SAAMI Publishes 7mm Backcountry Cartridge Specifications

by
posted on February 27, 2025
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
LEDE 7Mm Backcountry Cartridge Drawing

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) recently announced the acceptance of Federal’s new 7mm Backcountry (7mm BC) rifle cartridges for SAAMI standardization. SAAMI is the organization leading the charge in promoting firearm safety by creating standards that ensure the safety, reliability, and interchangeability of firearms, ammunition, and components. SAAMI’s Technical Committee, which consists of firearm and ammunition industry experts, reviewed the 7mm Backcountry submission for about six months. The official cartridge name, maximum cartridge and minimum chamber dimensions, pressure limits, test equipment, and other characteristics are all considered and scrutinized during the process.

“We all at Federal are once again excited to have a new cartridge accepted by SAAMI,” said Federal’s vice president of product development, Jesse Whiteside. “The 7mm Backcountry, with a 170-grain bullet traveling at a velocity of 3,000 fps and a Maximum Average Pressure of 80,000 psi, passed the organization's robust review process and is now an active standard. SAAMI’s published standards for the 7mm Backcountry will help expand this ultra-fast and accurate new cartridge to be used in shorter barreled, suppressed hunting rifles across the industry.”

Federal’s 7mm Backcountry is a new high-performance hunting cartridge boosted by new, patented Peak Alloy case technology. To learn more, visit federalpremium.com. Also check out American hunter's coverage of the cartridge here, featuring an interview between America's 1st Freedom Editor in Chief Frank Miniter, and Mike Holm of The Kinetic Group. The two go in-depth on the unique features of the cartridge, the original idea behind it and the success it has already seen in the field.

SAAMI allows free access to technical data and drawings for the cartridge and chamber designs, which are posted in the Information and Specifications section of the organization’s website. All cartridge and chamber drawing documents, including the one above, are within the ANSI/SAAMI Standards and can be found on saami.org.

Latest

Whitetail Deer In Greenery
Whitetail Deer In Greenery

Watch Your Local Deer Herd for EHD

As a part of your summertime scouting, make sure to look out for signs of EHD among your local deer herd. Frank Miniter has spotted some on his own scouting tips, and gives some information about the disease.

Federal Signs Agreement with U.S. Army to Accelerate High-Performance Ammunition

Federal Ammunition has announced an agreement that allows the United States Army to utilize its patented Peak Alloy ammunition case technology for use in multiple cartridges and weapon systems. The new agreement specifies conditions necessary prior to granting Government Purpose Rights, such as the delivery of 40-million cases featuring the new technology.

NRA Announces 2026 Y.E.S. Grand Scholarship Recipients

The National Rifle Association has awarded $15,000 in college scholarships to attendees of the 2025 NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) through the Y.E.S. Grand Scholarship program.

Recipe: Venison Empanadas

When Brad Fenson makes venison empanadas, the goal is simple. Keep the meat front and center, add enough flavor to complement it, and make a filling that stays juicy without overpowering the wild proteins. The filling is rich, balanced, and built to highlight venison, whether baked or fried.

Proof Research Unveils Shorter Barrels for Elevation 2.0 and MTR 2.0

Proof Research has announced shorter-barrel configurations for the Proof Elevation 2.0 and Elevation MTR 2.0. Both the Proof Elevation 2.0 and Elevation MTR 2.0 in shorter barrel configurations are available in Tactical Flat Dark Earth (TFDE) and the all-new Midnight color, offering shooters greater customization options alongside Proof Research's carbon fiber technology.

Range Review: Midwest Industries Bounty Hunter Revolver Brace

Thanks to Midwest Industries new Revolver Brace, you can easily mount a stabilizing brace to your favorite hunting revolvers. Check out B. Gil Horman's review of this game-changing product.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.