.408 Chey Tac Load Data

The .408 Chey Tac cartridge, formally known as the .408 Cheyenne Tactical, was first introduced in 2001 by CheyTac USA to bridge the gap between conventional long-range cartridges like the .338 Lapua Magnum and heavy-hitting .50 BMG rounds. Built on a modified .400 Jeffery Nitro Express case, necked down to .408 caliber, the round was developed as part of an integrated weapon system intended for extreme long-range accuracy. Its lineage is deeply rooted in the need for military and law enforcement units to engage targets at distances previously thought to be outside of practical rifle engagement—often beyond 2,000 yards. The unique marriage of specialized rifle platforms, dedicated optics, and high ballistic coefficient projectiles contributed to the .408 Chey Tac’s reputation for pushing the limits of precision shooting.

In real-world applications, the .408 Chey Tac is primarily used in military, law enforcement, and specialized civilian precision shooting roles. It is especially notable for scenarios where the ability to engage human or material targets at ultra-long range is critical, making it a favorite among elite snipers for anti-personnel, counter-material, and disabling lightly armored targets at extreme distances. Civilian applications are generally found in the realm of competitive long-range shooting and extreme distance marksmanship challenges. Its high sectional density and efficient aerodynamics allow shooters to maintain supersonic velocities well past 2,000 yards, resulting in flatter trajectories and less wind drift compared to many rival calibers.

When it comes to target species, the .408 Chey Tac’s sheer power and penetration make it suitable for medium to large game hunting, but its primary design intention is not for hunting but elite tactical use. For those who do use it in hunting, it offers ethical engagement of the largest North American game at significant distances, though many hunting regulations restrict its use due to its size and military associations. Its capability extends into neutralizing vehicles and hardened targets, marking it as a true competitor in counter-material roles alongside larger .50 caliber cartridges, but with less recoil and often greater practical accuracy.

The .408 Chey Tac typically utilizes bullets in the 305 to 419-grain range, with the most popular projectiles hovering around 400 grains. These bullets are often optimized for very high ballistic coefficients, typically exceeding .930 G1 BC, and are designed with solid bronze or copper alloys to reduce drag and ensure stability in flight. The cartridge operates at high pressures—often in the range of 56,000 to 62,000 PSI—and is commonly paired with precision-built rifles featuring heavy match-grade barrels with fast twist rates, usually 1:13 or faster, to properly stabilize these long, heavy bullets. Shooters and handloaders are drawn to the .408 Chey Tac for its combination of high velocity, exceptional accuracy, and legendary downrange energy, making it a standout choice for reloaders who demand superior performance at the absolute edge of rifle shooting capabilities.