Federal Premium Revolutionizes Rifle Ammunition with New 7mm Backcountry
Nick Miles | Jan 07, 2025
Federal Premium has unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in rifle ammunition technology with the introduction of the all-new 7mm Backcountry cartridge. This revolutionary offering redefines what's possible in short-barrel performance, achieving an impressive 3,000 fps velocity with 170-grain bullets through compact 20-inch barrels.
Pricing and Availability
Complete line of Federal 7mm Backcountry is available for purchase right here at Black Basin Outdoors. Check out the product below, or view the complete line of products on our new 7mm Backcountry caliber page.
- Buy Federal 7mm Backcountry Terminal Ascent 155gr (20 rounds)
- Buy Federal 7mm Backcountry Terminal Ascent 170gr (20 rounds)
- Buy Federal 7mm Backcountry Berger Elite Hunter 195gr (20 rounds)
- Buy Federal 7mm Backcountry Barnes LRX 168gr (20 rounds)
- Buy Federal 7mm Backcountry Fusion Tipped 175gr (20 rounds)
Breaking New Ground in Ammunition Design
At the heart of this innovation lies Federal's patented Peak Alloy™ case technology, a quantum leap forward in cartridge construction. Utilizing an advanced high-strength steel alloy similar to materials found in high-security safes and nuclear reactors, this next-generation case design enables previously unattainable performance levels in conventional brass-case ammunition.
The 7mm Backcountry's compact dimensions belie its exceptional capabilities. Despite its smaller size compared to traditional magnum cartridges, it delivers superior ballistic performance while offering increased magazine capacity in most platforms. This achievement represents a fundamental reimagining of rifle ammunition design, combining compact efficiency with magnum-level performance.
Versatile Performance Across the Range
Each load is optimized for exceptional accuracy and terminal performance across varying ranges, with velocities increasing by approximately 150 fps when fired through 24-inch barrels.
The new cartridge launches with an impressive lineup of bullet options, catering to diverse hunting scenarios:
Federal 155-grain Terminal Ascent (3,150 fps / 20" barrel)
Pushing the boundaries of ballistic performance, Federal Premium's Terminal Ascent bullet technology represents the pinnacle of 7mm Backcountry's capabilities. This advanced projectile combines deep-penetrating bonded core construction for reliable close-range performance with revolutionary Slipstream™ polymer tip technology that ensures consistent expansion even at extended distances. Setting new industry benchmarks, the 155-grain variant stands as the velocity leader in the 7mm category.
Terminal Ascent 155gr Specifications
| Model | P7BCTA1 7MM BACKCOUNTRY |
|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | 155 grain Terminal Ascent |
| Velocity (20" Barrel) | 3,150 FPS |
| Velocity (24" Barrel) | 3,300 FPS |
| Ballistic Coefficient | G1: 0.586 / G7: 0.300 |
| UPC | 604544 69939 5 |
| Rounds Per Box | 20 |
| Box/Case | 10 |
Federal 170-grain Terminal Ascent (3,000 fps / 20" barrel)
The 170-grain counterpart to 155 delivers an impressive 3,000 fps through compact 20-inch barrels – a combination of speed and efficiency previously thought unattainable in shorter-barrel platforms.
Terminal Ascent 170gr Specifications
| Model | P7BCTA3 7MM BACKCOUNTRY |
|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | 170 grain Terminal Ascent |
| Velocity (20" Barrel) | 3,000 FPS |
| Velocity (24" Barrel) | 3,150 FPS |
| Ballistic Coefficient | G1: 0.645 / G7: 0.325 |
| UPC | 604544 69895 4 |
| Rounds Per Box | 20 |
| Box/Case | 10 |
Federal 195-grain Berger Elite Hunter (2,850 fps / 20" barrel)
Engineered to redefine long-range hunting capabilities, the Berger Elite Hunter pushes terminal ballistics to new heights. Its precisely engineered thin jacket design creates devastating terminal performance through exceptional hydrostatic shock and expansive wound channel development. With an industry-leading G1 ballistic coefficient of .755, this aerodynamic masterpiece cuts through the air with remarkable efficiency, standing among the most aerodynamically advanced hunting projectiles available in today's market.
195-Grain Berger Elite Hunter Specifications
| Model | P7BCEH1 7MM BACKCOUNTRY |
|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | 195 grain Berger Elite Hunter |
| Velocity (20" Barrel) | 2,850 FPS |
| Velocity (24" Barrel) | 3,000 FPS |
| Ballistic Coefficient | G1: 0.755 / G7: 0.387 |
| UPC | 604544 70174 6 |
| Rounds Per Box | 20 |
| Box/Case | 10 |
Federal 168-grain Barnes LRX Copper (3,000 fps / 20" barrel)
Engineered for versatility, the Barnes LRX combines premium all-copper construction with sophisticated aerodynamics. Its high ballistic coefficient works in harmony with an advanced polymer tip and specially designed nose cavity to deliver consistent, devastating performance. This purpose-built projectile excels across the full spectrum of hunting scenarios, maintaining terminal effectiveness from point-blank encounters to long-range engagements.
168-grain Barnes LRX Copper Specifications
| Model | P7BCLRX1 7MM BACKCOUNTRY |
|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | 168 grain Barnes LRX |
| Velocity (20" Barrel) | 3,000 FPS |
| Velocity (24" Barrel) | 3,150 FPS |
| Ballistic Coefficient | G1: 0.513 / G7: 0.257 |
| UPC | 604544 70076 3 |
| Rounds Per Box | 20 |
| Box/Case | 10 |
Federal 175-grain Fusion Tipped (2,975 fps / 20" barrel)
Harnessing advanced molecular bonding technology and featuring an aerodynamic polymer tip design, the Fusion Tipped 7mm Backcountry represents the perfect marriage of range and power. This scientifically engineered projectile maintains structural integrity throughout its flight path, culminating in authoritative terminal performance on big game. The precision-engineered fusion of core and jacket ensures reliable expansion while maintaining the mass retention needed for deep penetration.
175-grain Fusion Tipped Specifications
| Model | F7BCTFS2 7MM BACKCOUNTRY |
|---|---|
| Bullet Weight | 175 grain Fusion Tipped |
| Velocity (20" Barrel) | 2,975 FPS |
| Velocity (24" Barrel) | 3,125 FPS |
| Ballistic Coefficient | G1: 0.575 / G7: 0.289 |
| UPC | 604544 70175 3 |
| Rounds Per Box | 20 |
| Box/Case | 10 |
Suppressor-Ready Innovation
The 7mm Backcountry particularly shines in suppressed applications, maintaining exceptional ballistic performance even with shorter barrel lengths. When comparing the 170-grain Terminal Ascent load through a 24-inch barrel, it achieves 3,150 fps compared to the 7mm PRC's 3,000 fps. Even more impressive, through a 20-inch barrel, the Backcountry maintains 3,000 fps while the PRC drops to approximately 2,850 fps.
Industry-Wide Support
Federal has partnered with leading rifle manufacturers to ensure broad platform availability at launch, including:
- Christensen Arms
- Gunwerks
- Seekins Precision
- Fierce Arms
- AllTerra Arms
- Savage Arms
- Weatherby
- Geissele Automatics
- Proof Research
- Horizon Firearms
- Pure Precision
Technical Innovation
The Peak Alloy case technology represents a significant advancement over traditional brass and steel cases. The nickel-plated, high-strength steel alloy construction allows for safe operation at higher chamber pressures (80,000 psi), resulting in superior velocities while maintaining manageable recoil levels comparable to existing magnum cartridges.
The 7mm Backcountry cartridges are priced competitively with similar 7mm PRC offerings and are available to dealers starting now. For reloading enthusiasts, the Peak Alloy cases are indeed reloadable, though they require adherence to specific, lab-tested processes and data available through Federal's website.