If you've followed OS for a while, you know I’m not the type to jump on every new caliber bandwagon that rolls through. But after spending some time hands-on with the new 7mm Back Country cartridge from Federal Premium, I’ve got some thoughts you’ll want to hear.
Released in January 2025, this round has sparked a lot of conversation in the shooting world — some of it hype, some of it criticism, and a lot of opinions from folks who haven’t even pulled the trigger on one yet.
So I did what we do best at OS: I put it through the paces alongside the 7 PRC and 7mm Rem Mag to see what’s really going on — no fluff, just the real-world numbers.
Here’s what I tested side by side:
Despite using the shortest barrel of the bunch, the 7mm Back Country clocked the highest muzzle velocity. That immediately had my attention.
CartridgeBarrel0 yd (fps)300 yd (fps)600 yd (fps)7mm Back Country20 in3015258721907 PRC22 in2785244121247mm Rem Mag26 in297725912235
I’ve always liked the 7mm Rem Mag — it’s solid. But the Back Country had almost identical numbers in spite of having a shorter barrel and a heavier bullet at 600 yards, and it did so out of a 20-inch barrel. For those of us who run suppressors and value a compact rig in the backcountry, that’s a huge plus.
Federal went a different direction with this round. Instead of increasing powder to boost speed, they used a steel alloy case that handles more pressure safely — allowing more velocity out of a shorter barrel. That’s innovation I can get behind.
I’m always hunting suppressed when the law allows. If I can run a 20" barrel suppressed and still get elite-level performance — that’s a win. A longer barrel with a can feels like carrying a musket in the woods. Trust me, I’ve been there — and I’ve got the old pack photo to prove it.
This round’s not just a gimmick. There are already a dozen or so rifle manufacturers chambering in 7mm Back Country:
That kind of support shows me it’s here to stay.
Let me be transparent — we’ve worked with Federal for a long time. Since 2006, they’ve been one of our most consistent partners. I shoot their stuff because I believe in it — not because I’m paid to say nice things. So when I say this round impressed me, it’s because the numbers don’t lie.
Same suppressor across all rifles. Real ammo, real weather. Real results.
I don’t chase every new caliber. I usually shoot two: 6.5 Creedmoor for small game and 300 Win Mag for big stuff. But after testing this new Federal round, I might just be taking the 7mm Back Country on my next mule deer hunt. (And yes — you can call me out if I change up again.)
If you're looking for a new setup that’s compact, suppressor-ready, and doesn’t compromise on performance, the 7mm Back Country is worth a serious look. It’s not hype — it’s the real deal.
