When Federal announced the revolutionary new cartridge-case design of the 7mm Backcountry in 2024, the online reloading community scoffed at the concept simply because it utilized the Peak Alloy steel case, which was then considered non-reloadable. However, those conversations have been couched and Lee Precision, in partnership with Federal, has released a set of reloading dies, instructions and recipes for handloading 7mm Backcountry (7mm BC) ammunition.
Federal's 7mm Backcountry cartridge with the house-made Terminal Ascent bullet (l.) is also offered with a Berger Hybrid (r.), both premium bullets meant for North American big game hunting.
Of course, I was dubious of this claim considering all the negative web banter over the last year; but after a recent trip to Federal headquarters in Anoka, Minn., I can assure you the task is thoroughly simple and effective thanks to the Lee Precision 7mm Backcountry Micrometer Full Length Die Set. The biggest consideration to make when reloading this new cartridge is going to be performance of handloads. Sure, the ‘shiny-finished’ cases are reloadable, but the powders used by Federal in making 7mm BC are not available to the public (at least, not at this time). As a result, it is to be expected that 7mm BC handloads will have a reduced velocity compared to factory loads. But that’s okay. Given the slippery 7mm bullets available, and velocities just shy of 3,000 fps from handloads, to me, this equation is just fine.
Peak Alloy cases with the bright, premium nickel finish is the desired remnant for reloading 7mm Backcountry ammunition.
While at the Federal plant, I had a lot of 7mm BC questions for the engineers alongside me, from the interior and exterior dimensions of the cartridge, to loading and more. I must note at this point that not all Backcountry cases are reloadable, specifically ones that fall outside of the Premium line, such as Federal Fusion. And it’s not that the Peak Alloy case material is non-workable in sizing dies, it is that the matte finish of the non-premium loads is what causes a hiccup within loading dies; premium nickel-finished cases are the go-to for 7mm BC reloading.
Simple reloading tools and a set of Lee Precision dies are all that's need to successfully reload 7mm Backcountry ammunition.
The engineers also assured me case preparation of 7mm BC is simpler, too. Rather than tumbling, reworking the primer pocket and trimming the neck, simply de-prime and acid wash fired cases. That’s it. It was also stressed NOT to trim for case length as disrupting the finish in the process will lead to problems. And really, the necks aren’t going to stretch like traditional brass does.
Full-length sizing is accomplished with the included Lee Precision sizing die. Ample wax-based case lubricant is required for this phase of reloading.
So, I’m sure by now you’re wondering how many times can 7mm BC cased be reloaded. The short answer I was given was: “A lot.” Although there wasn’t enough time to test the lifespan of reloadable 7mm BC cases firsthand, I trust the engineers have examined this thoroughly. Another point worth mentioning—when sizing and lubricating 7mm BC, wax-based case lubes are better suited for the task at hand. And before comments about full-length sizing begin to spin out of control, I had zero issues. Sure, there’s a little extra force required to complete sizing, however, it was not as hard as many like to think. The first pass with the brand-new Lee Precision dies was noticeably tougher than all subsequent runs, which I believe had to do with the dispersal of applied case lube; once the second well-lubed case hit the die, it formed fairly easily. And, I must admit, I was shocked by this. In fact, I’ve had tougher times with various brass-based cartridges in the past.
Lee Precision lists a set of easy-to-follow recipes within the included instruction manual of the purchased die-set.
Out of the box, Lee Precision’s 7mm Backcountry Die Set performed great. The micro adjustments built into the seating die allow for fine changes to bullet seating depth, which is more than handy for creating ultra-precise loads. But, if precision is what you’re after, it would be a worthwhile upgrade to add the 7mm Backcountry crimping die ($18). While I didn’t run this crimp die, because it does not come in the kit, the final product I produced was serviceable. The included expander worked great, outwardly nudging the neck slightly, allowing me to pre-seat bullets squarely before going up the tube and forming its final position. Of course, after the initial setup, cartridge overall length was a bit proud. With a twist or two of the die’s top dial, and a few more strokes of the RCBS Rockchucker press, I had the freshly reloaded cartridge tuned to perfection.
Thanks to Lee Precision's Micrometer 7mm Backcountry full-length die, setting a perfect overall length, every time, is easily achievable.
In the span of about 10 minutes—half the time it probably took you to read this article—I was able to go from prepped cases, to fully set-up loading dies, to several ready-to-shoot cartridges. And I can say unquestionably that you can successfully and accurately reload 7mm Backcountry ammunition thanks to a $65 kit from Lee Precision.
Everything changes when working with Peak Alloy. It’s like having the option for +P+ in a handgun where everything increases—from velocity to energy to terminal performance. Add in the fact that Lee Precision and Federal worked together to contrive a solution for hunters and 'gun guys' to enjoy, all aspects of this new cartridge are deserving of a pat on the back.
