Top 9 New Rifles Chambered in Federal 7mm Backcountry

Federal Ammunition debuted the 7mm Backcountry hunting round earlier this year, a cartridge designed to power compact rifle platforms at magnum velocities while generating less recoil than traditional magnums. It’s also a longer-range hunting round with considerably less drop at long distances than most of the old guard mags, delivering more energy on the target.

As we reported recently, Federal designed the 7mm Backcountry to deliver velocities of 3,000+ feet per second from 20-inch barrels compared to the 24-inch barrels of most standard magnum rifles. The new rounds—offered in five different bullet types and weights—do exactly that.

To generate those 3K velocities, Federal created the new, patented Peak Alloy case. Built from an advanced steel alloy, the Peak Alloy’s one-piece case design allows higher internal pressure compared to brass-cased ammunition. Since the case itself contains those very stout pressures, rifle makers can use the same designs to manufacture rifles chambered in the round—no need for a bulkier receiver or a stouter bolt.

During round development, Federal also worked with over a dozen gun makers to make sure rifles were ready for 2025. It worked! There are over 25 separate rifle models now chambered in 7mm Backcountry, with more coming online by the end of the year. 

Christensen Arms offers three rifles in the Evoke line for the 7mm BC, including the Evoke Hunter. The Hunter features a Christensen Arms precision-machined receiver with an integrated Picatinny rail, match-grade chamber, and detachable magazine. The 416R stainless steel barrel is suppressor-ready and sports an RFR-style muzzle brake. The poly stock has a hybrid grip angle and an adjustable cheek riser and is finished in Christensen’s proprietary Arms Hunter Camouflage pattern. The rifle’s also backed by Christensen Arms’ sub-MOA guarantee.

• CALIBER: 7mm Backcountry
• ACTION: Bolt
• BARREL: 16.25- or 20-inches, 416R stainless, threaded
• OA LENGTH: N/A
• WEIGHT: 7.7 pounds
• STOCK: Polymer, Various Patterns
• SIGHTS: Drilled and tapped
• FINISH: Cerakote Action and Barrel, Various Colors
• CAPACITY: 3
• MSRP: $899

Now available in 7mm BC, the Twisted Rogue features a match grade #4 contour, a deep spiral fluted barrel made of stainless steel. The matching Fierce 2-LUG action is available in stainless steel or titanium. The internal box magazine holds three rounds, and the lightweight, 100-percent Carbon fiber Rogue stock is super tough and great looking.

• CALIBER: 7mm Backcountry
• ACTION: Bolt, Fierce 2-Lug, stainless or titanium
• BARREL: 18-, 20-, 22- or 24-inches, stainless, fluted
• OA LENGTH: 44 inches (w/22-inch barrel)
• WEIGHT: 6 pounds, 10 ounces (empty)
• STOCK: Carbon fiber, negative comb design
• SIGHTS: Drilled and tapped
• FINISH: Armour Lube Black 
• CAPACITY: 3
• MSRP:  $1,750 to $2,150
• WEBSITE: fiercearms.com

Geissele’s first bolt-action, the King Hunter, is only available in 7mm BC. The long-action bolt assembly features a floating bolt head for improved lug engagement, while the bolt assembly coating is Geissele’s own Nanoweapon, providing a very smooth and corrosion-resistant action. The Manners Long Range Hunter carbon fiber stock balances ergonomics and weight reduction, and the King Hunter weighs just over 8 pounds.

• CALIBER: 7mm Backcountry
• ACTION: Bolt
• BARREL: 20 inches, stainless, Cerakote finish, 1:8 twist 
• OA LENGTH: 40.25 inches 
• WEIGHT: 8.1 pounds (empty)
• STOCK: Manners Long Range Hunter carbon fiber, Geissele Camo finish 
• SIGHTS: Drilled and tapped
• FINISH: Nitride receiver, Cerakote barrel
• CAPACITY: 5 rounds, PMAG
• MSRP: $3,800

Designed to be the ultimate lightweight hunter, Horizon’s all-new Venatic Carbon is built with the carbon fiber iota EKO stock specifically inletted and built just for this rifle. Featuring thumb detents, a long grip, and the industry’s most popular Arca-Swiss rail, the Venatic Carbon also incorporates the company’s newly released Stiller Wombat action. Last, the rifle is outfitted with a premium, fluted carbon fiber barrel and a TriggerTech trigger.

• CALIBER: 7mm Backcountry
• ACTION: Bolt, Stiller Wombat
• BARREL: 16 inches, carbon fiber, fluted, 1:8 twist
• OA LENGTH: 38 inches
• WEIGHT: 6 pounds, 3 ounces (empty)
• STOCK: Carbon fiber iota EKO, gray and orange spatter finish
• SIGHTS: Drilled and tapped
• FINISH: DLC
• CAPACITY: 3+1
• MSRP: $3,999

The Elevation MTR (Mountain Tactical Rifle) 2.0 is a lightweight hunting rifle featuring Proof’s Sendero contour carbon fiber barrel, lightweight carbon fiber stock, Zermatt Arms Origin action, and a detachable box magazine. Available in right or left-hand models and backed by the Proof sub-MOA accuracy guarantee.

• CALIBER: 7mm Backcountry 
• ACTION: Bolt, Zermatt Arms Origin
• BARREL: 20 inches, carbon fiber, threaded, 1:8 twist 
• OA LENGTH: 38.5 inches
• WEIGHT: 6.8 pounds (empty)
• STOCK: Proof carbon fiber, Black Granite, or TFDE 
• SIGHTS: 20 MOA Picatinny rail
• FINISH: Carbon Fiber/Cerakote
• CAPACITY: 5+1
• MSRP: $3,899 

The all-new Huntin’ Fool (HF) Carbon Ascent rifle is built with the Pure Precision Stainless SKLTN action, a carbon fiber Manners PH stock, and a 22-inch carbon fiber-wrapped barrel. The rifle weighs just 6.5 pounds, and Pure rates it as a sub-MOA rig. The HF uses the Hawkins Hunter Magazine System, and here’s a big bonus: the rifle even comes complete with a Swarovski Z5+ series riflescope.

• CALIBER: 7mm Backcountry
• ACTION: Bolt, stainless SKLTN
• BARREL: 22 inches, carbon fiber, threaded
• OA LENGTH: N/A
• WEIGHT: 6.5 pounds (empty)
• STOCK: Manners PH composite, various colors
• SIGHTS: Drilled and tapped
• FINISH: Multiple hand-painted options
• CAPACITY: N/A
• MSRP: $6,089.00 

Savage offers 10 rifles in 7mm BC, including the Model 110 Ultralite featuring a 20-inch, carbon fiber wrapped stainless barrel and a melonite skeletonized receiver. Weighing in at under 6 pounds, the rifle comes equipped with Savage’s AccuFit technology for adjustable length of pull and comb height, plus the user-adjustable AccuTrigger. Right-handed and lefty models, too.

• CALIBER: 7mm Backcountry
• ACTION: Bolt
• BARREL: 20 inches plus 2-inch muzzle brake
• OA LENGTH: 42.5 inches
• WEIGHT: 6.18 pounds (empty)
• STOCK: Grey Accufit synthetic
• SIGHTS: Drilled and tapped
• FINISH: Matte
• CAPACITY: 2+1
• MSRP: $1,699

Seekings Precision HAVAK ELEMENT M3 is built around the gun maker’s patent-pending Quick-Change Barrel Collar, a three-lug bolt design, and a 60-degree bolt throw. The new Seekins Stock features an adjustable cheekpiece and full-length MLOK rail. The receiver is topped with an integrated 20 MOA Picatinny rail with bubble level.

• CALIBER: 7mm Backcountry
• ACTION: Bolt
• BARREL: 22 inches
• OA LENGTH: 42 inches
• WEIGHT: 6.8 pounds
• STOCK: PH3 Carbon Composite
• SIGHTS: 20 MOAPicatinny rail
• FINISH: Seekins Shadow series paint options
• CAPACITY: 3+1
• MSRP: $2,895

At 6.8 pounds in Federal 7mm Backcountry, the Mark V High Country is a lightweight, versatile mountain rifle. It features Peak 44’s Bastion carbon fiber stock, which weighs only 24 ounces. The Bastion has a shooter-friendly vertical grip and features dual front swivel studs for multiple attachments. Built with classic Weatherby Mark V steel action, plus equipped with an Accubrake and 3DHEX Recoil pad to tame magnum recoil.

• CALIBER: 7mm Backcountry
• ACTION: Bolt
• BARREL: 20 inches + 2-inch muzzle brake
• OA LENGTH: 42 inches
• WEIGHT: 6.8 pounds (empty)
• STOCK: Exposed Carbon Fiber
• SIGHTS: NA
• FINISH: WYO brown and backpack sponge pattern
• CAPACITY: 4+1
• MSRP: $2,649