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

Olmsted Shooting BAR MK4 Hunter 2
Olmsted Shooting BAR MK4 Hunter 2

New for 2026: Browning BAR MK 4 Hunter

One of America's favorite semi-automatic hunting rifles is back, in the Browning BAR MK 4. In this video, American Hunter Editor in Chief Scott Olmsted checks out the Hunter model, with a beautiful walnut stock, and aluminum alloy receiver.

New for 2026: Remington 7mm Backcountry Offerings

The 7mm BackCountry came to light last year this time, utilizing a Peak Alloy steel case to raise the pressure limits from the traditional 65,000 psi all the way up to 80,000 psi. For 2026, Remington has joined the party with three offerings for the 7BC: Core-Lokt, Core-Lokt Tipped, and Speer Impact.

Landmark Cougar Reproduction Confirmed in Michigan

Late last month, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) verified a Dec. 6 photo of an adult cougar being followed by two kittens down a snowy trail in central Ontonagon County. The last time the kittens were documented—in early March 2025—they were only about two months old and alone, raising concerns about their survival.

Report: Private Landowner Investments in Conservation Hits Staggering Number

Private lands play a central role in the well-being of people and wildlife throughout the West, but the economic pressure increases each year. A new, groundbreaking report sheds light on the efforts and investments landowners continue to make, despite that challenge, to conserve and steward remaining intact lands and natural resources.

White Label Armory Launches Full Suppressor Lineup

White Label Armory, a manufacturing and supply subsidiary of VKTR Industries, is launching a new budget friendly, duty-capable suppressor line available to dealers exclusively through Sports South.

New for 2026: CVA Scout Spur 28-Gauge

CVA has unveiled its new Scout Spur in 28-gauge with fresh patterns. The Scout Spur is lightweight, handy and now in .28-gauge gives hunters more options in the field.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.