Federal's 7mm Back Country...

[ISS]

Federal has announced an alloy steel cased 7mm. Article in the Feb AR. 80,000PSI operating pressure. Almost a 280 Remington, but way higher velocity.

 

[LVLAaron]

They say it's reloadable. Someone explain how that will work. I will wait.

 

[Stormbringer]

It's targeting the 18" barrel can users. I don't run a can. Reports show poor accuracy thus far, not even MOA in the majority of rifles. That high a pressure on my action, not something I would like to do often (realize most will take 100k plus). Always nice to see pushing the envelope but I have zero interest.

 

[nakneker]

Here’s a thread that shares many opinions on the subject, link below. You might find it useful or insightful.

7mm Federal Backcountry

Federal has released a new cartridge that looks suspiciously similar to the .280 AI, but outperforms 7mm PRC. The kicker is its a new steel alloy that will reload similar to brass, but handle an operating pressure of 80,000. Basically, it makes a 175 gr bullet run 3175 in a 20" barrel. Is...

forum.accurateshooter.com

 

[ISS]

February American Rifleman has a very in-depth article.

 

[3Ackleys]

They say it's reloadable. Someone explain how that will work. I will wait.

It may be or it might not be. Reloading is not Federal's market. They sell ammo, so their effort to make it reloadable could be anemic.

 

[LVLAaron]

It may be or it might not be. Reloading is not Federal's market. They sell ammo, so their effort to make it reloadable could be anemic.

Federal says it's reloadable.


The Peak Alloy case is also reloadable when following Federal’s lab-tested processes and data.

 

[shamrock12]

Federal says it's reloadable.

Just because they said it’s “reloadable” doesn’t mean it is practical to reload.

 

[dthomas]

I've heard that federal says that it will be reloadable in the future but right now it's not. Supposedly it takes about a dozen strokes to size each case.

 

[1raggedhole]

It is also mentioned to be using a powder not available to the general public. The pressure curve is apparently quite unique. Regardless, pretty exciting technology. Military is pushing the envelope to increase existing cartridge and rifle performance. I like it!

 

[hoz53]

Federal has announced an alloy steel cased 7mm. Article in the Feb AR. 80,000PSI operating pressure. Almost a 280 Remington, but way higher velocity.

several other threads going on like this here. i think this new case started with a military request. it says in AR article the cases made of this material may be fireable in normal guns because the case takes part of the pressure. i look for federal to come out with 5.56 and 7.72 in this case for the military. while Im interested in the technology but not buying into the 7mm BC, i mite in 223. and imagine all the 223 cases available in this. what velocity will a 55gr go out of your 26" barreled 223 varmint gun at 80,000 psi. the future holds much for us

 

[boolitgoddess]

Lee Precision now offers reloading dies for the 7mm Backcountry.

 

[LVLAaron]

They say it's reloadable. Someone explain how that will work. I will wait.

I still wanna know how this works.

 

[k260]

I still wanna know how this works.

Well, you use a full length sizing die and run the case...

 

[AndyA]

Ive got the Lee dies and ended up using Lucas Red-n-Tacky as case lube. Still takes 2-3 tries to run thru.

 

[dantiff2]

Update and FAQ's

 

[dantiff2]

Load Data:

https://www.federalpremium.com/on/demandware.static/-/Library-Sites-VistaFederalSharedLibrary/default/v68205b7d09a89b7c38f0bded27521a718d8eb7a9/contentDocuments/FP2100-7mm-Backcountry-Reloading-Data-Sheet_web-disclaimer-2.pdf

They only want you loading the "shiny" Nickle brass. It's dual coated, both inside and outside of the case to prevent any oxidation which would substantially reduce the pressure limits of the cartridge case alloy.

 

[Oso]

This is the video version of the Vortex Podcast that dantiff2 posted above ^^^. It is informative.

 

[SKWERLZ]

High 2700’s with a 195 and 20” barrel seems decent
Some R26 could be interesting

 

[dantiff2]

Totally different topic but I recently watched a vid with the guys from Sig on it, about the 6.8x51 NATO or commercial version (277 Sig Fury). That cartridge was tested all the way up to 120k yes 120,000 PSI! :O The current form in service of bullet and pressures of 80K psi is performing well on the new Russian armor in Ukraine but they are leaving room for improvement by using even newer tech and more lethal bullets and can go up to the 120K psi loads if the armor adapts. That's crazy! Sig said that all Sig weapons systems are currently designed to handle the higher pressures "if need be".
Dan