An ELR cartridge should offer a few things, depending on intended use. For one, it should have a high ballistic coefficient and sufficient weight to resist wind drift, even given moderate crosswinds. It should also have a high enough muzzle velocity (paired with high BC) so as to exhibit minimal drop.
That’s all you really need if all you’ll be doing is hitting targets. If you add another element, like target dispatch (such as in the case of hunting) you will also want a cartridge that retains energy effectively downrange.
That being said, the .375 and .408 CheyTac cartridges satisfy all of those requirements. Here’s what you should know about the relatively minor differences between them.
.375 and .408 CheyTac: Performance
The .408 CheyTac came first, and was designed not only to maintain extremely high accuracy and exhibit minimal drop at extreme ranges, but to deliver solid stopping power when engaging targets.
Typically loaded with a bullet that weighs between 419 and 420 grains, this cartridge produces muzzle velocities between 2850 and 3000 FPS and corresponding muzzle energies between 7700 to 8000 ft-lbs.
As a result of these metrics and its high ballistic coefficient, the .408 CheyTac is incredibly effective at maintaining stopping power and penetration potential downrange, and at extreme ranges. This cartridge has an effective range of 2500 yards, if not even longer.
The .375 CheyTac is the second iteration of the .408 CT, and was based on the same cartridge. Basically, it is a necked-down .408 CheyTac round that accepts a smaller bullet that weighs between 350 and 375 grains, making it considerably lighter.
As a result, muzzle energy is lower at between 6800 to 7500 ft-lbs, but muzzle velocity is even higher at 3000 to 3200 FPS. Its ballistic coefficient is also a smidge higher.
Consequently, the .375 CheyTac shoots flatter, making it potentially more effective for target shooting at extreme ranges, also 2500 yards or greater.
In addition, while the .375 CheyTac will carry slightly less energy to the target, especially at extreme ranges, it still exhibits excellent energy retention and target penetration characteristics at those ranges.
It also exhibits slightly better wind deflection as well as less bullet drop, making it potentially more effective for those pushing the limits of extreme long-range rifle shooting.
Even so, either one of these cartridges can be an effective pairing with an ELR rifle, assuming you are shooting under amenable conditions and have properly zeroed the rifle. They were both expressly developed for that very application.
Where to Get .375 and .408 CheyTac Ammo
Your local shop is not likely to have either .375 or .408 CheyTac on the shelf, though they may be able to order it for you. Even so, the easiest way to get it is probably online.
Visit B&B Firearms. They specialize in ELR and precision rifles as well as ammo, and produce both .375 and .408 CheyTac ammo. Visit their website for more details and don’t hesitate to contact them if you have questions because their family-run business offers excellent customer service.
For more information about Cadex Chassis and CheyTac Intervention M200 Please visit: B&B Firearms LLC.
