What characterises .408 CheyTac?
.408 CheyTac is a large-capacity centrefire cartridge for specialised precision rifle systems. It is often associated with Extreme Long Range, or ELR. CheyTac stands for Cheyenne Tactical. Despite the similar name, .375 CheyTac is a different cartridge.
.408 CheyTac is a large-capacity centrefire cartridge for specialised precision rifle systems. It is often associated with Extreme Long Range, or ELR. CheyTac stands for Cheyenne Tactical. Despite the similar name, .375 CheyTac is a different cartridge.
A shared family name does not make cartridges interchangeable. Different ammunition versions are possible under the .408 CheyTac designation too. Every velocity, energy or range claim therefore needs the bullet used and the test conditions. An exceptional individual result does not guarantee performance for every cartridge bearing the name.
The drawing and data section explain external dimensions, which are distinct from performance figures. Sporting events add class and range rules. ELR is not one worldwide rulebook, so the specific event announcement remains decisive.
.408 CheyTac — Dimensions, energy and range
Dimensions in millimetres; angles as stated in the original. Open the drawing to enlarge it.
Drawing: Francis Flinch / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · unchanged.
- Case length
- 77.21 mm
- Bullet diameter
- 10.36 mm
- Overall cartridge length
- 115.50 mm
- Muzzle energy E₀
- 11247–11352 J (source examples)
- Range context
- Wikipedia cites a manufacturer's figure of more than 2011.7 m / 2200 yrd supersonic range for a particular bullet under standard atmospheric conditions; not a general calibre limit.
What the dimensions mean
Case length measures the case without the bullet; overall length measures the complete cartridge. Bullet diameter is distinct from bore calibre. Sources may give nominal or maximum dimensions, so rounded figures can differ slightly. This overview is not a dimensioned standard drawing and does not establish interchangeability.
Understanding energy
E₀ is kinetic energy at the muzzle. It depends on bullet mass and velocity. These figures refer to selected examples from the sources, not every load of this calibre. Bullet design, barrel length and test conditions affect the result. A range of examples is neither a complete market comparison nor guaranteed minimum and maximum performance.
Understanding range
A sporting application distance describes a use case. Supersonic range is the distance over which a particular bullet remains faster than sound under specified conditions. Both differ from maximum flight distance. The cartridge name alone cannot provide a reliable range limit without load and condition details. These distances are neither hunting recommendations nor safety distances.
Data sources: Wikipedia · Source check 2026-10-04