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

Chris Shooting Benelli M4 EXT
Chris Shooting Benelli M4 EXT

#SundayGunday: Benelli M4 EXT

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out a true stalwart of the firearms world, the Benelli M4. Long held in high regard by concerned citizens looking for a pedigreed self-defense shotgun, quite a few have been plugged to reduce capacity, and used in the turkey woods over the years, as a true multi-purpose scattergun. Why? Well, as it turns out, there is very little that separates a good defensive shotgun from a good turkey gun. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Roundup: Turkey Guns & Gear

Check out our roundup of the best new turkey guns and gear in 2026.

Recipe: Crispy Sticky Venison

This recipe is a great way to turn a simple venison roast into something that tastes as if it came from your favorite takeout place. The meat becomes tender on the inside and crisp on the outside, and the sticky sauce brings together sweet, salty and spicy flavors. Serve it over a bed of rice and watch it disappear.

Berger Announces New 300 PRC Hunting Ammunition

Berger has announced the addition of 300 PRC 217-grain Elite Hunter ammunition to its long-range Elite Hunter product line.

Texas the Latest State to Approve FireStick for Muzzleloader Season

Texas recently approved the use of Federal Ammunition’s FireStick system during the state’s muzzleloader season. It is 33rd state to legalize the technology.

Hardware Review: EAA Balikli Blue Label O/U

Check out Shooting Editor Christopher Olsen's review of the EAA Balikli Blue Label O/U.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.