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

Henned Up Try One Of These Tips
Henned Up Try One Of These Tips

Early Spring Turkey Tactics that Work

A hunter strokes the paddle on a box call emitting a loud yelp into the predawn air. The thunderous reply has blood boiling at both ends of this dance. What now? Read on for some early spring turkey tactics that work.

New for 2026: Imperial Whitetail Sorghum Select

Hunters and land managers looking to add additional feeding opportunities now have a new option: Imperial Whitetail brand Sorghum Select from the Whitetail Institute. This blend combines two premium hybrid sorghum varieties to deliver a high-yielding, palatable, nutritious grain crop.

Hunting Adventure: Pursuing the Prince of the Plains

A veteran of many safaris finally hunts the game atop his wish list. Follow along with Scott Haugen as he stalks sable through South Africa.

New for 2026: Armageddon Gear Turkey Chest Rig

Always scrambling to find the right call in one of a thousand pockets? The Armageddon Gear Turkey Chest Rig eliminates that problem by putting everything front and center, exactly where it should be.

First Look: Mossberg Special Edition 590 Bliksem

Mossberg has released its 590 Bliksem, a Special Edition pump-action firearm created in collaboration with Christian Craighead and his brand, Ministry of Defence (MOD). 

What Your Favorite Cartridge Says About You: Part III

Somehow, more than ten years has gone by since we had the second installment in this series. With a multitude of requests for another go-round, I am more than happy to oblige. We’ve had some interesting new developments in the cartridges world in the last decade, and there are some classic which are still being championed. So, with tongue planted firmly in cheek, I present Part III of What Your Favorite Cartridge Says About You.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.