Guns & Ammo Buzz: First look at the 7mm Backcountry with Peak Alloy technology.

Federal Ammunition introduced the new 7mm Backcountry round at Shot Show 2025, designed for short-barreled rifles and suppressed platforms. This cartridge utilizes a novel Peak Alloy case, enabling significantly higher chamber pressures (up to 80,000 PSI) compared to standard cases (around 60,000 PSI). This allows for impressive velocity and terminal performance from shorter barrels. The ammunition features a 170-grain Terminal Ascent bullet, achieving 3,000 feet per second from a 20-inch barrel, offering a balance of rapid expansion and deep penetration for hunting applications. The Peak Alloy case is designed to be reloadable using standard dies.

This video introduces Federal's new 7mm Backcountry cartridge, designed to deliver magnum performance from short-barreled rifles, especially when suppressed. The key innovation is the patented 'Peak Alloy' steel casing, which allows for higher chamber pressures than traditional brass, enabling increased velocity and performance without excessive recoil. The cartridge offers various bullet weights and types, aiming to compete with established cartridges like the 7mm PRC and 7mm Rem Mag while providing advantages in compactness and weight.

Savage Arms unveiled new bolt-action rifles chambered in 7mm Backcountry and updated their Revel Deluxe lever-action rimfire rifle at SHOT Show 2025. The bolt-action lineup includes 10 models ranging from the budget-friendly Trail Hunter Light to the ultralight Elite, with options for left-handed shooters and various barrel lengths. The Revel Deluxe now features a threaded barrel for suppressor use, a modern aesthetic with stippling and a vertical pistol grip, and a takedown design for portability, available in .22 LR with .17 HMR and .22 Mag coming soon.

The Savage 110 Trail Hunter Lite is presented in the new 7mm Backcountry caliber, designed to deliver magnum performance from shorter barrels. This rifle, based on the Savage 110 chassis, is available with 20-inch and 16.5-inch barrels. The 7mm Backcountry cartridge is noted for its overpressured nature, achieving high velocities with manageable recoil, even when suppressed.

This review of the Christensen Mesa FFT in 7mm PRC highlights significant performance issues despite its attractive, lightweight design. The host, with high authority and a critically objective tone, details problems with accuracy, feeding, extraction, and finish durability, ultimately advising against a purchase. The rifle's 'Flash Forged Technology' carbon fiber stock and TriggerTech trigger are noted, but overshadowed by practical performance shortcomings.

This video provides an expert-level analysis of Federal Premium Hydra-Shok .357 Magnum 158-grain JHP ammunition through rigorous ballistic gel testing. The Tools&Targets host, demonstrating high authority and an analytical approach, uses a LabRadar for precise velocity measurements and detailed projectile analysis. The testing reveals that while the Hydra-Shok performs well, a 4-inch barrel appears optimal for achieving balanced expansion and penetration without excessive fragmentation, making it a still viable self-defense option.

This review provides an expert look at the Heizer Defense PS1 Pocket Shotgun, a unique single-shot firearm chambered in .410 and .45 Colt. The video highlights its durable stainless steel or titanium construction, integrated grip storage, and impressive reliability demonstrated through extensive stress testing. Manufactured in Missouri, the PS1 is positioned as a novel option for concealed carry or self-defense, with production and pricing details also discussed.

This review provides an expert look at the Gilboa Snake, a unique double-barrel AR-15 variant. The design, originating from Israel, focuses on maximizing firepower in short engagement windows. Key features include dual magazine wells, a proprietary gas piston system, and independent dual triggers for civilian compliance. The presenter, Liam Brien, demonstrates a high level of technical expertise regarding its operation and legal configurations.

This video compares the recoil of the Desert Eagle in .44 Magnum and .50 AE calibers. The .44 Mag features a new muzzle brake, while the .50 AE uses a 300-grain Speer Gold Dot. Simultaneous firing highlights the visual difference in muzzle flip and recoil impulse between the two powerful handguns.

This video provides an expert analysis of 9mm vs. .45 ACP performance using high-speed cameras. Instructors Patrick Sweeney and Jim Tarr from Guns & Ammo demonstrate how factors like bullet mass and energy affect recoil, slide cycling, and muzzle rise, concluding that 9mm generally offers superior control.