Ammunition Firearms News
Why the Federal 7mm Backcountry Cartridge is Important
Every year, as the annual SHOT Show rolls around, there is usually one newly introduced rifle caliber that catches a lot of attention. I’ll admit that when I go to SHOT, I am usually one of the many waiting patiently at range day to get some trigger time with whatever that shiny, new caliber is. The newest caliber this year that is causing some serious stirring comes from Federal Premium in the form of their new 7mm Backcountry. There is definitely a lot to be intrigued by, too. And we have the preferred suppressor for it, too.
The new 7mm Backcountry was developed for taking longer shots at serious game through a 20-inch, suppressed barrel. Through development of several all-new ammunition manufacturing technologies, Federal has developed a cartridge that gives you superior terminal velocity at longer ranges, even when using heavier bullets, all optimized to shoot from a shorter barrel and suppressed.
Federal did their testing with the BANISH® Backcountry suppressor, and that model is the one they recommend. We shot it with other BANISH® cans, with good results. If you want to use a different suppressor manufacturer, go for it. We sell those too. Just check to be sure your preferred suppressor will work with the load.
Factory loads
Federal is launching it with several of the top bullets, all showing impressive ballistics. Recoil is on par with a 7mm PRC, for those wondering.
Federal Terminal Ascent - Bonded construction penetrates deep on close targets, while the patented Slipstream polymer tip initiates expansion at extremely long range.
- 170-grain: 3,000 FPS muzzle; 2,304 FPS at 500 yards
- 155-grain: 3,150 FPS muzzle; 2,365 FPS at 500 yards
Berger Elite Hunter - The Berger Elite Hunter’s thin jacket produces extreme hydrostatic shock and a massive wound cavity on impact.
- 195-grain: 2,850 FPS muzzle; 2,268 FPS at 500 yards
Barnes LRX – Uses a high ballistic coefficient, polymer tip, and unique nose cavity with an all-copper bullet.
- 168-grain: 3,000 FPS muzzle; 2,142 FPS at 500 yards
Federal Fusion Tipped - Molecular bonding paired with a streamlined polymer tip.
- 175-grain: 2,975 FPS muzzle; 2,206 FPS at 500 yards
The key takeaway here is that you get better velocity than the competition from a shorter-barreled rifle. One of our team members spent some time shooting the Federal Terminal Ascent 170-grain loads and he came away very impressed. He said they had a Garmin Xero chronograph there for every shot and velocity was very consistent and accuracy was spot on.
Peak Alloy
The real star is the all-new Peak Alloy steel case. It is made from an alloy that is the same as used in some high-end safes, as well as nuclear reactors. What is cool about it is it allows Federal to increase the pressures in the chamber well beyond what a brass case could withstand. 85,000 PSI in this case. With that, the power behind the shot can be greatly increased for higher velocity out of a round that is a non-magnum case. This means that the action can be a standard long action, as opposed to a magnum long action, and a standard bolt face. It gives rifle manufacturers more options and allows for a greater magazine capacity. Where you might only get three rounds of other 7mm powerhouse cartridges, you can fit four of the 7mm Backcountry.
And yes, the Peak Alloy cases are fully reloadable, so handloaders will have fun with this one. It is a safe bet that Federal will also spread this technology into other caliber options. This is a major advancement in ammunition technology and is just the beginning. I don’t know about you, but it gives me a lot to be excited about.
BANISH Backcountry
Why we here at Silencer Central are so excited is that our BANISH Backcountry suppressor was used extensively for testing the new cartridge. In fact, the BANISH Backcountry is the official suppressor for the Federal 7mm Backcountry. The two complement each other very well.
80!
Here’s another reason why you should take notice. Federal has lined up 80 new rifle models from 15 different manufacturers chambered for the new cartridge right out of the gate. That the firearms manufacturers have seen enough promise in the 7mm Backcountry to offer that many rifles at launch is something. You usually don’t see that level of commitment. You usually get 2-3 rifles to start and then the rest follow suit as sales and demand picks up. Here are some of the manufacturers you'll see with options very soon:
7mm love
A lot of hunters and shooters tend to find a certain caliber that they gravitate toward. For some of us, it may just be a certain bullet. That’s where I come in. Going back well before my days with Cabela’s and Gun Digest, I started shooting rifles chambered in some form of 7mm bullet. I just like the way they fly and always seem to find a comfortable fit when it comes to cartridges and rifles.
My first “seven,” and go-to rifle to this day, is a Winchester Model 70 in 7mm Rem Mag. I picked up the rifle off a clearance rack while in graduate school mostly because of the smoking deal I got. Since then, I have added a Trijicon scope that cost WAY more than the rifle did and swapped in a Hogue stock and some trigger work. My son picks on me because while I may not begin a hunting season with that rifle, I almost always finish with it. Loaded up with some Federal ammunition, that rifle makes it easy on me to hit what I’m aiming at out to 600+ yards.
I built another 7mm. This time a 7mm-08 that I claimed I was putting together for my wife. That rifle is another easy-shooting rifle, and my wife knew that I would pretty much just keep it for myself. I’ve used and hunted with many of the other 7mm options on the market, so when I hear of a new variant, I tend to listen closely.
My next rifle?
You may have guessed that I’m planning on getting my 7mm Backcountry-chambered rifle on order. I'm leaning heavily toward one of the Weatherby 307 models. I’m already trying to pick the Vortex scope I’ll mount to it, and, obviously, there will be a BANISH Backcountry suppressor on the business end.
What about you? Any interest in a lightweight rifle that has excellent velocity from a 20-inch barrel, capable of speeds over 3,000 FPS, with a standard case size? Be sure to get a BANISH Backcountry to go with it.
