Reloading the new 7mm Backcountry.

45-90 · Sep 5, 2025

Monday I purchased a new 7mm Backcountry rifle to see what it was all about.
I already load the hybrid cases, but this new steel case seemed interesting.

Shot the 7 BC on Tuesday, and was pleasantly surprised at the velocity.

Wednesday built dies and reloading support accessories.

Thursday loaded up some fired steel cases.

Shot them today ...
All I had for 7mm bullets were the 180 gr Berger from the old 7mm Mag days, when I quit 7mm cailber.
Top velocity was 3118 fps for the 180 gr Berger in a 20" barrel in a 6 lb carbon fiber rifle.
180 gr Berger.
The place to run it is at 3050 to 3075 in my rifle, around 64.0 grs of RL 26.
65.5 is max at 3118 fps. Noticed one had a little more resistance on bolt lift in the 3100 plus fps area, so I stopped the RL 26 testing there. But at 3050 fps it's an excellent load...no issues easy extraction not extra effort in bolt lift...accuracy was there also with two touching.

RL 25 67.0 grs = 3030 fps, no issues.

Mag Pro 68.0 gr = 2975 fps a powder that's easily available. No issues. Shoots good.

Unfortunately you have to have quite a bit of machining experience to make the dies and support tools necessary.

RCBS should have dies on the shelf.
I had only a little trouble with steel neck tension and had to re-do the die. All done in a few hrs. Its a learning curve even though I do many hybrid cases and lots of case forming.
Ya don't need carbide dies...and these cases can be loaded rather easily.
It's just a little different.

I find this new Federal BC cartridge to be a real breakthrough...especially for short barrels and hunters who want 6 lb rifles with performance in a short light package.

Probably not interesting for a target shooter.

I will also be running brass cases in it for moderate use as soon as I form them.

You'll never run out of brass cases 270. 30-06, 280, can all be formed to 7 mm BC.
Expect lower velocities of course.

RCBS should not be having trouble making dies ...I only have 35 yrs as a machinist...anf they've been making dies a lot longer than that.

This is really a good hunting caliber...it needs more industry support.
And you can reload it with existing powders, some of which are hard to get but I went for one that's available and cheaper and still get good velocities with the 180 gr Berger.

45-90 · Sep 9, 2025

Making a fair amount of brass cases for the 7mm BC.
Made another die for this project and it turned out well.
So this way I can load lower velocity brass cases for lighter loads and steel cases for magnum loads. Making it even more versatile, like a 38 special and a 357 mag combo.

45-90 · Sep 16, 2025

Subsonic loads work in the 7mm BC.
The 180 gr hp match were stabilized at 930 fps.
Fun to shoot.
Just incase ya want to shoot subs in your 7mm BC.

45-90 · Sep 16, 2025

Made up a bunch of brass cases for 7mm BC and shot them with various bullets and powders.
This barrel loves 180 gr 7mm match bullets.
Fireforming cases the smallest 3 shot group was .060" with factory 2nds and reformed 280 Ackley Hornady brass cases.
Average velocity is around 2700 fps.
Remember these are fireforming brass cases with factory 2nds.
The 175 gr tipped bullet was stringing vertical but the barrel was not allowed to cool, and was very hot at the end of a 25 rds string.
Load data on the paper cards.

45-90 · Sep 16, 2025

Last for the 7mm BC 20" barrel, was a light bullet load, the 120 gr Barnes TTSX BT

Fireforming "Brass" cases.
59.2 gr Hybrid V100. = 3223 fps
59.9 gr Hybrid V100. = 3277 fps
60.1 gr RL 17 = 3381 fps

"Steel" 7 mm BC case
63.9 gr RL 17 = 3615 fps.

Do NOT get your powder charges mixed up between brass and steel cases.
Brass cases can Not handle 80,000 psi.
This is using brass as a more moderate load option ...very similar to the 280 Ackley Improved in a 20" barrel.

197 gr factory 2nds reached 2940 fps in steel cases, but were not accurate...they require a 7.5 twist I have an 8 twist.
They didn't seem to go sideways but accuracy was not there.

The 180 grs is where the accuracy is with this barrel running Steel Cases over 3000 fps to 3100 fps with different powders.

So the 7mm BC is very versatile and plenty accurate for a hunting cartridge.
Shown here with subsonic, 280 ackley, and high pressure high performance loads...lots of choices.

Graywolf.260 · Sep 16, 2025

Thanks for the impressive report. Seems like this is destined to take off once the commercial reloading components are available. What rifle did you get?

45-90 · Sep 16, 2025

The Weatherby 307 Alpine CT.

4O6shootist · Sep 19, 2025

Please neck this down to 6.5mm and see what it'll do with 156 Bergers!

You should mass produce your dies, bushing style, so people can wildcat the alloy case please!

45-90 · Sep 19, 2025

4O6shootist said:
Please neck this down to 6.5mm and see what it'll do with 156 Bergers!

I already shoot 6.5 CM in hybrid cases
140s to 3150 fps, but run the 150gr SMK near 3000 fps and the 153 hr Atips 2960 are two good load.

This 7mm BC case in steel necked to 6.5 and 80,000 psi ...would be really fast.

The 7mm BC in brass cases was only 50 fps behind the 7 PRC when both had 20" barrels firing factory 175 grs PRC vs my 175 gr fireforming brass hand loads.

But the 7 PRC is 250 to 300 fps behind with steel cases and both with 20" barrels...both firing factory loads.

45-90 · Sep 19, 2025

Made another 100 pcs of 7mm BC brass cases tonight in about an hour....have 200 more to go.

Take 280 Ackley imp brass. Got 300 for 65 cents ea. Free shipping.

No case lube needed...just changing the 40° Ackley shoulder to 30° and moving it back slightly.

Run through a 308 body die bump the shoulder back at partially at 20°

Then run through your home built 7mm BC FL die ...no lube necessary.

Trim to length on the lathe or mill, and deburr.
May use mandrel here before seating the bullets.

Here's what the steps look like...and in an hour you have a hundred pcs of 7mm BC brass.
Use 280 Ackley Imp load data to fireform.

When changing to steel cases I lube with Lee Resizing Lube, set the die .003" down farther toward the shell holder.

Pump the press handle several times to help size the steel cases as you bottom out the press handle.

It's not hard just a little different, to get used to.
Plus the die slightly oversizes the steel in order to also size the brass sufficiently.

The die making takes a little experimentation between the two metals used with this cartridge...

45-90 · Sep 19, 2025

4O6shootist said:
Please neck this down to 6.5mm and see what it'll do with 156 Bergers!

You should mass produce your dies, bushing style, so people can wildcat the alloy case please!

The steel case 7mm BC necked down to 6.5 would have only a little less capacity than the 6.5 Weatherby RPM running at 64000 psi...but 80,000 psi with slighty less capacity would add 200 fps to 300 fps extra depending on the bullet for the same barrel length.

I only do this as a hobby.
If I were younger and there was a large enough demand then ya might start a business...but that's hard to do in today's over regulated states.

I'm a retired machinist, oldschool and CNC, working on refuling nuclear reactors, weapons grade, and electricity, aroespace, to robotics.
I have my own basic machine tools, so that's why all the experimentation is going on.

Want it done, want it made,... do it yourself.
Old-school.
Don't mind showing and having others learn or adopt and adapt what I do to suit their needs, but some of this stuff requires machining experience.
Too old to hold apprenticeship classes, or start a business.

But all these companies bringing out new cartridges, then it's where are the rifles, where is the ammo, where are the cases, and reloading dies, bullets, powder, or reloading data.
Slow to bring support for these cartridges, and they wonder why people lose interest.

When you can do it yourself ya don't have to wait.
Build that custom rifle in a day, after you've accumulated your ordered parts.

Or make brass cases from common calibers. Cut down solid heads and recut extractor grooves.

Plus.. got an idea ...implement it!
I can build a 6.5 -7mm BC if I so desire.
I can go out in the shop and form a case in little time.
That would be a real hotrod, by the way.

I encourage people to look into maching classes at junior colleges...and start learning.
But around here, they have sadly eliminated those classes.

INgunner54 · Sep 19, 2025

45-90 said:
The steel case 7mm BC necked down to 6.5 would have only a little less capacity than the 6.5 Weatherby RPM running at 64000 psi...but 80,000 psi with slighty less capacity would add 200 fps to 300 fps extra depending on the bullet for the same barrel length.

I only do this as a hobby.
If I were younger and there was a large enough demand then ya might start a business...but that's hard to do in today's over regulated states.

I'm a retired machinist, oldschool and CNC, working on refuling nuclear reactors, weapons grade, and electricity, aroespace, to robotics.
I have my own basic machine tools, so that's why all the experimentation is going on.

Want it done, want it made,... do it yourself.
Old-school.
Don't mind showing and having others learn or adopt and adapt what I do to suit their needs, but some of this stuff requires machining experience.
Too old to hold apprenticeship classes, or start a business.

But all these companies bringing out new cartridges, then it's where are the rifles, where is the ammo, where are the cases, and reloading dies, bullets, powder, or reloading data.
Slow to bring support for these cartridges, and they wonder why people lose interest.

When you can do it yourself ya don't have to wait.
Build that custom rifle in a day, after you've accumulated your ordered parts.

Or make brass cases from common calibers. Cut down solid heads and recut extractor grooves.

Plus.. got an idea ...implement it!
I can build a 6.5 -7mm BC if I so desire.
I can go out in the shop and form a case in little time.
That would be a real hotrod, by the way.

I encourage people to look into maching classes at junior colleges...and start learning.
But around here, they have sadly eliminated those classes.

This is awesome!! I would love to come hang out, and sweep your floors for a week or so and just shoot the shit to soak up some knowledge! This kind of thing fascinates me, and hats off to you for putting it out there! Thank you!

Mulepackhunter · Sep 19, 2025

Very nice work, I jumped into the 7mm Backcountry but havnt had much work out of it. Im putting parts together now to do a shot out barrel build. Cutting middle out of a shot out 7mm barrel and building a 16 in mountain rifle suppressed. We will see how that barrel shoots. I have several laying around so why not. Awsome data.

45-90 · Sep 19, 2025

Mulepackhunter said:
Very nice work, I jumped into the 7mm Backcountry but havnt had much work out of it. Im putting parts together now to do a shot out barrel build. Cutting middle out of a shot out 7mm barrel and building a 16 in mountain rifle suppressed. We will see how that barrel shoots. I have several laying around so why not. Awsome data.

Is the shot out barrel an 8 twist?
I found the 197 gr SMK requires a 7.5 twist.
The 8 twist has been accurate with most bullets it tried ...except the 197 gr SMK so far... so check your barrel twist rate to the heavy for caliber choices available in 7mm BC factory loads...those factory loads are pretty zippy even in a 16" ....the Federal factory 170 gr gr Terminal Accent was going 3100 fps in my 20" with good accuracy, and low SDs.
Check with bullet stability calculator to see if it fits your twist.
Have fun with your7 mm BC project.

Mulepackhunter · Sep 19, 2025

Ya these barrels are 1:7 and i have a few Berger 175 elite hunters
I think its funny that you made your own dies and rcbs hasnt yet. I was told at Shot Show by the federal engineers they were on board and in process. Damn salesmen got me. I think this thing has one spot to fill and thats a really short hunting gun suppressed. I cant find anyone who wants to build one so I guess ill build my own. I also have a case of the 170 Terminal factory ammo to start with.

4O6shootist · Sep 19, 2025

I'd be very selective on your can choice for a 16in 7BC. Muzzle psi will be very high inside the supressor.

45-90 · Sep 24, 2025

Reloaded the steel cases 3 times and fired them.
And fireforming brass cases today...will have 350 brass cases when done for reloading.

Was able to reach 2801 fps with Mag Pro brass cases and 184 gr Berger in a 20" 7mm BC.
And 2833 fps with Brass cases and 180 gr ELDM.
Steel cases went 3000 fps with 184gr and MagPro in the 20" barrel.
The barrel likes 180 gr factory 2nds 14 rds fired without letting the barrel cool...it was very hot.
Ladder test 184 bergers 2 powders steel and brass cases.
184 gr Berger with 67 gr of Mag Pro steel cases 3000 fps last group of the day .649" 3rd reloading of steel cases...OK group for a hunting rifle but this one needs a little tweaking. Same for the 180 gr ELD-M they need a little tweaking. This barrel really likes 180 gr non tipped match bullets.

45-90 · Sep 25, 2025

Formed another 300 pcs of brass cases for the 7mm BC. So I can shoot both brass and steel cases.

45-90 · Sep 28, 2025

Reloaded some formed 7mm BC cases and fired a few in a ladder test.
RL 25 did Ok
DO NOT use the two top loads on the paper. Max load for the 180 gr ELDM is around 2875 fps for repeated reloading.
The 2897 fps load looks to be 2 more reloads and the primer falls out.
The 2915 load the primer pocket no go went...Definitely do not use that load, and work up.
62.8 gr RL 25 seems to be a good max load in my rifles 20" barrel with BRASS cases.

Sigma · Sep 28, 2025

any idea on how many firings you can get out of a single piece of brass?

does steel work harden like brass cases?

can the cases be annealed?

awesome thread!!

45-90 · Sep 28, 2025

This is an on going learning project as no one seems to be reloading the 7 mm BC but me. So I put down everything that's happening with respect to reloading.

Steel is on the 4th reloading cycle...it is different. Its still working no problem with the cases...but looking for a different feel, spring back, or problems that may crop up.

Brass was twice fired...it's the same as regular brass reloading.
Depends on how much pressure ya put into it.
This brass was already fireformed today...
The 2915 fps load was too hot, as expected when I decapped the case & checked it with the no go it went..the lower load 2897 fps was good for another reload... but that's not where I will run it with RL 25.

So 2850 to 2875 fps would be a good max for a 20" barreles 7 BC shooting 180 gr ELDM and expect to get a fair number of reloadings out of the brass.

The 277 Fury is offered in hybrid high performance 80,000 psi and 60,000 psi Brass cass.

I'm doing the same thing with the 7 BC, so if reloading dies become available for in the future or some may have C&H make dies for them, can have some basic reloading data to work up to.

It's good with factory loads, but reloading it adds more versatility to the cartridge.
From brass subs to steel magnum type handloads.

Evintos · Oct 3, 2025

7mm Backcountry Dies

7mm Backcountry Reloading Dies

leeprecision.com

Appears Lee is the first to release dies?

45-90 · Oct 3, 2025

Good deal for those who want to reload the 7mm BC.
I'm shooting some reloads today...mostly lower pressure brass cases.
Now ya don't have to make your own dies on the lathe in order to reload.

45-90 · Oct 3, 2025

Be sure to order the Lee Resizing Lube with your dies...good stuff for resizing steel cases.

4O6shootist · Oct 3, 2025

Evintos said:
View attachment 8780114

7mm Backcountry Dies

7mm Backcountry Reloading Dies

leeprecision.com

Appears Lee is the first to release dies?

$47! Is this a joke? Sizing and a micrometer seater......thats way too cheap!

45-90 · Oct 3, 2025

No joke ....they are even cheaper when ordered from Midway...if they were in stock in 7mm BC...but other calibers ARE available.
They are a good die set, by the way.

45-90 · Oct 3, 2025

Factory installed scope bases, bcame loose as I was fireforming 7mm BC Brass today.
Decided to use some old $3.89 deteriorated powder for this fireforming endevor, 180 gr SMK factory 2nds, and some previously installed primers.
I used compressed air to gently blow off the red dust while pouring the powder in a large cardboard box.
Reloaded 50.0 grs of old imr 4350, behind the factory 2nd bulllet, and a seated previously used primer. 9 of 10 shots was under 1" at 100 yds....with a loose scope mount.
Slow but will be accurate with pretty fair S/Ds....comical, it's like a 25 cent reload...but the barrel likes it.

45-90 · Oct 3, 2025

Here is more Brass case load data for the 7mm BC with 184 Bergers and 180 ELDM.
Work up with caution, note COAL's when loading and workup.
The groups are a bit scattered as the scope mounts were noted to be loose as I turned the scope powder ring...but finished shooting the fireforming session as they continued to become even more loose.

Venatic22CM · Oct 3, 2025

I reloaded the 7mmBC back when it first was announced. I got once fired brass from a custom rifle maker who Federal sent early production ammo to for test firing rifles. I used a Lee collet die in 280 Remington to just squeeze the neck enough to hold a bullet an knock primers out. I used slightly faster burn rate powders since it was used in shorter barrels and was able to duplicate factory velocities but after a couple of trips just to see what it was about I quit messing with it. I was using someone else’s rifle and with no real idea where pressures were it didn’t seem prudent to continue until tested data is available.
I still have quite a few cases if I decide to try again but the fact that RCBS owned by Federal is not making dies seems to signal not much enthusiasm for reloading this cartridge on their part.
An ammo maker friend of mine actually ran into some Berdan primed 7BC cases which surprised me as I never saw any? He knew I had reloaded them and he called me after breaking a few decapping pins and asked about it and I told him I didn’t think so but sure enough he said all his were Berdan primed??

45-90 · Oct 3, 2025

Took off the scope and cleaned up base and blue loctite the screws and torque down...
Note a little scoffing occurred on the loose mount.

45-90 · Oct 3, 2025

Venatic22CM said:
I reloaded the 7mmBC back when it first was announced. I got once fired brass from a custom rifle maker who Federal sent early production ammo to for test firing rifles. I used a Lee collet die in 280 Remington to just squeeze the neck enough to hold a bullet an knock primers out. I used slightly faster burn rate powders since it was used in shorter barrels and was able to duplicate factory velocities but after a couple of trips just to see what it was about I quit messing with it. I was using someone else’s rifle and with no real idea where pressures were it didn’t seem prudent to continue until tested data is available.
I still have quite a few cases if I decide to try again but the fact that RCBS owned by Federal is not making dies seems to signal not much enthusiasm for reloading this cartridge on their part.
An ammo maker friend of mine actually ran into some Berdan primed 7BC cases which surprised me as I never saw any? He knew I had reloaded them and he called me after breaking a few decapping pins and asked about it and I told him I didn’t think so but sure enough he said all his were Berdan primed??

None of the cases are berdan primed from Federal in my possession.
I made my own dies 2 days after buying the rifle to reload the steel cases from factory fired ammo.
I have reloaded them 4 times with my dies.

Also made 350 brass cases and have been fireforming them in my rifle for subs and moderate loads. The 180 ELDMs in brass have been maxing out at 2833 to 2880 fps is where most powders max out in brass cases in a 20" barrel...and 3100 fps in steel cases.

Lee has now released dies for the 7mm BC and there is supposed to be reloading guide available. So it won't be long before those who want to reload can do so.

I will buy a set of Lee 7 BC dies and compare with my homebuilt dies...may leave one a bit tight and the other a bit loose in the body shoulder junction...spring back is a bit different between the two metals.
I'm really liking this caliber it's fast & accurate with factory steel and also with reloads...add brass cases to its versatility, with accuracy found at the lower speeds too, even with subs.

Evintos · Oct 4, 2025

45-90 said:
Lee has now released dies for the 7mm BC and there is supposed to be reloading guide available. So it won't be long before those who want to reload can do so.

https://www.federalpremium.com/on/d...try-Reloading-Data-Sheet_web-disclaimer-2.pdf

Mulepackhunter · Oct 4, 2025

I have my reamer, headspace, ammo, barrel, just need a doner action

45-90 · Oct 4, 2025

Mulepackhunter said:
I have my reamer, headspace, ammo, barrel, just need a doner action

You can buy a Weatherby 307 action only at Sportsmens Warehouse for $699.

Evintos said:
https://www.federalpremium.com/on/d...try-Reloading-Data-Sheet_web-disclaimer-2.pdf

View attachment 8780668

Thanks for printing the load data.
Mine is quite a bit different.
I use a longer COAL... my mag will take 3.8" cartridges. Although none are used at that length, but 3.480" & 3.560" on some of the longer bullets, so powder charges can be increased a bit.

I also reload the plated and unplated cases as shown.
The 180 gr match hollow points are shooting tiny groups for a 6 lb CF hunting rifle, although not a hunting bullet it would be nice to have published data.

Factory 170s are going 3100 fps chronographed in my 20" barrel, and accurate. The go to hunting ammo IMO.

RL 25, RL 26, Mag Pro & Superformance are good for speed in the 180 gr class.
Haven't tried N560 but it needs a serious look. Can't get enough LRT in the case but speeds were improved with compressed loads.

One can also use brass cases for 2750 to 2880 fps depending on powder with the 180 gr ELDM in a 20" barrel or a 180 gr SMK or Berger for target shooting at steel.

I have a few hundred rds through mine..and consider it to be one of the best new cartridges out there especially for hunting in the backcountry, as it was designed.
But mine will be for informal target shooting.

Mulepackhunter · Oct 4, 2025

I dont remember the freebore on the backcountry, that long seated round fits with or without jam?

4O6shootist · Oct 4, 2025

Isn't that load data considerably slower than factory ammo?

45-90 · Oct 4, 2025

Mulepackhunter said:
I dont remember the freebore on the backcountry, that long seated round fits with or without jam?

I usually build all my own rifles, but after checking out the CF 307 Weatherby Alpine all ready to go including the scope mount I bought the factory rifle.

Buying the barrel, reamer, trigger, action, scope mounts, CF stock ... it would cost more to build it from scratch...but would probably be more accurate. My general thinking on the matter.

So the Weatherby 307 CF Alpine is totally factory...which should be good for others who want to copy load data, with a work up of coarse.

The Weatherby mag will feed 3.8" cartridges....the 3.560" is the 197 gr SMK, no bullet is "jammed" in my rifles, as a hunting rifle a bad idea, when it comes time to unload the chamber.

45-90 · Oct 4, 2025

4O6shootist said:
Isn't that load data considerably slower than factory ammo?

This load data IS slower than factory loads.

I have shown this in chronographed data. The factory loads exceeded the data printed on the box by 50 fps and 100 fps for the 20" barrel in my factory rifle.

So one does not have to reload to get great performance and accuracy out if this cartridge...perfect for most hunters.

But my handloads have exceeded factory cartridge velocities, running 180 grs match bullets up to 3118 fps where the factory is running 170 gr at 3100 fps.

My load data uses different powders, RL 25 and RL 26 are good velocity powders in both steel and brass cases...and MagPro does pretty good and is available.

And I use longer cartridge overall lengths, a bit more powder, and some are pushing the pressure limits, all taken into account when reloading these steel cases.

On the 4th reloading cycle on some and the the same handload data in the first two loadings seems to present different characteristics or feel...I dropped the powder charge a grain.
The steel cases may be only good for 5 reloads...it aint the primer pocket they've been holding up good...But spring back of the steel case feels like it's changing. Slightly More sizing needed?

No split necks or case cracks...and I'm using mostly the non plated cases.
The plated cases are recommended for reloaders as seen in the data presented, and you should probably start your reloading endeavor with those cases.
And therefore may not experience any change after 3 or 4 reloading cycles.

interesting and fun times with this 7mm BC concept...i like it better than the hybrid case for single caliber, so far.

Here are the handloads that exceed factory loaded rounds for velocity in 180 gr match bullets vs 175 gr factory losds, which are higher velocity than stated on the box.

45-90 · Oct 4, 2025

A note of interest....I purchased 50 Hornady brand brass and 300 Nosler brand brass for forming to 7mm BC.
At the top end of several "brass case" pressure testing, at top velocites, the Hornady brand will have primer pockets where the "no-go" primer gauge goes. And the same load with the Nosler brand brass is still tight.

45-90 · Oct 4, 2025

After the loctite is allowed to dry ...time to reattach the scope... do not trust the factory to get em tight.
So I waighed the rifle without the scope
.... and it was 6 lbs 3.8 ounces CF 20" barrel... for those interested in a light, short, hunting rifle, the 7mm BC should not be overlooked.

Evintos · Oct 5, 2025

4O6shootist said:
Isn't that load data considerably slower than factory ammo?

It's the "ensure max is well within safe and add a disclaimer not to exceed because we're afraid of liability" data.

45-90 · Oct 5, 2025

Evintos said:
It's the "ensure max is well within safe and add a disclaimer not to exceed because we're afraid of liability" data.
View attachment 8781039

The velocity on the box is 2975 fps for a 20" barrel, but it actually runs 3030 plus fps unusual for factory ammo.
the top velocity in the provided data for the 175 is 2917 fps...not to far off the factory advertised velocity of 2975 fps.

The factoy can afford powders specifically fornlmulated for a particular cartridge and bullet weight for optimal pressure and velocity...not available to handloaders.
We only get to use what is available to reloaders. It is, what it is.

bene-201 · Oct 7, 2025

Is there a noticeable recoil difference between the steel case loads and the brass case load?

45-90 · Oct 7, 2025

bene-201 said:
Is there a noticeable recoil difference between the steel case loads and the brass case load?

Not much difference to feel on the shoulder to me with 180 gr loads at maximum effort in either brass or steel case. Although the brass case with slightly less powder would mathematically be slightly less in recoil.

But the 120 gr Barnes in either brass or steel with max loads is noticeable soft shooting...and of course so are the subsonic loads in brass.

bene-201 · Oct 7, 2025

45-90 said:
Not much difference to feel on the shoulder to me with 180 gr loads at maximum effort in either brass or steel case. Although the brass case with slightly less powder would mathematically be slightly less in recoil.

But the 120 gr Barnes in either brass or steel with max loads is noticeable soft shooting...and of course so are the subsonic loads in brass.

Good deal - Thanks for the intel

Kickin45 · Oct 10, 2025

Thanks for all the info 45-90
Love how much you give us on here, much appreciated.
Question, other than the higher pressure of the BC and the 30° shoulder, are the 280AI and the 7BC the same case?

45-90 · Oct 10, 2025

Kickin45 said:
Thanks for all the info 45-90
Love how much you give us on here, much appreciated.
Question, other than the higher pressure of the BC and the 30° shoulder, are the 280AI and the 7BC the same case?

No not the same case but close. The 7 mm
BC is shorter, 30°, shoulder and a bit wider at the shoulder about .008".
So a 7mm BC is too fat to seat in a 280 Ackley chamber and too short if it did.

But they have almost identical cases capacity.
My rifle will seat bullets way out past the limits of the 280 Ackley increasing the case capacity with heavy long bullets, some past 3.5" the mag will feed 3.7" long cartridges.
With Brass cases the 20" 7 mm BC shoots the same as the 7mm saum in 24" barrels on manual load data. And many factory loads in 175 gr in 24 PRC, which seem to be loaded down at just 2800 to 2850 fps, which can be had in a 20" 7mm BC, if ya don't want 3035 fps all the time from factory loads.

So brass cases have a purpose here if ya reload for milder loads that are still good for hunting and LR plinking.

Kickin45 · Oct 11, 2025

Awesome. Thanks for the side by side pic.

Digetydog · Oct 12, 2025

During a recent podcast, a gunwriter stated that he was testing a new factory load fur the 7 BC. The interesting part is the new load is NOT a Federal load.

I figure the new load is going to be from its corporate sibling, Remington.

I don't need another 7mm, but would love to see a 6mm (Creedmoor) Bsckcountry. In an 18" barrel, that cartridge would be perfect for hunting with.

45-90 · Oct 12, 2025

I would be nice to see other ammo makers making the 7mm BC.
If the idea sells well other calibers will follow...

Reloading the new 7mm Backcountry.

Major Hide Member

Attachments

Major Hide Member

Attachments

Major Hide Member

Attachments

Major Hide Member

Attachments

Major Hide Member

Attachments

rocket surgeon

Major Hide Member

Fuck Zionists

Major Hide Member

Attachments

Major Hide Member

Attachments

Major Hide Member

Attachments

Sergeant

Sergeant of the Hide

Major Hide Member

Sergeant of the Hide

Fuck Zionists

Major Hide Member

Attachments

Major Hide Member

Attachments

Major Hide Member

Attachments

Gunny Sergeant

Major Hide Member

Lurker

Major Hide Member

Major Hide Member

Fuck Zionists

Major Hide Member

Major Hide Member

Attachments

Major Hide Member

Attachments

Private

Major Hide Member

Attachments

Major Hide Member

Attachments

Lurker

Sergeant of the Hide

Major Hide Member

Attachments

Sergeant of the Hide

Fuck Zionists

Major Hide Member

Major Hide Member

Attachments

Major Hide Member

Major Hide Member

Attachments

Lurker

Major Hide Member

Private

Major Hide Member

Private

Jack of all

Major Hide Member

Attachments

Jack of all

Sergeant of the Hide

Major Hide Member

Similar threads