That is the question. Wow, the new 7 Backcountry is getting lots of attention. We have tested velocity out of different barrel lengths and hunted Nilgai Antelope with it already. The 7 BC does show a significant velocity advantage at 16” and 18” barrel lengths.

So, we know how it performs on the range and in the field. I hate to ride the fence on which is better, but they are honestly very similar to one another, especially at 20” and 22” barrel lengths.

I think there are a few things to consider to make sure you pick the one that is right for you.

1. Ammo availability

This is always a big concern when a new cartridge comes out. Since the 7 BC uses a proprietary steel alloy case, Federal is likely to be the only source for factory ammo for some time. Federal is a big ammo manufacturer and we expect them to do a good job getting various loads to market. Since the 7 PRC uses a normal brass case, Federal, Hornady, Barnes, Remington , Weatherby, and Nosler all load it, giving you lots of choices in bullet weights and types.

2. Magazine Box Capacity:

Since the 7 BC is on a standard case diameter as opposed to a magnum case head, most magazine boxes will hold 5 rounds of 7 BC and only 3 rounds of 7 PRC. Things tend to go down hill pretty fast when your first shot is not great. Second shots can be key, but I’m not sure how important a 4th and 5th are. However, if you like the idea of 5 round capacity, the 7 BC will give that to you.

3. Barrel Life:

I have seen a few opinions that the barrel life of the 7 BC will only be a few hundred rounds due to the increased chamber pressure. In our experience chamber pressure does not have much to do with barrel life. Heat wears out barrels 

and while more pressure might marginally increase heat, it is mostly the amount of gun powder relative to the bore diameter that determines barrel life, along with how closely the rounds are fired to one another. So, we expect the 7 BC and 7 PRC barrel lives to be comparable to one another since the powder charges are

 not wildly different. We will keep an eye on this and let you know if we see differently.

4. Accuracy:

We guarantee ½ groups at 100 yards with factory ammo. So, it is incredibly important to us that the factory ammo is capable of this level of accuracy. To date, we have only tested the 175 Fusion Tipped in 7 BC. It has demonstrated ½ MOA accuracy out of several rifles. We expect at least some of other Federal loads to do the same. We already have seen multiple 7 PRC loads produce ½ MOA groups so the accuracy potential between the two rounds looks pretty even.

5. Reloadability:

Brass cases are easy to reload. Steel cases are not. While Federal claims that the Peak Alloy case is reloadable up to 3 or 4 times, it remains to be seen what the realities of this really are. If you like to reload your cases, stick with the 7 PRC.

6. Short Barrel Performance:

If you have not already done so, check out our velocity test video on the 7 BC. To summarize, the 175 Fusion Tipped in 7 BC was about 50 fps faster than the Federal 175 ELDX load in 7 PRC out of a 22” barrel. The difference was closer to 100 fps in the 20” barrel. From a ballistics

 and energy standpoint, there is not much tangible difference here. We have never tested 16 and 18 inch barrels in 7 PRC. But the fact that the 7 BC 18” barrel velocity was about 40 fps faster than the 7 PRC 20” barrel was pretty impressive. Even the

 16.5” barrel was only 35 fps slower than the typical velocities we see in a 7 PRC with a 20” barrel. So, if you want to run a 18” barrel or shorter, with a suppressor, the 7 BC looks really good.

The 7 BC and Peak Alloy case story is just getting started. I think there is a lot of potential for this case technology to improve the performance of lots of other cartridges. Will it turn a 6.5 Creedmoor into a 6.5 PRC? Will it turn a 7mm-08 into a 280 Ackley? Time will tell. In the meantime, we hope this

 information helps you decide which cartridge will work best for you.

Whichever you choose, we will build you the best rifle possible.