico. We snuck to within 226 yards before the scant cover of the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":102,"featured_media":211321,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[4227,102,697,108,3689],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-210309","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-gunsamerica-authors","8":"tag-7-backcountry","9":"tag-feature-articles","10":"tag-federal","11":"tag-guns","12":"tag-headline"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.1 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Power of the Federal&#039;s New 7mm Backcountry Cartridge: A New Mexico Success Story<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge - Authors\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/federals-new-7mm-backcountry-is-the-worlds-fastest-production-7mm-rifle-cartridge\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Field Tested: Federal\u2019s New Game-Changing 7mm Backcountry Cartridge\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The \u2018world\u2019s fastest\u2019 factory 7mm cartridge launches 170-grain bullets at 3,000 fps from a 20-inch barrel with relatively modest recoil. 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