Hornady’s newest big-game cartridge, the 7mm PRC, was all the rage at last year’s SHOT Show. But the spot light moved over to Federal Cartridge’s newest challenger, the 7mm Backcountry last week in Vegas. Timed to catch the latest sporting arms news cycle, several outdoor communicators unleashed a lot of glowing reports on the 7mm Backcountry after perforating a few targets and critters last fall.
Best New Hunting Rifles for 2025
According to Federal Cartridge, the 7mm BC attains higher velocities in shorter, suppressor-friendly barrels than other comparable 7mm magnums with the same heavy-for-caliber bullets. Federal gets the big velocity jump with some interesting loading voodoo. They’re producing about 80,000 psi in the 7mm BC by using steel cartridge cases and proprietary powder. That compares to the SAAMI maximum average pressure of 65,000 psi for magnum cartridges. More shooters putting rounds downrange with this new cartridge in coming months will prove the concept… or not.
Some of the drawbacks and unknowns about the 7mm BC might leave some folks scratching their heads. At present, RCBS is working on reloading dies, but there’s no way to reload this cartridge. Federal is using some top secret powder to drive this round, but none is available to handloaders. Hodgdon Powders, who now owns RCBS, has yet to develop a powder to reproduce Federal’s velocities, either.
Will the 7mm BC Deliver?
Some of the unknowns associated with this round beg the question: Will every rifle action be able to handle the pressures? Not all rifle actions are built alike, with some being stronger than others. How temperature stable is Federal’s new powder for this cartridge? Nobody on the outside knows yet. It’s one thing to crank off a few rounds in cooler fall temperatures, and yet another to do some extended shooting in the heat of summer. We’ll find out when somebody leaves a box of ammo in the sun and then starts firing them through a rifle chamber that’s got a bit of gun oil left in it from a less-than-thorough cleaning. Stay tuned.
It doesn’t matter if you’re chasing bushytails or brown bears, there’s a bevy of hunting rifles at SHOT Show to join you afield this year. Check out some of what we found in Vegas last week.
CVA Cascade XT
The CASCADE XT (X-Treme) is their new “precision-oriented” member of the Cascade family, now offered in left-handed versions.
Several key features make it the perfect multiple purpose rifle for many hunters. First, the heavier #5 taper fluted barrel adds stability and improves balance, while also allowing the rapid firing of multiple shots without accuracy loss due to excessive barrel heating.
Their radial muzzle brake greatly reduces recoil, making the XT very comfortable to shoot both on the range and in the field, even in heavier calibers. And lastly, the XT’s tactical-style bolt knob provides better leverage for faster manipulation of the bolt, especially from the prone position.
This model comes in .308 Win, .350 Legend, .300 Win Mag and 7mm PRC. (bipoutdoors.com)
CVA Scout Single-Shot
The Scout builds on CVA’s trusted single-shot rifle platform with modern upgrades for versatility and performance. New for 2025 are two models chambered in .360 Buckhammer and .400 Legand.
Both of these new versions tip the scales at 6.4 pounds and come with 20-inch barrels. The .360 Buckhammer’s muzzle is threaded 5/8-24 TPI and the larger Legend’s muzzle is threaded 11/16-24 TPI. Designed for comfort and adaptability, it offers improved ergonomics, customizable adjustments, and suppressor-ready compatibility. A Picatinny rail simplifies optics mounting, making the Scout an ideal choice for budget-conscious hunters seeking reliability and innovation. (bipoutdoors.com)
Christensen Arms 7mm Backcountry
Christensen Arms is thrilled to announce their Ridgeline FFT and Evoke rifles are now chambered in Federal’s 7mm Backcountry caliber.
Built for backcountry hunts, the Ridgeline FFT is a lightweight rifle combining a carbon fiber barrel with their FFT technology, making it one of the lightest hunting rifles available. It’s perfect for those long treks to find your trophy. MSRP $2,050.
Designed with hunters in mind, the Evoke features a precision-machined receiver, adjustable trigger, and suppressor-ready barrel. Its ergonomic hybrid grip and durable build make it ideal for long days in the field. (christensenarms.com)
Franchi Momentum Elite 7mm PRC
In a nod to the growing popularity of the impressive 7 PRC cartridge for long-range competition and extended-range hunting scenarios, Franchi announces the addition of a 7 PRC chambering in its Momentum Elite bolt-action rifle.
The Momentum Elite draws on Franchi’s rich Italian craftsmanship and penchant for performance-driven technological advancements to deliver a bolt-action rifle hunters throughout the world have come to rely on for their big-game pursuits. The Evolved Ergonom-X stock system offers the kind of positive handling and comfort that make tough field shots easier and on the mark. The free-floating, cold-hammer-forged chrome molybdenum barrel and precision action coupled with the proven one-piece, 3-lug Dependa Bolt presents an exceptionally accurate system that Franchi backs with its 1 MOA guarantee when using premium factory ammo.
Further, the new Momentum Elite 7 PRC comes dressed in the new Franchi Biome camo pattern. This is a Franchi-exclusive pattern consisting of shadow and bottomland earth tones along with light and dark green elements that offer excellent concealment in a broad range of hunting environments and terrain. (franchiusa.com)
Franchi Momentum Carbine Elite
Franchi developed the new Momentum Carbine Elite as the answer to hunters who place a premium on maneuverability in close environments and who favor a light, agile platform for pursuing big whitetails. Whether hunting from a ground blind or box blind, climber or sling stand, thick brush or timber, the Momentum Carbine Elite stands ready.
The key features begin with the compact Evolved Ergonom-X stock, which makes the Momentum Carbine Elite fast-handling, ergonomic, and quick to the shoulder while the contoured TSA recoil pad minimizes catching on bulky clothing.
Next, the Momentum Carbine Elite comes in shorter barrel lengths than the standard Momentum rifles. Rifles chambered for .308 Win. and .350 Legend call on an 18-inch straight fluted barrel while the 6.5 Creedmoor chamber boasts a 20-inch straight fluted barrel to take full advantage of this cartridge’s impressive ballistics. The overall result is an agile and highly maneuverable bolt-action rifle built in the spirit of traditional carbines but with the kind of innovative technological features and guaranteed 1 MOA accuracy that sets the Franchi Momentum apart in a crowded and competitive field.
All rifles operate via Franchi’s one-piece, spiral-fluted bolt featuring three locking lugs for solid, accuracy-enhancing lockup. The short-throw (60-degree) Dependa bolt feeds cartridges from a detachable box-type magazine. Additional features include a Cobalt Cerakote finish on the bolt handle, receiver, barrel, and removable muzzle brake, a one-piece Picatinny rail for optic mounting, integrated QD swivel and M-LOK mounting points for slings and bipod attachment, and Franchi’s 2- to 4-pound adjustable Relia trigger.
Finally, all Momentum Carbine Elite rifles come dressed in the new and exclusive Franchi Terra™ camo pattern design created to blend with a wide range of whitetail hunting environments. MSRP: $1249. (franchiusa.com)
51Fifty
This highly-embellished AR builder jumped into the bolt-action game recently with two introductory models in their Overland Series. The Massachusetts gun builder started with their Traker Short Action and the Backcountry Long Action.
Following the 700 Rem profile action, the Tracker features a 70-degree bolt throw. It also comes with a Sendero profile barrel, ARCA rail, QD cups and an adjustable cheek riser. The company differentiates this model by barrel length, such as 18, 20 or 22-inch versions. Take your pick of short-action cartridges. Cost starts at $3,222.
Their Backcountry Long Action model offers the same features as their short-action models, but offers a bag rider-style stock. Both models are available in right or left-hand versions. Price starts at $4,305. (51Fiftyrifles.com)
Marlin 1895 Trapper
Based on the same platform as the Marlin 1895 SBL, the Marlin 1895 Trapper boasts a shorter, more maneuverable 16-inch barrel, offers a bead-blasted, satin stainless finish for low glare in the field and rapid acquisition with the adjustable Skinner Sights receiver-mounted peep sight system.
This American-made lever-action rifle was manufactured with great pride and attention to detail. You can expect the same time-honored design as the traditional 1895, combined with Ruger’s trusted reputation for producing high-quality, reliable firearms.
The receiver, lever and trigger guard plate are CNC machined from stainless steel forgings. The barrel is made of stainless steel and is cold hammer-forged which results in ultra-precise rifling that provides exceptional accuracy and longevity. A threaded barrel, with factory-installed thread protector, has an 11/16-inch-24 TPI pattern to accommodate a muzzle brake or other barrel accessories.
This rifle reliably feeds a wide range of .45-70 Govt. factory ammunition and bullet types. Durable, laminate buttstock and forend remain dimensionally stable in varying weather conditions. Suggested retail is $1,499. (Marlinfireamrs.com)
Mossberg Suppressor-Ready Patriot Carbine
Mossberg has released a dedicated version of its popular Patriot bolt-action rifle with shorter barrel lengths, optimized for use with suppressors. With 41 states allowing suppressor usage for hunting, their popularity with predator, deer, and big game hunters has grown significantly. So, Mossberg delivers a suppressor-ready platform with their Patriot Carbine bolt-action rifle series. Key features include threaded barrels; compact barrel lengths of 16.25, 18, and 20 inches; a wide range of chamberings from 22-250 Rem to 7mm PRC; and durable black synthetic stock with complementing matte blue metal finish.
Mossberg’s Patriot rifles feature a proven twin-lug, push-feed, machined-steel action, fed from a flush polymer magazine. The free-floating carbon steel barrel comes with an 11-degree match crown, threaded and including a protective thread cap. For ease in adding optics, the Patriot Carbine comes equipped with a receiver-mounted Picatinny rail. (mossberg.com)
Savage 7mm Backcountry 110 Pro Pursuit Rifle & More
Savage has teamed up with Federal Ammunition to produce rifles chambered in Federal’s new 7mm Backcountry Cartridge. The company owns a long reputation for building a wide array of rifles for backcountry hunting. These lightweight, rugged hunting rifles are able to traverse a wide array of environments and withstand the toughest elements, all while delivering the on-target performance required to successfully punch all types of big game tags. The all-new 7mm Backcountry pairs perfectly with Savage’s lineup of rifles built to withstand the rugged wild.
“We are excited to tap into the new 7mm Backcountry cartridge and its ability to offer magnum performance in a compact platform,” said RJ Contorno, Senior Product Manager at Savage Arms. “The science of this cartridge brings technology and capabilities to our proven rifles. Hunters will be able to shoot faster, flatter and deliver more terminal energy on target with the 7mm Backcountry. We’re going to have some fantastic hunting rifles ready to go in this exciting new chambering in 2025—including the recently introduced 110 Pro Pursuit Rifle (PPR) and our popular Timberline models as well.”
Initial Savage rifles chambered in 7mm Backcountry will include a variety of Model 110s, including the Ultralite, Ultralite Elite, Pro Pursuit Rifle, Timberline and Trail Hunter Lite. Certain models come in either right- or left-hand models. The Savage Model 110 has been trusted by hunters and shooters for decades. Each of these rifles chambered in 7mm Backcountry feature Savage’s revolutionary AccuTrigger, allowing hunters to adjust the trigger pull weight between 1.5-6 pounds depending on the model.
Savage Axis 2
The Axis first hit the market in 2010, so Savage decided to upgrade their price-conscious bolt-action rifle lineup. Savage listened to the gun-buying public and designed a new stock design with improved ergonomics and strength where it counts. This writer recalls making modifications to stiffen up a flimsy forend to enhance accuracy in early Axis models. The new model hopefully addresses this weakness. Among the stock improvements is a vertical pistol grip with a palm swell.
The AccuTrigger comes standard on the Axis 2, as well as an enhanced bolt. The Axis 2 comes chambered in a wide variety of cartridges, from .223 Rem to .400 Legend. Retail price is $489. (Savagearms.com)
Sauer 505 Bolt-Action
The long-awaited Sauer 505 is now shipping in the United States after its impressive debut in Europe last year.
This bolt-action rifle from J.P. Sauer and Sohn is an engineering masterpiece, delivering timeless elegance, absolute accuracy, and exceptional versatility. It is available in four stock options –walnut (wood grade 5), traditional synthetic, synthetic thumbhole, or carbon fiber – and features a robust, lightweight skeletonized steel chassis.
Bolt cycling is silky smooth, and the interchangeable, cold hammer forged precision barrels allow for quick and easy caliber changes. Hunters can select between four pre-set trigger weights from 0.77 to up to 2.75 pounds.
Sauer has adopted the proven Blaser saddle mount technology for easy and accurate optics mounting. The quick-detach mount ensures zero when removing and re-installing the optic. Rifle weights range from around 6 pounds with the ultralight carbon-fiber stock. Heavier field options employ magnum barrels.
Available in the U.S. in the following calibers: .222 Rem., .223 Rem., .243 Rem., .308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor, .30-06 Spring., .270 Win., 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win. Mag, 6.5 PRC, .270 WSM, .375 H&H. MSRP starts at $3,200. (sauer.de)
Seekins Precision PH3
New for 2025 is an upgraded version of their outstanding PH2 bolt-action. Built to handle new high-pressure cartridges like the 7mm Backcountry and 277 Fury, the PH3 got beefed up where it counts. A three-lug bolt locks in like a bank vault, bolstering the PH3’s stronger action. The new action also wears a 20 MOA rail.
The PH3’s shorter barrel options, like the 20-inch model, will pair well with suppressors. A few new paint options never hurts, either, when trying to blend into your quarry’s environment. The PH3 is a bargain at $1,895. (seekinsprecision.com)
Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber
After Ruger’s big splash last year with the Gen 2 American, their venerable 10/22 gets a facelift for 2025.
Tipping the scales at 3 1/2 pounds, the Carbon Fiber 10/22 gets new features. A Mapgul stock and tensioned carbon-wrapped stainless steel barrel stand out. It comes suppressor ready with a ½-28 TPI muzzle, too. Retailing at $649, you can check out more features at Ruger.com.
Watchtower Firearms
The world of firearms is ever-evolving, and Watchtower Firearms is at the forefront of this transformation. Introducing its latest masterpiece—the Bridger 7mm PRC rifle—this firearm pays homage to the legendary frontiersman Jim Bridger.
Designed with cutting-edge technology, including a unique barrel inspired by the Fibonacci Sequence, the Bridger isn’t just another tool; it’s an innovation that promises unmatched performance in any condition.
The new Watchtower Firearms Bridger offers a patented design that harnesses advanced materials, including titanium. The choice of the LRA Precision Ti-Strike barrel promotes durability and lightens the overall weight, making it perfect for long treks into the wilderness.
Every part of the BRIDGER rifle speaks to its craftsmanship. Precision milling and hand-fitting ensure that every component works together seamlessly.
The lightened 416R stainless steel magnum action is a standout feature, offering phenomenal strength with industry-leading coatings for durability. Paired with a carbon fiber McMillan Stock, it delivers both weight reduction and customizability through modular mounting options and QD cups.
The Timney Elite Hunter Trigger offers a crisp, single-stage pull at just 2.5 pounds, enhancing precision. With Hawkins’ precision bottom metal and magazine design, reliable feeding becomes second nature. Weighing in at only 7.1 pounds (with a magazine), this is a rifle you can take anywhere.
For those seeking a premium firearm that merges tradition with modern innovation, this is your chance to own a piece of history crafted for today’s demands. The new Watchtower Firearms Bridger 7mm PRC bolt-action hunting rifle will be available this spring for a suggested retail price of $6,499. (watchtowerfirearms.com)
Gissele King Hunter
The King Hunter is built to optimize the performance of the 7mm BackCountry cartridge. With the high-pressure round being able to deliver over twice the energy of 30-06 at 1K yards, Gissele wanted to build a platform that can get every bit of performance out of it.
The long action bolt assembly features a floating bolt head for improved lug engagement and a roller guided firing pin, to ensure the most consistent ignition possible. The bolt assembly features our Nanoweapon coating, which makes the action super smooth and incredibly corrosion resistant. The nitride receiver sits in a Manners Long Range Hunter (LRH) OEM’d carbon fiber stock, which balances ergonomics and weight reduction, with the rifle weighing in at just over 8 pounds.
Accuracy is at the forefront of design, and the Geissele 20-inch stainless-steel cut-rifled barrel with a 1/8 twist is complimented with the “smile-maker” super crisp two-stage Super 700 trigger. Retail is $3,800. (Geissele.com)
Traditions NitroBolt Muzzleloader
A little more than four years ago I got introduced to Federal Cartridge’s new Firestick muzzleloader ammunition. Traditions finally caught up with the technology with their Nitrobolt, the world’s first Firestick-capable bolt action.
Several states known for big bucks have early muzzleloader seasons that time pre-rut action favorably. That’s where precision muzzleloaders shine.
The Nitrobolt comes with a 24-inch chomoly fluted barrel with a 1:24-inch twist that stabilizes this type ammunition well. Adjustable length of pull and comb enable custom tailoring to the shooter’s shape and size. More accuracy-enhancing features about, and you can learn more about them at Traditionsfirearms.com.
Weatherby Range XP 2.0
The Range XP 2.0 is built on Weatherby’s newest bolt action rifle platform, the Model 307. Meant to complement the historic Mark V and Vanguard lineups, the Model 307 action is a 2-Lug, fully cylindrical action compatible with many aftermarket accessories. Model 307 is based upon a Remington 700 action and designed to accommodate the vast offerings of stocks, triggers, rails, mounts, and magazines that exist in today’s marketplace.
Adjustable length of pull and comb height allow the polymer stock to fit any shooter. The bolt is equipped with an M16 style extractor for positive extraction and reliable ejection. The Range XP comes standard with an externally adjustable TriggerTech Field trigger. The Range XP comes with a Magpul removable magazine and is compatible with AICS magazines.
Featuring a lightweight vertical grip stock that includes an adjustable cheekpiece and adjustable length of pull providing a custom fit for the shooter. Touch points are textured for a nonslip grip and dual front swivel studs allows for multiple accessories.
Available in short and long actions, the Range XP not only offers some of Weatherby’s historic magnum cartridges but is available in a wide range of the most popular cartridges on the market today.
MSRP is $1,199. (weatherby.com)
