7mm Backcountry: A Promising Caliber With Potential Pitfalls

As the firearms industry continues to innovate, new calibers often emerge with claims to revolutionize long-range shooting, hunting, and tactical applications. The 7mm Backcountry from Federal Ammunition is one such round that has generated significant attention. While the marketing is compelling, it's worth digging deeper into whether this caliber can deliver on its promises—and whether it's truly the best fit for the current landscape of advanced shooting.

With over a decade of experience as an infantry rifleman, combat instructor, and private military contractor, I've spent years teaching long-range shooting, including obtaining sniper and advanced sniper certifications. I also run my own long-range shooting classes for civilians and law enforcement. This background allows me to critically evaluate the real-world potential of new calibers like the 7mm Backcountry. So, let's break down the 7mm Backcountry's pros and cons, comparing it to established options like the 7mm PRC and the Sig 277 Fury while also considering its practical use in both tactical and hunting environments.

PROS OF THE 7MM BACKCOUNTRY

High Velocity (3000 fps in a 20" Barrel)

The 7mm Backcountry promises impressive performance with up to 3000 fps from a 20-inch barrel. This velocity is attractive for shooters looking for a flat trajectory and greater energy delivery at distance—both key factors for long-range accuracy in hunting and tactical scenarios.

Real-World Impact: In my long-range courses, we often emphasize the importance of both trajectory and energy delivery. A flatter trajectory at distance helps shooters avoid holdover, while energy at impact ensures that the round can take down large game or neutralize a threat effectively. However, it's important to note that velocity is only part of the equation regarding real-world performance.

Suppressor Compatibility

As suppressor use becomes more common, shooters seek calibers that can work seamlessly with suppressors. The 7mm Backcountry's high velocity and relatively compact design make it a suppressor-friendly option. This could make it particularly appealing for tactical operations or ethical hunting, where length and weight is critical.

Real-World Impact: In advanced sniper training, suppressor use is often emphasized to maintain operational stealth and minimize the shooter's signature. The 7mm Backcountry's potential to run effectively with a suppressor gives it a tactical advantage for situations requiring quiet, precise shooting.

Weight Efficiency and Compactness

Another attractive feature of the 7mm Backcountry is its lightweight design, which helps reduce the overall weight of the rifle system. This is especially beneficial for backcountry hunting or tactical shooting, where carrying a heavy weapon over long distances can be a significant drawback.

Real-World Impact: As a long-range instructor, I've seen firsthand how much weight affects shooter performance, particularly when moving or carrying gear for extended periods. The ability to carry a compact, lightweight rifle chambered in a potent caliber like the 7mm Backcountry can improve mobility and endurance without sacrificing accuracy at range.

Energy Delivery at Distance

The 7mm Backcountry is designed to deliver strong energy at extended ranges. For both hunting large game and precision shooting, the ability to retain energy over distance means the round can remain effective at longer ranges, reducing the chances of a missed shot or a wounded animal escaping.

Real-World Impact: In sniper certification courses, we teach students how to calculate and adjust for energy retention and bullet drop at long distances. A round like the 7mm Backcountry that can maintain energy further out helps to ensure that shooters can engage targets effectively at longer ranges.

Federal is offering a plethora of loads for the 7mm Backcountry.

THE DARK SIDE: CONS OF THE 7MM BACKCOUNTRY

Barrel Wear and Overheating

One of the key issues with the 7mm Backcountry is the potential for accelerated barrel wear. With chamber pressures approaching 80,000 psi, similar to the 277 Fury, this caliber may significantly shorten barrel life—especially for those who regularly shoot in high-volume settings like military operations or precision shooting competitions.

Real-World Impact: In long-range shooting, barrel life is crucial. As someone who teaches sniper certification and advanced sniper courses, I can tell you that a rifle's performance can degrade rapidly without regular barrel replacements. For civilian shooters or military personnel firing hundreds or thousands of rounds a year, the 7mm Backcountry might end up being more expensive in the long run due to the need for frequent barrel replacements.

Steel-Cased Cartridge Challenges

The steel casing of the 7mm Backcountry presents significant challenges, particularly for reloaders. Steel is far less malleable than brass, making it more difficult to reload. This could also lead to faster wear on the extractor and chamber components, increasing maintenance costs.

Real-World Impact: As a shooting instructor, I see a lot of students who want to reload their ammunition for both cost savings and consistency in performance. The steel casing could make the 7mm Backcountry much less appealing for those who rely on handloading, as it requires special tools and a more advanced skill set to reload properly.

Reloading Difficulty

High-pressure rounds with steel cases are notoriously difficult to reload. As someone who's taught advanced long-range shooting classes, I know the importance of consistent ammunition for precision shooting. Steel-cased ammo not only degrades accuracy over time, but it also presents unique challenges for those who reload.

Real-World Impact: Shooters who depend on precision reloading for fine-tuning their loads may want to avoid the 7mm Backcountry. Steel cases don't allow the same flexibility and consistency as brass cases, which can make a huge difference in competitive or tactical shooting.

Long-Term Viability and Rifle Compatibility

The 7mm Backcountry is based on a .280 Remington and 30-06 case, which means it requires specialized rifles designed to handle its specific chamber pressures. While this doesn't necessarily disqualify it, the caliber faces challenges in widespread adoption due to its reliance on niche rifle designs.

Real-World Impact: Rifle manufacturers need to back a caliber for it to succeed in the civilian and military markets. Currently, the 7mm Backcountry lacks the widespread support that other calibers, like the 7mm PRC, enjoy. If fewer manufacturers produce rifles chambered in this caliber, it may be difficult to find parts, upgrades, or ammunition in the future, though it appears A LOT of manufacturers are offering a rifle in 7mm Backcountry.

The 7mm Backcountry appears to have a pretty robust industry offering.

The 7mm PRC: More Barrel Length for Better Performance

In comparison to the 7mm Backcountry, the 7mm PRC requires a 26-inch barrel to maintain its velocity and performance at distance. While this might seem like a drawback for some, it's worth noting that the 7mm PRC is optimized for long-range shooting. It benefits from longer barrel lengths to fully realize its potential, giving it a distinct advantage in situations where precision and consistency over long distances are critical.

Real-World Impact: In sniper courses, students are trained to extract maximum performance from their rifle systems. With a 26-inch barrel, the 7mm PRC can achieve superior long-range accuracy compared to shorter-barreled rifles. The 7mm PRC also has established rifle platforms and a wide range of ammunition choices, which make it a more reliable option for serious long-range shooters.

The 7mm Backcountry, on the other hand, was marketed as a compact round designed for short-barrel rifles (like those with 20-inch barrels). However, I've found that even in shorter barrel rifles, the 7mm PRC can outperform it in terms of energy delivery and accuracy at distance—thanks in large part to the ability to stabilize its ballistics with longer barrels.

The Sig 277 Fury: Purpose-Driven and Tailored for Performance

Before committing to the 7mm Backcountry, it's worth comparing it to the Sig Sauer 277 Fury—a round that has been purpose-built from the outset. Unlike the 7mm Backcountry, which was adapted to existing rifle platforms, the 277 Fury has two specialized weapon systems built around it. The SIG MCX-SPEAR and the light machine gun were designed to optimize the performance of the 277 Fury.

More: Analysis: .277 Sig Fury

The key difference is that the 277 Fury was created for military use, whereas the 7mm Backcountry aims at the civilian and hunting market with far less integration into weapon platforms. This level of design optimization, combined with the Fury's high chamber pressure and performance, positions it as a superior contender for the future of military and tactical calibers.

The Sig Fury uses a steel base to handle the increased pressures.

BUILDING A 7MM BACKCOUNTRY RIFLE

While it's always possible to custom-build a rifle chambered in the 7mm Backcountry, this isn't an easy or cost-effective choice. If I were to approach such a build, I'd start with a 30-06 action as a reliable foundation. The key considerations would include:

1. Action: A Remington 700 or custom-built action designed to handle high-pressure rounds would be necessary.
2. Barrel: A quality 20-inch barrel.
3. Bolt and Extractor: Custom bolt design with enhanced extractor to handle the steel-cased ammo.
4. Stock and Ergonomics: Since the goal is a compact, lightweight system, I'd select a lightweight stock designed for comfort and stability.

However, with several manufacturers already producing factory rifles in the 7mm Backcountry, I would hesitate to go the custom route. Factory-built rifles offer reliability, warranty, and customer support, which are significant advantages in the long term.

Weatherby Model 307™ Alpine™ MDT Carbon is available in 7mm Backcountry!

Final Thoughts: A Wait-and-See Approach

The 7mm Backcountry has some exciting attributes, but it also presents a number of challenges that make me hesitant to adopt it fully at this point. While it offers high velocity, suppressor compatibility, and energy delivery at distance, issues like barrel wear, steel-cased ammo, and limited manufacturer support make it less appealing compared to 7mm PRC or Sig 277 Fury.

For now, I'll stick with factory-built rifles that I know will be reliable over the long term. Though I'm not against changing my mind, I would recommend a cautious, wait-and-see approach to the 7mm Backcountry. Given my experience as a sniper instructor and long-range coach, I prefer sticking with calibers like the 7mm PRC that already have proven performance, established support, and reliable ballistics across a range of shooting disciplines.

Articles from Rob Orgel of Emergency Response Tactical

• Long-Range Hunting and Shot Placement
• Eye Dominance and Handedness Maximizing Speed and Efficiency
• Are You Ready for Your Hunt?
• Combat Readiness Regaining Mental Balance
• Bullet Expansion for Rifle Hunting
• Three Biggest Dangers During a Hunt
• Five Common Questions About NFA Items
• 5 Things to Know Before Buying a Suppressor
• Physical Fitness In The Military
• Sig Sauer SniperFest: Review and Key Takeaways

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rob Orgel enlisted in the USMC in 2004 as an Infantry Rifleman (0311), serving with 3rd Bn 1st Marines in Iraq, including roles as a point man in OIF-3 & team leader in OIF-6. Later, he joined the 1st Marine Regiment, achieved the rank of Sergeant in 2010, & continued service in Afghanistan. Upon returning, he became a Combat Instructor at the School Of Infantry West. Transitioning to private military contracting with Securing Our Country (SOC), he instructed at the American Embassy in Iraq. In 2018, Rob became Chief Instructor at GPS Defense Sniper School, revamping their program. Now, as owner & lead instructor at Emergency Response Tactical, he focuses on training novice to advanced shooters on the range over 300 days a year. Rob also hosts the Silencer Syndicate channel on YouTube.