Federal Introduces 7mm Backcountry: A High-Pressure Steel-Cased Rifle Cartridge

Federal Ammunition has unveiled its latest innovation in rifle cartridges, the 7mm Backcountry, a high-pressure, steel-cased round designed for long-range hunting. The new cartridge, which Federal claims “reinvents ammunition,” is engineered to deliver exceptional velocity and energy, even from shorter barrels. The 7mm Backcountry is initially available in five load options, including the Terminal Ascent, Berger Elite Hunter, Barnes LRX, and Fusion Tipped lines.

The 7mm Backcountry uses a proprietary steel alloy case to withstand pressures of up to 80,000 psi, significantly higher than traditional brass-cased cartridges. According to Bill Geissele, a firearms industry expert, the steel case is plated with a boron alloy, reducing bolt thrust and eliminating primer drop-out issues. The cartridge is designed to compete in the long-range hunting market, offering faster velocities and flatter trajectories than existing 7mm cartridges like the 7mm PRC.

Federal’s marketing emphasizes the cartridge’s performance in shorter barrels, with claims of achieving 3,150 fps for a 155-grain bullet from a 20-inch barrel. This makes the 7mm Backcountry one of the fastest factory 7mm cartridges available. However, critics argue that the use of a steel case is a step backward in ammunition evolution, as it limits reloading options and may pose challenges for older rifles not designed to handle such high pressures.

The 7mm Backcountry is currently offered in several Savage rifle models, including the 110 Timberline, 110 Pro Pursuit, and 110 Ultralight Elite. While the cartridge’s performance on paper is impressive, its real-world adoption remains uncertain. The lack of SAAMI approval and potential issues with ammo availability could hinder its popularity among hunters and shooters.

Despite its innovative design, the 7mm Backcountry has sparked debate within the firearms community. Some praise its potential for long-range hunting, while others question the ethics of shooting game at extreme distances. As with any new cartridge, time will tell whether the 7mm Backcountry lives up to its promises or becomes a niche offering in the crowded ammunition market.