How bad is the 7 backcountry?

[Joefrazell]

I do think this type of technology is here to stay. Will this cartridge be the champion of the technology? I doubt it. It might do well enough to hold on. Today anything over 25 Ft lbs of recoil doesn't sell like crazy. It can sell to some, but not like the next creedmore. I believe they are on the right track, just not quite right caliber and recoil. Some thing in .257 @ 3000-3100 with 130-145gr high BC, 20" barrel and recoil 21 or under might be the next winner, winner, chicken dinner.

I agree. I would like to see something like 6 creedmoor size loaded up with a 18" barrel. If they could get 24" 6.5 prc velocity I'd be intrigued. I can't believe they went with a long action and called it backcountry.

 

[FireFlyFishing]

I have some questions to ponder on the 7 BC…

Will there be sufficient ammo on the shelves when the rifles are released? I have my doubts.

What happens during the next ammo shortage? That could be caused from panic buying…or, ammo getting sold out upon the release of this rifle. They're saying $65/box…sure….

Keep in mind…you CANNOT reload for this cartridge now or in the foreseeable future. This has been broadcasted from many content creators on subject. You will be forced to buy factory ammo.

I've found as I have become adept with my accurate Leica rangefinder, ballistics app, and fancy turret scopes, I can reach way out with what is thought to be antiquated cartridges…like the .308 win.

I hunted last year with a 22" barrel and a 7" suppressor in open country, brush, and timber. It wasn't a deal breaker for me. It's certainly not worth the no reloading trade off…to me anyways.

I'm going to sit this one out and watch from a distance as the bandwagon jumps all over this. In the meantime, I'll shoot my reloadable brass cartridges and be quite content.

 

[fseaman.js]

Keep in mind…you CANNOT reload for this cartridge now or in the foreseeable future. This has been broadcasted from many content creators on subject. You will be forced to buy factory ammo.

Reloading is actively being worked out. Check the 35:50 mark.

 

[FireFlyFishing]

Reloading is actively being worked out. Check the 35:50 mark.

Yep…being worked out. Not ready upon release.

 

[M1A1ABRAMS]

My guess is that most of the ones who are hating on the idea also own at least one of the PRC cartridges.....

Regardless of how anyone wants to beat it to death, this will likely be the new craze. If the numbers turn out to be true and if it can be reloaded (even with special dies) it will have traction. I think the major gun manufacturers behind it tell a bit of a tale. There's quite a bit of steam behind this one wether you want to except it or not. I doubt the .284 is the only planned launch....

I was wondering if it will need new dies, with possibly a hydraulic press ?

 

[JAYgs8163]

As I said before, glad to see Federal is trying something new. When a company becomes stagnant they get left behind! It happens all the time. Most of these ammo manufacturers have been left sitting behind while one pushed the envelope with new cartridge designs that have been widely accepted. Stagnating in business is not good. If we all learn something only from what Federal is doing then that is good for all of us and the sport we enjoy so much!

 

[Northkill]

Just seems like an absolutely horrible idea for federal. What am I missing?

 

[southpa]

Cost of tooling….

Everybody is going to need new tooling. I'm not just talking about case tooling or just Federal's tooling. I'm talking about bullet makers need new tooling. How many bullets are good to 3300fps? Rifle makers need new tooling. How can I put a rifle together to higher tolerances? What are the design and mfg specs to raise pressures? Need new test jig? Barrel makers may need new tooling. Can a barrel operate at these levels? Do I need 1.25" or larger blanks? Action makers need new tooling if not tooling, new cnc for the new design. Probably more time to cut, It is an investment nightmare. Basically, it means taking refined products and processes and going back to "what do we do next?" For what benefit?

The benefit I see is sell a bunch of new rifles that only run factory ammo which gives average performance. Think electronic primers….that went well.

This is not a 6.5 Creedmoor…..which should of launched 143's at 2850fps from 24"!!!

It just so happens that federal makes ammunition....they are testing with any bullet you can get out now...and there's 80 plus factory ammo rifles already set to launch....seems like everything is pretty will covered?

Just like the PRC line it's marketed towards factory everything. I see little difference in this. Actually seems like there more factory support with this line than there was for PRC.

 

[FireFlyFishing]

@JAYgs8163 and @southpa

You fellas seem to be proponents for this new cartridge. Will you be buying one of these new rifles being released soon?

If so, I'm sure many of us here will be interested in your initial findings. I'll be interested how you like it a year or two later as I won't get one until it's very mainstream.

I still don't own a PRC and recently acquired my first 6.5 CMs…and only because I inherited them. So that's where I'm at with new cartridges…

 

[JAYgs8163]

I agree. I would like to see something like 6 creedmoor size loaded up with a 18" barrel. If they could get 24" 6.5 prc velocity I'd be intrigued. I can't believe they went with a long action and called it backcountry.

Not sure why the hangup on the "long action". Weatherby makes a line of rifles called the "Backcountry" in numerous different long action cartridges and are sub 6lb rigs. They already have listed the Federal 7Backcountry, 20" braked barrel also available and is 6.1lbs. Maybe a short action would remove 5-6 ounces at most. What will be nice is when Federal does have some short action offerings. Glass half full as opposed to half empty!

 

[JAYgs8163]

@JAYgs8163 and @southpa

You fellas seem to be proponents for this new cartridge. Will you be buying one of these new rifles being released soon?

If so, I'm sure many of us here will be interested in your initial findings. I'll be interested how you like it a year or two later as I won't get one until it's very mainstream.

I still don't own a PRC and recently acquired my first 6.5 CMs…and only because I inherited them. So that's where I'm at with new cartridges…

No, as I have no need for it at this point. I just don't understand why the negativity and dogging a company for chasing change and advancing the industry. I'm not a test pilot for them and don't want to be. I have a hard enough time keeping and finding time to shoot what I have. I like to think Federal is chasing advancement. I support them and I find it incredibly interesting is all. I'll keep shooting my other 17 customs for now. 308's, 7-08, WSM's, Creeds, PRC's, Lapuas, etc…..

I guess I ask why would you not want to be a "proponent" of them, and of them succeeding?

Edit: I used an example earlier of a Technology company becoming stagnant and not keeping up with change. ie, Intel corporation is getting the arse handed to them because they've sat around and observed and now NVIDIA and AMD are eating their lunch! I could list other numerous examples but I think that sums it up.

 

[Clem Bronkoski]

I just looked up this cartridge and it definitely isn't for me. Basically unreloadable. Propellents unavailable to public and IMO not much better than other 7mm bores out there.

 

[M1A1ABRAMS]

As a hunter and shooter people have nothing to loose by Fed advancement. You either spend your money on this or not. If people buy a rifle chambered for the BC. And later can't get ammo support for it. They will sell the rifle at a good discount. Then buy something that suits their needs and desires. Then rifle builders will pick these up and chamber to something more appropriate. Where's the downside here ? Unless of course you're the one selling the rifle. And are they really out anything if they got some pleasurable memories and hunts ?

 

[Northkill]

Progress always comes at a cost. It's great to debate the merits and potential advantages of developments, but let's not dis on the effort. Cheer that, and wish them well. I'm actually rather impressed with all the gun builders lining up to offer this chambering. They must be seeing something... You know, it can almost make one "afraid" to invest because next week might be something new and great, and I'll wish I'd have waited.