Where to Buy 7mm Backcountry Ammo: Comparing Prices for Federal & Remington Loads
The 7mm Backcountry cartridge has quickly become one of the most talked-about rounds in the hunting community, offering an impressive balance of long-range performance and manageable recoil. As more hunters discover this versatile cartridge, finding reliable sources for factory ammunition has become increasingly important. Whether you’re planning a mountain hunt or simply want to test this exciting new round at the range, knowing where to buy 7mm Backcountry ammo – and how to get the best price – can save you both time and money.
What Is 7mm Backcountry Ammo?
The 7mm Backcountry is a relatively new cartridge designed specifically for hunters who need lightweight rifles without sacrificing ballistic performance. This round sits in a sweet spot between the popular 6.5 Creedmoor and the 7mm Remington Magnum, delivering excellent downrange energy and flat trajectory while generating less recoil than traditional magnum cartridges. It’s particularly well-suited for mountain hunting, where every ounce of rifle weight matters and shot distances can vary dramatically.
Both Federal Premium and Remington have introduced factory loads for the 7mm Backcountry, recognizing the cartridge’s growing popularity among serious hunters. These loads typically feature premium bullets designed for deep penetration and controlled expansion, making them effective on game ranging from deer to elk. The cartridge’s efficiency also means you’ll get excellent barrel life compared to overbore magnums, making it a practical choice for hunters who shoot regularly.
Federal vs Remington: Key Differences
Federal Premium’s 7mm Backcountry offerings typically feature their renowned Terminal Ascent or Trophy Copper bullets, which are engineered for high weight retention and consistent performance across a wide range of velocities. Federal loads tend to emphasize accuracy and terminal performance, with their proprietary bullet designs often commanding a premium price. Their ammunition generally runs between $45-60 per box of 20 rounds, depending on the specific bullet selection and current market conditions.
Remington’s entry into the 7mm Backcountry market brings their Core-Lokt Tipped and other proven bullet designs to this modern cartridge. Remington loads are often priced slightly more competitively, typically ranging from $40-55 per box, while still delivering the reliable performance the brand is known for. The choice between Federal and Remington often comes down to personal preference, specific bullet performance characteristics you’re looking for, and which brand your rifle shoots more accurately – it’s always worth trying both if your budget allows.
Top Online Retailers for 7mm Backcountry
When shopping online for 7mm Backcountry ammunition, several major retailers consistently stock both Federal and Remington loads. MidwayUSA, Brownells, and Cabela’s/Bass Pro Shops are among the most reliable sources, often receiving regular shipments of popular hunting cartridges. These established retailers also offer email notifications when out-of-stock items become available, which is invaluable for a newer cartridge like the 7mm Backcountry. Ammoseek.com and Wikiarms.com are excellent aggregator sites that search across dozens of retailers simultaneously, helping you find in-stock ammunition and compare prices in real-time.
Smaller online specialists like Natchez Shooters Supplies, Sportsman’s Warehouse, and Sportsman’s Guide can also be excellent sources, sometimes offering better prices or having stock when larger retailers are sold out. Don’t overlook manufacturer websites either – both Federal Premium and Remington occasionally sell directly to consumers and may have exclusive deals or bundle offers. Remember to factor in shipping costs when comparing online prices, as ammunition is heavy and shipping fees can significantly impact your total cost, sometimes adding $15-25 to your order.
Local Gun Shops: Finding Ammo In Your Area
Your local gun shop or sporting goods store can be an excellent resource for finding 7mm Backcountry ammunition, especially if you’ve built a relationship with the staff. Many smaller shops will special-order ammunition for regular customers, and they often receive allocations of hard-to-find cartridges that never make it to online inventory systems. Call ahead to check availability, and don’t hesitate to ask if they can order specific loads for you – most shops are happy to accommodate serious hunters, especially for premium cartridges like the 7mm Backcountry.
Chain stores like Academy Sports + Outdoors, Scheels, and regional sporting goods retailers typically stock popular hunting ammunition and may carry 7mm Backcountry during hunting season. The advantage of buying locally is that you can inspect the ammunition before purchase, avoid shipping fees, and take it home immediately. Building relationships with local retailers also means you might get a phone call when they receive a shipment of hard-to-find ammunition, giving you first crack at new inventory before it hits the shelves.
Price Comparison: Getting the Best Deal
As of current market conditions, expect to pay between $2.00-3.00 per round for quality 7mm Backcountry ammunition from either Federal or Remington. Federal Premium loads with premium bullets like the Terminal Ascent typically sit at the higher end of this range, while Remington Core-Lokt offerings usually come in slightly lower. Buying in bulk can reduce your per-round cost – some retailers offer case discounts (typically 10 boxes) that can save you 5-10% compared to buying individual boxes. Always calculate the true cost per round including shipping and any applicable taxes before making your purchase decision.
Seasonal sales around major holidays and the beginning of hunting season can offer significant savings opportunities. Many retailers run promotions during the off-season (late winter through early spring) when demand is lower, making this an ideal time to stock up for the following fall. Sign up for email lists from your favorite retailers to receive notification of sales and special promotions. Also consider joining loyalty programs like Cabela’s CLUB or Bass Pro Shops’ CLUB, which offer points on ammunition purchases that can translate into future discounts.
Tips for Buying Hard-to-Find Ammunition
For a relatively new cartridge like the 7mm Backcountry, patience and persistence are key to finding ammunition at reasonable prices. Set up in-stock alerts on multiple websites and check aggregator sites like Ammoseek.com daily if you’re actively searching. Join online hunting forums and social media groups dedicated to long-range hunting or the 7mm Backcountry specifically – members often share tips about where ammunition is currently available and alert each other to good deals.
Avoid panic buying at inflated prices unless you have an imminent hunting trip and no other options. While it’s smart to maintain a reasonable supply of ammunition for practice and hunting, buying several cases at premium prices during shortages isn’t necessary for most hunters. Consider buying one or two boxes of different loads to test in your rifle first – there’s no point in buying a case of ammunition if your particular rifle doesn’t shoot it accurately. Once you’ve identified which load your rifle prefers, then it makes sense to buy in larger quantities when prices are favorable and availability is good.
Finding 7mm Backcountry ammunition doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience if you know where to look and how to shop strategically. By monitoring both online retailers and local gun shops, comparing prices between Federal and Remington offerings, and taking advantage of sales and bulk discounts, you can keep your rifle fed without breaking the bank. The 7mm Backcountry is an exceptional cartridge that deserves quality ammunition, and with the information in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to find the loads you need for your next hunting adventure. Happy hunting, and may your shots fly true!
