Whether you’re looking for a new long-range cartridge or ending a debate about the best sniper cartridges, this article is for you. 408 CheyTac vs. 50 BMG is the prime example of extreme precision vs. brute force. The 408 Cheyenne Tactical has several distinct edges over the 50 Browning Machine Gun, but the 50 BMG punches back with advantages of its own.
As you continue reading, you’ll discover which long-distance cartridge is better for you.
Differences Between 408 CheyTac and 50 BMG
Even though the 50 BMG and 408 CheyTac were created for long-range engagements, they have some drastic differences that you must know about before deciding which is the better option for your shooting needs.
Let’s start with the benefits and drawbacks of each cartridge.
Pros and Cons of the 408 CheyTac and 50 BMG
| 408 CheyTac Pros | 408 CheyTac Cons | 50 BMG Pros | 50 BMG Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✓ Flatter trajectory | ✗ Less powerful/energy | ✓ Easier and less expensive to reload | ✗ Heavier recoil |
| ✓ Less recoil | ✗ More expensive rifles and ammo (including reloading) | ✓ More powerful/energy | ✗ More affected by wind and elevation drop |
| ✓ Easier precision and accuracy | — | ✓ Better for punching through walls | — |
| ✓ Better for 2,500+ yard shots | — | ✓ Less expensive rifles and ammo | — |
What Is the Best Use Case for 408 CheyTac and 50 BMG?
While both cartridges made our best sniper caliber list, many shooters also weigh these options against the 338 Lapua vs 50 BMG to find the perfect balance of weight and power. The 408 CheyTac is better for long-range precision shooting because it has a flatter trajectory, less recoil, and greater resistance to wind drift. The 50 BMG is better suited for anti-materiel roles (i.e., destroying military equipment). It also excels at punching through walls, because it retains more energy out to 1,000 yards (though the 408 CheyTac conserves a higher percentage of its energy as distance to the target increases).
Cartridge Specs
| 408 CheyTac | 50 BMG | |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Case | 505 Gibbs/400 Taylor Magnum | 30-06 Springfield |
| Bullet Diameter | 0.408" | 0.510" |
| Neck Diameter | 0.438" | 0.560" |
| Base Diameter | 0.637" | 0.804" |
| Case Length | 3.040" | 3.910" |
| Overall Length | 4.547" | 5.450" |
| Case Capacity | 159.0 grains H2O | 292.8 grains H2O |
| Max Pressure | 63,817 psi (C.I.P) | 53,664 psi (C.I.P) |
408 CheyTac vs. 50 BMG Recoil
The 50 BMG’s massive projectiles and enormous case capacity come at a high cost: tremendous recoil. When firing a 660 grain bullet at 2,910 fps muzzle velocity from a 32.7-pound Barrett Model 82 semi-auto rifle, the 50 BMG has 82.7 ft-lbs of recoil energy. That’s like a sledgehammer to the shoulder, which is why it’s always recommended to get professional training before firing such punishing ammo.
Compare that to the 408 CheyTac, which, when firing a 419 grain bullet at 3,000 fps muzzle velocity from a 31-pound rifle, “only” has 35.7 ft-lbs of recoil energy. This is still shoulder-bruising territory without proper shooting technique, but it’s much more manageable than the 50 BMG. For reference, the average shooter typically finds anything over 15 ft-lbs of recoil energy difficult to manage.
Most shooters will find the recoil of the 408 CheyTac to be much more manageable and easier on their shoulders than the 50 BMG, but neither is well suited for recoil-sensitive shooters.
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