7 Backcountry Ballistics Data

[Demlockian]

For those interested, I compiled data from one of the YouTube videos (link at bottom) where they shot all types of Federal ammo from both a 22-inch barreled Weatherby and a 16-inch barreled PROOF rifle. Let's keep the discussion away from "bash backcountry" and take the data for it is. If you spot any errors, please let me know and I will correct the dataset.

My wife and I have two 7 Backcountry rifles on order, which we should be receiving shortly after Thanksgiving. In turn, one of them is going to spend ~6 days in Prince William Sound, Alaska shortly afterwards on a Sitka Blacktail hunt.

The yellow line is from Hornady's website for a 24-inch barreled 300 Winchester Magnum firing 180 grain CX bullets with a G1 of .469 and muzzle velocity of 2960.


Blue lines are 22-inch barrel and purple lines are 16-inch.

Source
youtube.com/watch?time_continue=766&v=7O_l5KZZ4JI&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Frokslide.com%2F&source_ve_path=MTM5MTE3LDI4NjYzLDI4NjYzLDEzOTExNywyODY2Ng

Edit #1 - Added pictures for the charts, as copy & paste didn't get the Excel formatting right.

 

[Demlockian]

7 Backcountry | 22-Inch | 175		7 Backcountry | 16-Inch | 175
Weatherby Mk V		Proof Research Tundra Ti
Brand	Federal	Line	Fusion Tipped			Brand	Federal	Line	Fusion Tipped
Grain	175	G1	0.575	Diameter	0.284		Grain	175	G1	0.575	Diameter	0.284
RANGE	DROP	DRIFT	VELOCITY	ENERGY	TKO		RANGE	DROP	DRIFT	VELOCITY	ENERGY	TKO
0	-1.5	0	2980	3450	21		0	-1.5	0	2850	3156	20
100	1.5	0.5	2815	3078	20		100	1.7	0.6	2690	2811	19
200	0	2.1	2656	2740	19		200	0	2.3	2535	2496	18
300	-6.3	4.8	2502	2432	18		300	-7	5.2	2385	2210	17
400	-18.2	8.8	2353	2152	17		400	-20.2	9.5	2241	1951	16
500	-36.5	14.4	2210	1898	16		500	-40.4	15.4	2101	1715	15
600	-61.9	21.4	2072	1667	15		600	-68.3	22.8	1966	1502	14
700	-95	29.8	1938	1459	14		700	-105	31.9	1837	1311	13
7 Backcountry | 22-Inch | 168		7 Backcountry | 16-Inch | 168
Weatherby Mk V		Proof Research Tundra Ti
Brand	Federal	Line	Barnes LRX			Brand	Federal	Line	Barnes LRX
Grain	168	G1	0.513	Diameter	0.284		Grain	168	G1	0.513	Diameter	0.284
RANGE	DROP	DRIFT	VELOCITY	ENERGY	TKO		RANGE	DROP	DRIFT	VELOCITY	ENERGY	TKO
0	-1.5	0	3020	3402	21		0	-1.5	0	2890	3115	20
100	1.4	0.5	2834	2995	19		100	1.6	0.6	2709	2737	18
200	0	2.4	2655	2629	18		200	0	2.5	2535	2397	17
300	-6.3	5.4	2483	2300	17		300	-7	5.7	2368	2091	16
400	-18.3	9.9	2317	2003	16		400	-20.3	10.7	2207	1816	15
500	-36.9	16.1	2159	1738	15		500	-40.7	17.2	2052	1571	14
600	-62.7	23.9	2006	1500	14		600	-69	25.4	1903	1351	13
700	-97	33.6	1859	1289	13		700	-107.6	36.1	1762	1158	12

 

[Demlockian]

7 Backcountry | 22-Inch | 155		7 Backcountry | 16-Inch | 155
Weatherby Mk V		Proof Research Tundra Ti
Brand	Federal	Line	Terminal Ascent			Brand	Federal	Line	Terminal Ascent
Grain	155	G1	0.586	Diameter	0.284		Grain	155	G1	0.586	Diameter	0.284
RANGE	DROP	DRIFT	VELOCITY	ENERGY	TKO		RANGE	DROP	DRIFT	VELOCITY	ENERGY	TKO
0	-1.5	0	3145	3404	20		0	-1.5	0	3060	3222	19
100	1.2	0.5	2977	3049	19		100	1.3	0.4	2895	2884	18
200	0	1.9	2815	2726	18		200	0	2	2736	2576	17
300	-5.6	4.4	2658	2432	17		300	-6	4.6	2582	2295	16
400	-16.1	8.1	2507	2164	16		400	-17.1	8.3	2434	2038	15
500	-32.1	12.9	2361	1919	15		500	-34.2	13.5	2290	1805	14
600	-54.5	19.3	2220	1697	14		600	-58	20.1	2152	1593	14
700	-84	27.1	2084	1495	13		700	-89.1	28.1	2018	1401	13
7 Backcountry | 22-Inch | 170		7 Backcountry | 16-Inch | 170
Weatherby Mk V		Proof Research Tundra Ti
Brand	Federal	Line	Terminal Ascent			Brand	Federal	Line	Terminal Ascent
Grain	170	G1	0.646	Diameter	0.284		Grain	170	G1	0.646	Diameter	0.284
RANGE	DROP	DRIFT	VELOCITY	ENERGY	TKO		RANGE	DROP	DRIFT	VELOCITY	ENERGY	TKO
0	-1.5	0	3015	3431	21		0	-1.5	0	2935	3251	20
100	1.4	0.4	2866	3101	20		100	1.5	0.5	2789	2936	19
200	0	1.9	2723	2798	19		200	0	2	2648	2647	18
300	-6.1	4.3	2584	2520	18		300	-6.4	4.4	2511	2380	17
400	-17.3	7.7	2449	2263	17		400	-18.3	7.9	2378	2135	16
500	-34.3	12.3	2318	2028	16		500	-36.5	12.9	2250	1910	16
600	-58	18.3	2191	1812	15		600	-61.5	19.1	2125	1705	15
700	-88.8	25.6	2068	1615	14		700	-94	26.6	2004	1516	14
7 Backcountry | 22-Inch | 195		7 Backcountry | 16-Inch | 195
Weatherby Mk V		Proof Research Tundra Ti
Brand	Federal	Line	Berger Elite Hunter			Brand	Federal	Line	Berger Elite Hunter
Grain	195	G1	0.755	Diameter	0.284		Grain	195	G1	0.755	Diameter	0.284
RANGE	DROP	DRIFT	VELOCITY	ENERGY	TKO		RANGE	DROP	DRIFT	VELOCITY	ENERGY	TKO
0	-1.5	0	2840	3492	22		0	-1.5	0	2770	3322	22
100	1.6	0.5	2718	3197	22		100	1.7	0.5	2649	3039	21
200	0	1.8	2598	2923	21		200	0	1.8	2532	2776	20
300	-6.7	4	2482	2668	20		300	-7.1	4	2418	2531	19
400	-19	7	2369	2430	19		400	-20.2	7.3	2306	2303	18
500	-37.7	11.3	2259	2210	18		500	-39.9	11.8	2198	2092	17
600	-63.2	16.8	2152	2005	17		600	-66.8	17.4	2092	1895	17
700	-96	23.3	2048	1815	16		700	-101.7	24.2	1990	1714	16

 

[MagnumHntr]

For those interested, I compiled data from one of the YouTube videos (link at bottom) where they shot all types of Federal ammo from both a 22-inch barreled Weatherby and a 16-inch barreled PROOF rifle. Let's keep the discussion away from "bash backcountry" and take the data for it is. If you spot any errors, please let me know and I will correct the dataset.

The yellow line is from Hornady's website for a 24-inch barreled 300 Winchester Magnum firing 180 grain CX bullets with a G1 of .469 and muzzle velocity of 2960.
View attachment 972660

Source
youtube.com/watch?time_continue=766&v=7O_l5KZZ4JI&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Frokslide.com%2F&source_ve_path=MTM5MTE3LDI4NjYzLDI4NjYzLDEzOTExNywyODY2Ng

Why the graph for yards vs energy when energy has nothing to do with killing.

 

[Demlockian]

Why the chart for yards vs energy when energy has nothing to do with killing.

It's nothing more than a data point; people can view or disregard as they see fit.

 

[MagnumHntr]

It's nothing more than a data point; people can view or disregard as they see fit.

A graph of yds vs velocity might be more helpful. Either way thanks for the breakdown of information.

 

[Demlockian]

A graph of yds vs velocity might be more helpful. Either way thanks for the breakdown of information.

As requested.



Same as the first graph, blue is 22-inch and purple is 16-inch.

 

[Ringbill27]

I’m liking what I’m seeing.

 

[jreyna]

Great data. Thanks for taking the time to share and so clearly as well. I’m debating a 16” vs 20” 7mm bc setup. This is very helpful.

 

[UnckleBob]

A graph of yds vs velocity might be more helpful. Either way thanks for the breakdown of information.

Energy is useful for understanding the amount of work a bullet can do at impact. It certainly isn't the be-all end all, but it a useful data point.

 

[UnckleBob]

Great data. Those 16" velocities are close to or exceed the velocities I get with my 22" 280AI. For people who want a hunting rifle (not a high volume target rifle on the side), I think the 7BC is a great option.

 

[Ringbill27]

Great data. Thanks for taking the time to share and so clearly as well. I’m debating a 16” vs 20” 7mm bc setup. This is very helpful.

Looking at the data I’m thinking. 18” would get most loadings to 600yds with good velocities. 500yds is more then enough for me. Interesting cartridge.

 

[Demlockian]

Great data. Thanks for taking the time to share and so clearly as well. I’m debating a 16” vs 20” 7mm bc setup. This is very helpful.

I'll be running suppressed in somewhat dense Alaskan islands, so I went with 16-inches to give a total effective barrel length of around ~22-inches. If you went with a 20-inch barrel, you'd be reaching out to around 26-inches suppressed. I found the velocities to be not that much different; I really don't think the animal is going to notice (as long as you're hunting with good bullets, shot placement, and critters this caliber is designed for).

 

[UnckleBob]

#10MinuteTalk | 7mm Backcountry Reloading Dies and Data

Podcast Episode · Vortex Nation Podcast · 12/02/2025 · Bonus · 37m

podcasts.apple.com

 

[Demlockian]

So... range went well... sorta.

The Christensen Arms Titanium Ridgeline FFT was a little sticky on each ejection, with some worse than others. About round 7 or 8 the action seized and I had to get creative to open it. Once running again, I got another 3-4 shots off before it seized again. At this point, I put the rifle back in the truck. I will contact Federal to see if I can get a batch of the revamped ammo, which I have heard solves this. If that fails, I'll most likely re-barrel this action.

The Christensen Arms Evoke performed without issue, cycling through 7 or 8 shots without ever getting a sticky lift. In honesty, it felt about the same as my Christensen Arms Ridgeline 300 Win Mag. I plan to run more rounds through the Evoke to see how it performs. If I can get ~100 rounds off without any issues, I'll carry it.

 

[Demlockian]

Update to range…

Christensen confirmed that Federal changed the ammo spec and even the chamber spec. Initial advise, as I expected, was to inform Federal of the bad ammo lot and request the new stuff. If the new stuff failed to perform, they’d like the rifle back for diagnosis.

Federal Update: No new specs exist. They changed the load data, but stayed within original specs. No new chamber exists, however, some manufacturers may be cutting chambers too low on the spec sheet. They have shipped over 2 million rounds and only have a handful of complaints coming in. Federal advised sending it back regardless of how the new lot performs as the chamber (or other variable) is not right. The rep was awesome and immediately offered to replace the ammo with a new batch.

Interestingly, the CA rep mentioned that the 195 Bergers have the least issues. With that new info, I sent 18 down range yesterday with zero issues, outside of typical 7 BC sticky bolt issue (but NOT seizing). Final 3 shots average around 1/3-1/2 MOA at 100 yards.

As a WAG, I’m curious if a suppressor makes a difference? The 175 tipped were shot suppressed, while the 195s were not.

 

[LG1]

Interesting stuff! Thanks for sharing it.

 

[Demlockian]

Update: Federal has already replaced my 170‑grain Terminal Ascent, though I’m still waiting on the 175‑grain Fusion Tipped. Since I never had the chance to run the original 170‑grain load before receiving the updated batch, I can’t offer a true before‑and‑after comparison. What I can say is that the 170‑grain rounds showed no noticeable increase in bolt lift or extraction effort compared to an empty chamber.

Once I get in the 175g, I'll report back (keep in mind the CA Evoke shot this stuff fine, only the Ti had an issue).

 

[gbflyer]

How did the hunt go? Did they perform well?

 

[Demlockian]

Kinda a crap shoot, honestly. When I arrived, a windstorm was already hammering the area, so we had to delay for three days while the waves sat at 8–12 feet. Three days after that storm finally passed, another one was projected to roll in with 8–10 foot waves. That basically cut our actual hunting window down to about two and a half days.

We managed to tag one doe between the two of us, which is about all you can ask for under the conditions we were dealing with. The deer weren’t responding to calls, daylight was limited to about six hours, and the weather kept cutting into our time. Pending our tag draws in February, the plan is to head to Kodiak next for a proper 7–10‑day stretch.

Next up is a hunter‑safety story. Interpret it however you want—pick it apart, analyze it, critique it. I’m sharing it as a cautionary tale for the next hunter who might find themselves in a similar situation.

As for the rifle—did it perform? Well, I never fired a single intentional shot. Yes… I meant intentional.

A bit of background: three years ago on Hinchinbrook Island, I carried a Remington 700 Dangerous Game in .375 H&H for a brown bear hunt. That trip taught me that nearly every branch in Alaska seems determined to disengage the safety or pop the bolt open for free. It’s one of the reasons I don’t carry R700‑style rifles chambered in the field—the safety design just isn’t ideal for the kind of brush and terrain we move through.

Fast‑forward to this hunt. It’s the last day, the storm has already pushed into the Sound, and we’ve got maybe 30 minutes of light left. The waves are stacking, and even the beach had little one‑foot rollers—just enough to make launching the dinghy “interesting.” We loaded our packs, checked safeties, and started hauling gear down to the waterline. I knew the rifle was loaded—we’d just finished calling and I’d forgotten to unload in the rush to beat the weather—but it was sitting on the dinghy with the safety engaged. I’d double‑checked it, and it was only a hundred yards to the main boat.

Once we reached the shoreline, I noticed the rifle starting to tip. With the dinghy’s ripped bottom letting in water, I didn’t want it getting soaked. I reached in and lightly grabbed the stock to reposition it… and bang. A round went off at an angle over the bow. No one was anywhere near the muzzle—I’d checked that before touching it—but it was still one hell of a wake‑up call. Somewhere in the span of a minute or two, something had managed to both disengage the safety and depress the trigger.

Long story short: I’m converting the Christensen Arms 7 Backcountry rifles to a three‑position Mauser‑style safety for an extra layer of insurance, and I’ll continue carrying on an empty chamber—aside from this very specific lessons‑learned scenario. I’m also phasing out the side‑safety designs (Tikka, Christensen, etc.) and moving my inventory over to Browning's with the thumb safeties.

And yes, this was a negligent discharge. It was 100% preventable, and that’s on me. If something can happen once, it can happen again, and I’d rather stack the odds in my favor.