Podcast Summary: Ep. 164 | Is this the Best Elk Cartridge Available?

Podcast Information:

• Title: Live Wild with Remi Warren
• Host: Remi Warren
• Description: Remi Warren shares his outdoor experiences and hunting knowledge through stories and applicable tips and tactics from countless days in the wild.
• Episode: Ep. 164 | Is this the Best Elk Cartridge Available?
• Release Date: January 9, 2025

1. Introduction to the Episode

In Episode 164 of "Live Wild with Remi Warren," host Remi delves into the realm of hunting cartridges, focusing on the newly released 7mm Backcountry. This episode provides an in-depth exploration of the cartridge's development, its technical advancements, and Remi's firsthand experience using it during an elk hunt.

Notable Quote:

[00:00] Remi Warren: "A lot of the tactics I talk about here require you to be in top physical shape."

2. Remi Warren’s Passion for Innovative Calibers

Remi introduces himself as a seasoned professional guide and hunter, emphasizing his enthusiasm for adopting new and innovative rifle calibers. He reminisces about his early adoption of the .300 WSM when he was just 16, highlighting his commitment to staying ahead in hunting technology.

Notable Quote:

[05:30] Remi Warren: "When something new and innovative comes out, I really jump on it."

3. Overview of the 7mm Backcountry Cartridge

The 7mm Backcountry is presented as a revolutionary cartridge designed specifically for hunting in rugged, mountainous terrains. Remi explains that this cartridge is an evolution in hunting rounds, incorporating advanced alloy casing technology that allows for higher chamber pressures without stressing the rifle's bolt.

Notable Quote:

[12:15] Remi Warren: "The seven mil backcountry is brand new, just released, and it's like an evolution of a hunting round."

4. Technical Innovations and Benefits

Remi delves into the technical aspects of the 7mm Backcountry, emphasizing its use of a boron alloy casing. This innovation permits higher chamber pressures, resulting in increased bullet velocity and energy, flatter trajectories, and reduced wind drift. Additionally, the alloy casing is reloadable up to four times, a significant improvement over traditional steel ammunition.

Notable Quote:

[20:45] Remi Warren: "With that higher chamber pressure, you're getting more velocity, more energy, flatter shooting, and less wind drift."

5. Advantages of Using Suppressors in Hunting

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the benefits of using suppressors. Remi advocates for suppressors to mitigate hearing loss and reduce recoil, enhancing shooting accuracy and ethical hunting practices. He shares his personal journey with suppressors, from their abundance in New Zealand to the streamlined purchasing process in the U.S. through companies like Silencer Central.

Notable Quote:

[35:10] Remi Warren: "Hunting with a suppressor has a lot of benefits. It reduces sound, recoil, and allows me to shoot more accurately."

6. Development and Testing Process of the 7mm Backcountry

Remi discusses his involvement in the development and testing of the 7mm Backcountry cartridge. Weatherby provided him with a Live Wild Edition rifle chambered in this new caliber for evaluation. He elaborates on how the alloy casing withstands higher pressures, enabling the cartridge to perform efficiently even with shorter barrels, ideal for mountain hunting.

Notable Quote:

[45:20] Remi Warren: "Weatherby built one for me as the tester. It was in my Live Wild Edition Weatherby."

7. First Impressions and Range Testing

Upon testing the 7mm Backcountry at the range, Remi was impressed by its performance. The cartridge achieved velocities exceeding 3,000 feet per second from a 20-inch barrel with a suppressor, surpassing established calibers like the 7mm Rem Mag and 6.5 PRC. He noted minimal recoil and exceptional accuracy, even in windy conditions.

Notable Quote:

[50:05] Remi Warren: "170 grain bullet out of a 20-inch barrel with the suppressor on was over 3,000 ft per second. That's faster than 7mm Rem Mag and others."

8. Hunting Story: First Elk Hunt with the 7mm Backcountry

Remi narrates his first elk hunt using the 7mm Backcountry, detailing the challenges of late-season hunting. He describes how the cartridge's high velocity and heavy bullet ensured ethical kills, even in adverse weather conditions. The story highlights the cartridge's reliability and effectiveness in real-world hunting scenarios.

Notable Quote:

[1:15:30] Remi Warren: "The bull just dropped in his tracks and essentially fell right where he was standing and died right by his bed."

Key Highlights of the Hunt:

• Preparation: Equipped with a suppressor and the new cartridge, Remi set out with the goal of finding a mature bull elk.
• Challenges: Faced with subpar bulls and minimal sightings initially, Remi adjusted his strategy by exploring different terrains.
• Success: Ultimately, Remi successfully harvested a mature bull elk, attributing the efficient kill to the 7mm Backcountry's performance.

9. Conclusion and Future Implications

Remi concludes the episode by expressing his strong belief in the 7mm Backcountry's potential to become a staple in the hunting community. He anticipates that this cartridge will set a new standard in cartridge development, influencing future innovations in the hunting industry. Remi encourages listeners to consider the 7mm Backcountry for its combination of speed, accuracy, and suitability for big game hunting.

Notable Quote:

[1:25:50] Remi Warren: "I think this is going to be my go-to hunting caliber. It's the new .30-06 for me."

10. Additional Gear Insights

Beyond the 7mm Backcountry, Remi shares insights into other gear enhancements that complement his hunting setup:

• Scopes: Remi upgraded to a Vortex Razor LHT 3-15x42 scope for improved clarity and lightness, perfect for his short-barreled rifle.
• Rangefinders: He utilizes the Garmin Geo Ballistics rangefinder to accurately gauge distances and make precise ballistic calculations effortlessly.

Notable Quote:

[1:27:30] Remi Warren: "Pairing the rangefinder with the scope takes the guesswork out of calculations. It's a smooth process."

11. Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Remi wraps up the episode by reiterating his enthusiasm for the 7mm Backcountry and its impact on his hunting practices. He urges hunters to explore this new cartridge and consider its benefits for their hunting endeavors. Additionally, he highlights the availability of rifles chambered in the 7mm Backcountry on his website and through Weatherby, making it accessible for interested hunters.

Notable Quote:

[1:30:00] Remi Warren: "If you're looking for a new 7mm, the Backcountry is available in my Live Wild rifle. It's accurate, powerful, and perfect for big game hunting."

Key Takeaways

• 7mm Backcountry Innovation: The cartridge represents a significant advancement in hunting ammunition, combining high velocity, heavy bullets, and advanced alloy casings.
• Suppressor Benefits: Using a suppressor enhances hunting efficiency by reducing noise, recoil, and improving shot accuracy.
• Real-World Performance: Remi’s successful elk hunt underscores the cartridge's reliability and effectiveness in challenging hunting environments.
• Future of Cartridge Development: The 7mm Backcountry is poised to influence future developments in hunting cartridges, potentially setting new industry standards.

Conclusion

Episode 164 of "Live Wild with Remi Warren" serves as an informative and engaging exploration of the 7mm Backcountry cartridge. Through technical insights and a compelling hunting narrative, Remi illustrates the cartridge's potential to redefine big game hunting. Hunters looking to enhance their gear and hunting performance will find this episode particularly valuable.

Links & Resources:

• Weatherby Live Wild Edition Mark 5: Available on Remi’s website RemiWarren.com and Weatherby's official site.
• Vortex Optics: Explore the Vortex Razor LHT scopes on Vortex Optics or local sporting goods stores.
• Silencer Central: Purchase suppressors and streamline the acquisition process through SilencerCentral.com.

Stay Connected: For more hunting tips, gear reviews, and outdoor adventures, subscribe to "Live Wild with Remi Warren" on your preferred podcast platform.