7mm Backcountry Reloading dies and data is now available.

[Sundodger]

Maybe I am late to the game, but this is an interesting development in this cartridge.

I was starting to wonder if it was ever going to happen...

7mm Backcountry Dies

7mm Backcountry Reloading Dies

leeprecision.com

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

 

[rileybassman]

Interesting seeing some the load data... I have not shot nor own a 7BC but have been interested in seeing new case material impacts on ballistics. That said, some of the speeds are a bit slower than I would have expected. Granted a 20"barrel vs a 22" barrel, but with factory 170 terminal ascents with a 22" 7 PRC, I'm mid to upper 2900s and over 3k if the weather is in the 80s with the same bullet. 2" of barrel removed is cool, but max 7BC speeds with that same bullet are roughly the same speeds.

I do think newer materials are the way of the future tho and the argument of the 7BC to me is that they are getting magnum speeds with standard bolt face and less capacity... Is this just that less energy is lost and more pressure is being created by stiffer brass?

 

[wind gypsy]

Interesting seeing some the load data... I have not shot nor own a 7BC but have been interested in seeing new case material impacts on ballistics. That said, some of the speeds are a bit slower than I would have expected. Granted a 20"barrel vs a 22" barrel, but with factory 170 terminal ascents with a 22" 7 PRC, I'm mid to upper 2900s and over 3k if the weather is in the 80s with the same bullet. 2" of barrel removed is cool, but max 7BC speeds with that same bullet are roughly the same speeds.

I do think newer materials are the way of the future tho and the argument of the 7BC to me is that they are getting magnum speeds with standard bolt face and less capacity... Is this just that less energy is lost and more pressure is being created by stiffer brass?

They are getting magnum speeds with less powder burned which means less recoil and muzzle blast for same velocity. Having a standard bolt face means there is less bolt thrust. The higher pressures are just a biproduct of the powder burn rate, charge weight, case volume, and bullet used. Compare the load data in the above table to hodgdon 280AI data with same powders. 280AI case might be a hair bigger than the 7BC but the published charge weights are 2-3 grains heavier in the 7 BC.

The thing that stands out to me with that published 7BC load data is that the only powders listed are the absolutely highest performing velocity powders. Not a single more "stable" powder that you'd commonly see in precision rifle disciplines.

 

[Axlrod]

Hey Federal: make this case hold a 6mm bullet, then call me...

 

[wind gypsy]

Hey Federal: make this case hold a 6mm bullet, then call me...

Heck, just releasing component cases in 6/25/6.5 creedmoor, 223, 308, etc could be pretty cool. Edit: I believe there have already been similar 223 and 308 cases to hit the market? Good ol days are now for options, not so much on cost!

 

[Sundodger]

I am very curious as to what powders they are loading in their factory ammo. One thing I did notice their published reload data is a bit under what the advertised speeds are for their factory ammo in 20" barrels, and like wind gypsy said those were some pretty reactive powders.

I hoped they worked with powder suppliers to develop new powders for this high pressure application that were stable and maybe they did, but are not ready to release these to the reloading community. Which would be a huge mistake IMO.

 

[Okie_Poke]

My recollection from when the 7BC came out is that it would require somewhat unique reloading steps, which I assumed involved multiple passes in a resizing die. Anyone have any information on what is involved there as far as process?

Lee has this interesting "special note" on their die listing, which I interpret as saying you're going to have trouble at some point:

Special note: steel cases require substantial effort to full length resize. Be sure you’re using ample, high performance case lubricant like our Lee Resizing Lubricant. When sizing, once the effort becomes extreme, remove the case and redistribute the lubricant, re-insert the case and size to completion.

 

[Okie_Poke]

I hoped they worked with powder suppliers to develop new powders for this high pressure application that were stable and maybe they did, but are not ready to release these to the reloading community. Which would be a huge mistake IMO.

I assume they have some proprietary powder blend that won't be released as a canister grade powder. I think Hornady did this with the RCMs if memory serves, though I'll admit I never shot or reloaded for them. I agree with you it would be a mistake in that I'm less likely to buy-in if I have to use Superformance-like powders to get the advertised velocities, but I just don't think reloaders are their target consumer for this cartridge.

 

[Sundodger]

I assume they have some proprietary powder blend that won't be released as a canister grade powder. I think Hornady did this with the RCMs if memory serves, though I'll admit I never shot or reloaded for them. I agree with you it would be a mistake in that I'm less likely to buy-in if I have to use Superformance-like powders to get the advertised velocities, but I just don't think reloaders are their target consumer for this cartridge.

I agree this round doesn't seem to be targeted at reloaders, and that's a fine choice to make, but I am worried they are not meeting a minimum bar for adoption.


I suspect they are chasing some short term gains (monopolizing proprietary powder for factory ammo), to sacrifice long term gains (the cartridge becomes the new 7mm RM).


If one wants to create the next 6.5 Creedmoor, and all the money that goes along with that, they need widespread adoption and that includes reloaders even if they are not the prime consumer.


What seems very short sighted is how they released it all. If they had released the dies, reloading data (with equal performance to factory ammo), and the cartridge all at once this thing would have a lot less critics.

 

[deerhunter628]

Ok. I will just need a couple of you to start loading for this to get it all figured out and then post all of the details.

 

[BBob]

Some of those loads including charge weight are right at the same for a 7 SAUM. I didn't look in depth but just a few at a quick glance so I might be missing some. One that stuck out was the 175gn and N560. Virtually the same performance and powder charge as a 7 SAUM with a Berger 180 HYB.

 

[Tanner]

Yeah, I enjoy resizing brass so much that I wanna’ run all my pieces several times to get lube “appropriately distributed”….

Another gimmicky flash in the pan. Pass the Creedmoor/ x47 Lapua cases and hold the fluff.

 

[Axlrod]

I agree this round doesn't seem to be targeted at reloaders, and that's a fine choice to make, but I am worried they are not meeting a minimum bar for adoption.


I suspect they are chasing some short term gains (monopolizing proprietary powder for factory ammo), to sacrifice long term gains (the cartridge becomes the new 7mm RM).


If one wants to create the next 6.5 Creedmoor, and all the money that goes along with that, they need widespread adoption and that includes reloaders even if they are not the prime consumer.


What seems very short sighted is how they released it all. If they had released the dies, reloading data (with equal performance to factory ammo), and the cartridge all at once this thing would have a lot less critics.

Of course they are not targeting reloaders. Federal is owned by CSG, and all they (Federal) make is ammo. CSG has 100 companies, and 14000 employees, with 10 ammo brands under their umbrella.
From their website:
CSG's main industries are defence and security, automotive, aerospace and rail. The product portfolio is extremely diverse and includes heavy off-road vehicles, radars, air traffic control systems, ammunition of all calibers and luxury wristwatches. New 21st century breakthrough technologies are gradually being integrated into CSG products.

Czechoslovak Group – Global Industrial & Technology Leader

From heavy off‑road vehicles to radar and ammunition systems, CSG drives industrial innovation and sustainable growth across defence and civilian sectors.

czechoslovakgroup.com

 

[Sundodger]

Of course they are not targeting reloaders. Federal is owned by CSG, and all they (Federal) make is ammo. CSG has 100 companies, and 14000 employees, with 10 ammo brands under their umbrella.
From their website:
CSG's main industries are defence and security, automotive, aerospace and rail. The product portfolio is extremely diverse and includes heavy off-road vehicles, radars, air traffic control systems, ammunition of all calibers and luxury wristwatches. New 21st century breakthrough technologies are gradually being integrated into CSG products.

Czechoslovak Group – Global Industrial & Technology Leader

From heavy off‑road vehicles to radar and ammunition systems, CSG drives industrial innovation and sustainable growth across defence and civilian sectors.

czechoslovakgroup.com

I get that, but I guess that’s not really my point.

If this cartridge doesn’t “catch on” and becomes an another lead balloon like the 338 federal they are out a lot of money. All that R&D, tooling, etc isn’t going to pay for itself.

I have personally seen companies chase short term captive market profit margins that result in devastating long term losses so many times. Being greedy in the long run is a far better business strategy.

6.5CM is the perfect example; competition shooters, rec shooters, hunters, reloaders, factory ammo buyers, civilians and even limited military use.

Them hamstringing this rollout could cost them a lot of money. They need maximum engagement, not this slop.

With all that said, I hope these high pressure cartridges are a success.

 

[UnckleBob]

I assume they have some proprietary powder blend that won't be released as a canister grade powder. I think Hornady did this with the RCMs if memory serves, though I'll admit I never shot or reloaded for them. I agree with you it would be a mistake in that I'm less likely to buy-in if I have to use Superformance-like powders to get the advertised velocities, but I just don't think reloaders are their target consumer for this cartridge.

Somewhere else (I cannot remember), I saw speculation that reloaders would form 7BC brass from one of the various '06 based cases and shoot low pressure rounds when they don't need the extra fps.

Logically, a 7BC with a brass case should use similar load data and perform much like a 280AI in a barrel of the same length.

I now forsee a 18" CF 7BC barrel going on one of my Origin actions.

 

[UnckleBob]

I agree this round doesn't seem to be targeted at reloaders, and that's a fine choice to make, but I am worried they are not meeting a minimum bar for adoption.


I suspect they are chasing some short term gains (monopolizing proprietary powder for factory ammo), to sacrifice long term gains (the cartridge becomes the new 7mm RM).


If one wants to create the next 6.5 Creedmoor, and all the money that goes along with that, they need widespread adoption and that includes reloaders even if they are not the prime consumer.


What seems very short sighted is how they released it all. If they had released the dies, reloading data (with equal performance to factory ammo), and the cartridge all at once this thing would have a lot less critics.

What if the 7mm is the beta test and they have always viewed the big money in short action cartridges like 6 BC or 6.5BC ammo based upon the 308 case?