Rifle · Proprietary
.408 CheyTac
Ultra long-range precision cartridge.
- Caliber
- 0.4079″ · 10.36 mm
- Introduced
- 2001
- Case
- Rebated
- Parent
- .400 Taylor Magnum
- Primary use
- Military, Target
- Status
- Active
- Introduced
- 2001
- Type
- Rifle
- Origin
- United States
- Inventor
- Dr. John Taylor / William Wordman
- Manufacturer
- CheyTac LLC
- Standard
- Proprietary
- Status
- Active
- Availability
- Limited
- Case capacity
- 245 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:13
- Primer
- Large Rifle Magnum
- Case type
- Rebated
- Max pressure
- 65,000 psi
- Eff. range
- 2200 yd
- Max range
- 6500 yd
- Recoil
- 55–75 ft·lb
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .408 CheyTac. Parent case: .400 Taylor Magnum.
Performance
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
CIP TDCC · verified| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 10.36 | 0.408 | ✓ |
| Neck ⌀ | 11.12 | 0.438 | ✓ |
| Shoulder ⌀ | 15.24 | 0.600 | ✓ |
| Shoulder angle | 22.1° | — | ✓ |
| Base ⌀ | 16.18 | 0.637 | ✓ |
| Rim ⌀ | 16.25 | 0.640 | ✓ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.60 | 0.063 | ✓ |
| Neck length | 9.90 | 0.390 | ≈ |
| Case length | 77.21 | 3.040 | ✓ |
| Overall length | 115.50 | 4.547 | ✓ |
Size vs familiar rounds
Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. .408 CheyTac is highlighted below.
Factory loads
Being verified
Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.
Suitable powders
1 reloading powder listed for .408 CheyTac, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory
Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.
Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.
Firearms chambered in .408 CheyTac
11 models in the database chamber .408 CheyTac. Browse all →
Lineage
Connected reference
History
Developed in 2001 by CheyTac Associates for extreme long-range precision shooting. Part of complete Intervention weapon system including rifle, ammunition, and ballistic computer. Specifically designed for consistent accuracy beyond 2,000 yards. The .408 diameter was chosen for optimal balance of BC, sectional density, and manageable recoil. Used for extreme long-range military sniping and competition.
FAQs
- What twist rate does .408 CheyTac use?
- .408 CheyTac typically uses a 1:13 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is .408 CheyTac?
- .408 CheyTac uses a 0.4079″ (10.36 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is .408 CheyTac still in production?
- .408 CheyTac is active; typical availability is limited.
- What is .408 CheyTac used for?
- .408 CheyTac is primarily used for military, target.
- What is .408 CheyTac based on?
- .408 CheyTac is derived from the .400 Taylor Magnum case.
- What are the best powders for .408 CheyTac?
- Reloading powders commonly listed for .408 CheyTac include 24N41.
Sources & provenance
- Standard SAAMI — ANSI/SAAMI Z299 — Cartridge & Chamber Drawings archived
- Standard C.I.P. — C.I.P. TDCC — Tables of Dimensions of Cartridges and Chambers
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 18 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →