Ammunition Review: .408 CheyTac - The Ultimate Choice for Precision Shooting

Imagine standing in an open range, the sun setting behind the mountains, with the wind perfectly still.

You line up your shot for a long-range target, knowing that the right ammunition can mean the difference between a hit and a miss.

For shooters who demand unparalleled accuracy at extreme distances, the .408 Cheytac emerges as the ammunition of choice, providing the ballistic performance that professionals and enthusiasts alike crave.

The .408 CheyTac (Cheyenne Tactical) is a high-performance, long-range rifle cartridge designed for extreme accuracy and ballistic efficiency.

Developed in the early 2000s by CheyTac USA, it was created specifically for military and law enforcement snipers who needed a cartridge capable of engaging targets at distances beyond 2,000 yards.

The .408 CheyTac was first introduced in 2001 and is based on a modified .505 Gibbs case, necked down to .408 caliber. It was designed to bridge the gap between traditional .50 BMG rounds and smaller-caliber long-range cartridges like .338 Lapua Magnum.

The .408 CheyTac is known for its high muzzle velocity, low bullet drop, and superior resistance to wind drift, making it one of the most effective extreme-range cartridges available.

Today, the .408 CheyTac is primarily used in military and law enforcement applications, as well as by civilian long-range shooting enthusiasts and competitive marksmen. It is commonly chambered in precision bolt-action rifles and semi-automatic sniper rifles.

With advanced bullet designs and state-of-the-art ballistic performance, the .408 CheyTac continues to be one of the top choices for extreme long-range shooting.

The .408 CheyTac is designed for extreme long-range shooting, offering superior accuracy, high velocity, and minimal bullet drop over long distances.

Below are key ballistic characteristics for typical .408 CheyTac loads:

General Ballistics (Typical 419-grain Projectile)

• Bullet Diameter: 0.408 in (10.36 mm)
• Case Length: 3.03 in (77 mm)
• Overall Length: 4.11 in (104.5 mm)
• Muzzle Velocity: ~2,850–3,000 fps (feet per second)
• Muzzle Energy: ~12,000 ft⋅lbf (foot-pounds of force)
• Effective Range: 2,500+ yards
• Maximum Range: 3,500+ yards
  
  

Key Performance Features

Superior Ballistic Coefficient (BC)
The .408 CheyTac uses high-BC bullets, such as the 419-grain projectile (~0.945 G1 BC), which retain velocity and resist wind drift exceptionally well.

Minimal Wind Drift
Compared to other extreme long-range cartridges, the .408 CheyTac maintains stability in crosswinds due to its high-speed, aerodynamic projectile design.

Low Bullet Drop
With a high-velocity launch and optimized projectile shape, the .408 CheyTac experiences less bullet drop than larger calibers like .50 BMG, making it highly effective at extended distances.

CheyTac USA

The original developer of the .408 CheyTac cartridge, CheyTac USA produces precision ammunition specifically designed for extreme long-range accuracy and military applications.

Peterson Cartridge

Known for producing match-grade brass and loaded ammunition, Peterson Cartridge offers high-quality .408 CheyTac cases used by both competitive shooters and reloaders.

Lehigh Defense

Specializes in advanced projectile designs, including solid copper and high ballistic coefficient bullets optimized for long-range shooting.

HSM (Hunting Shack Munitions)

A respected manufacturer of high-performance, factory-loaded .408 CheyTac ammunition, offering options designed for tactical and long-range precision applications.

SBR Ammunition (Southern Ballistic Research)

Produces high-quality .408 CheyTac ammunition, known for its consistency and reliability in both tactical and competition settings.

Superior Ammunition

A premium ammunition supplier offering custom-loaded .408 CheyTac rounds optimized for extreme precision and consistency.

Military and Law Enforcement Sniping

One of the primary applications of the .408 CheyTac is long-range sniping for military and law enforcement agencies.

Its ability to maintain high velocity, resist wind drift, and deliver extreme accuracy makes it ideal for engaging targets at distances where traditional calibers, such as .308 Winchester or .338 Lapua Magnum, begin to lose effectiveness.

The cartridge is specifically designed to penetrate body armor and hardened targets while maintaining precision beyond 2,500 yards.

Extreme Long-Range Competition Shooting

Competitive long-range shooters favor the .408 CheyTac for precision rifle competitions, particularly in extreme-distance shooting matches.

The cartridge's flat trajectory and high ballistic coefficient allow shooters to engage targets at 2,000+ yards with greater consistency than many other long-range calibers.

Some competitions even feature dedicated .408 CheyTac categories, recognizing its ability to outperform many standard long-range cartridges.

Anti-Material Applications

Due to its high energy and penetration capabilities, the .408 CheyTac is sometimes used in anti-material roles, similar to the .50 BMG.

It is effective against light vehicles, hardened structures, and equipment at extreme distances.

While not as powerful as the .50 BMG, it offers better accuracy and a lighter rifle platform, making it a more practical choice for certain tactical operations.

Civilian Extreme Long-Range Hunting

While not commonly used for hunting due to its size and power, some experienced hunters use .408 CheyTac rifles for taking large game at extended ranges.

It is effective against elk, moose, and other large animals, particularly in open landscapes where long-range shots are required.

However, the extreme power of the round requires careful shot placement to avoid excessive meat damage.

Research and Ballistic Testing

The .408 CheyTac is also used in ballistics research and testing, particularly in the study of supersonic and transonic flight characteristics.

Its advanced bullet design and high ballistic efficiency make it an excellent cartridge for studying long-range aerodynamics and terminal ballistics.

CheyTac M200 Intervention

One of the most well-known and iconic rifles chambered in .408 CheyTac, the M200 Intervention is a precision long-range bolt-action sniper rifle designed for military and law enforcement use. It is known for its extreme accuracy and ability to engage targets at distances beyond 2,500 yards.

CheyTac M300 Intervention

A more compact and modernized version of the M200, the M300 Intervention offers similar performance in a lighter and more maneuverable platform. It is ideal for precision shooting and extreme long-range engagements.

THOR M408

Manufactured by Tactical High-Powered Ordnance (THOR), the M408 is a high-precision bolt-action sniper rifle designed for extreme-range shooting. It is often used by military and law enforcement agencies for long-distance marksmanship.

CDX-40 Shadow by Cadex Defense

The CDX-40 Shadow is a purpose-built, extreme long-range precision rifle designed for .408 CheyTac. With a rugged chassis system and advanced ergonomics, it is a preferred choice for professional marksmen and tactical shooters.

Victrix Corvus .408 CheyTac

Designed for extreme precision and long-range shooting, the Victrix Corvus is an Italian-made bolt-action rifle built to meet the needs of both military professionals and civilian long-range enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a seasoned marksman or new to long-range shooting, selecting the right ammunition is crucial.

The .408 Cheytac can elevate your shooting experience to new heights, offering both expert-level precision and reliability.

If you’re looking to enhance your long-range capabilities with premium ammunition designed for accuracy and performance, visit Ammunition Depot today to explore our extensive selection and take the first step towards mastering your marksmanship.

Don’t just shoot—shoot with confidence!