.408 CheyTac vs. .375 CheyTac: Breaking Down the Differences
A Real-World Comparison from the B&B Firearms Perspective
When you’re reaching out past 2,000 yards, small things make a big difference. The rifle, the optics, the environment—and especially the cartridge—can make or break your shot. At B&B Firearms, we’ve spent a lot of time with both the .408 and .375 CheyTac, and while they’re cut from the same cloth, they serve different missions.
Let’s break down what actually matters when choosing between these two extreme long-range contenders.
The Origin Story
The .408 CheyTac was the original beast—built in the early 2000s as part of the CheyTac Intervention System. It was designed with military and law enforcement snipers in mind: long-range punch, extreme energy, and enough consistency to make repeatable shots beyond a mile.
Then came the .375 CheyTac. It was born out of a desire to refine what the .408 started—same idea, but sleeker, faster, and better in the wind. Precision shooters wanted a round that cut through the air more efficiently, and that’s where the .375 comes in.
Size and Shape
At first glance, the .375 and .408 CheyTac cases look similar, but the bullets they fire are different animals. The .408 sends a larger-diameter projectile (.408"), while the .375 fires—you guessed it—a .375" bullet.
The .375’s projectiles are typically longer, more slender, and have higher ballistic coefficients (BCs). That means less wind drift and better retention of velocity over distance. In contrast, the .408’s heavier bullet hits harder—plain and simple.
In our shop testing, you’ll see the .375 track straighter in crosswinds, while the .408 will ring steel with more authority.
Performance Differences We’ve Seen
🔺 Speed
The .375 wins here. It’s flatter-shooting and gets to the target faster. This can mean a big difference when dialing for range or adjusting on the fly in a dynamic shooting environment. At our last range day, the .375 was noticeably quicker on follow-up spotting—less time between shot and splash.
💥 Impact Energy
The .408 still takes the crown for sheer knockdown. If your mission involves stopping power—whether disabling gear, penetrating barriers, or just hitting like a freight train—go .408.
🌬 Wind Performance
With higher BCs, the .375 CheyTac handles wind better, especially past 1,500 yards. We’ve seen more consistent hits during unpredictable wind shifts with the .375.
Use Cases from Our Side of the Bench
🔫 Tactical & Military Applications
If you’re in the world of LE or military where hard target interdiction matters, the .408 CheyTac is still the go-to. We’ve had military shooters tell us they trust it to hit—and hurt—at distance.
🎯 Competition & Civilian Long-Range Shooting
The .375 CheyTac is what we see most often in ELR competitions. Shooters like its consistency, milder recoil, and superior wind performance. Plus, it’s easier to shoot for long strings without getting beat up.
👤 Shooter Experience
Recoil matters more than most people think—especially when you're trying to watch your own trace. The .408 kicks harder, and for newer shooters or precision-focused competitions, that can slow things down. The .375 feels more controllable and forgiving in comparison.
Cost & Availability
Neither of these cartridges is cheap, and both typically require custom-built rifles. That said, the .408 has been around longer, so ammo and components tend to be more available. The .375, being more specialized, can be harder to track down—and more expensive when you do.
From a builder’s standpoint, we see more requests for .375s in high-end competition rifles, but the .408 still commands respect in specialized tactical builds.
Final Thoughts from B&B Firearms
If you’re after pure force and impact, the .408 CheyTac is your round. It’s tough, proven, and brutally effective.
But if your goal is precision over distance—especially when wind becomes a variable you can’t ignore—the .375 CheyTac is hard to beat. It’s sleek, fast, and designed to hit exactly where you’re aiming.
We’ve built and shot both extensively. Whether you're a military operator, a serious ELR competitor, or just someone chasing the thrill of long-distance accuracy, both of these cartridges will impress. The key is choosing the one that fits your mission.
And when you’re ready to stock up, know this: B&B Firearms proudly manufactures both .408 and .375 CheyTac ammunition right here in the USA. Precision-built, made-to-order, and tailored for shooters who demand the best.
If you want to get hands-on experience with either, stop by our next demo day and feel the difference for yourself.