.218 Bee Ammo
The .218 Bee is a small, high-velocity rifle cartridge introduced by Winchester in the 1930s. Known for its flat trajectory and accuracy, it has carved out a niche among varmint hunters and target shooters.
Intended Use The .218 Bee is primarily used for varmint hunting and small game due to its excellent accuracy and high velocity. It is commonly chambered in lever-action rifles, particularly the Winchester Model 65, and is also popular for target shooting and pest control.
Caliber/Size The .218 Bee fires a .22 caliber (5.56mm) bullet, typically weighing between 35 to 55 grains. The cartridge’s compact size and bottleneck design contribute to its impressive speed and precision.
Performance Characteristics Known for its high velocity, typically between 2,800 to 3,000 feet per second, the .218 Bee offers a flat trajectory and reliable performance over medium distances. Its light recoil makes it easy to shoot accurately, and it is highly effective for small, fast-moving targets.
Material / Construction .218 Bee ammunition is generally constructed with brass casings and bullets available in soft-point (SP) and hollow-point (HP) configurations. These designs enhance the cartridge’s effectiveness for hunting small game by providing rapid expansion upon impact.
Brands and Manufacturers Several manufacturers produce .218 Bee ammunition, including Winchester, Remington, and Hornady. These brands offer a variety of loads to meet the needs of hunters and shooters seeking high-performance and reliable ammunition.
Brief History of the Caliber Introduced in 1938, the .218 Bee was designed for use in lever-action rifles, providing an alternative to the .22 Hornet. It gained popularity among varmint hunters for its superior ballistics and effectiveness on small game. Although not as widely used today, it remains a favorite among enthusiasts of vintage and lever-action rifles.
FAQ
- What is the effective range of .218 Bee ammunition? The effective range of .218 Bee ammunition is typically around 200 yards, making it ideal for varmint hunting and small game at moderate distances.
- Is .218 Bee ammunition still manufactured? Yes, .218 Bee ammunition is still manufactured by several companies, including Winchester, Remington, and Hornady, though it is less common than some other calibers.
- What types of firearms are chambered for .218 Bee? The .218 Bee is primarily chambered in lever-action rifles like the Winchester Model 65 and some bolt-action rifles.
- How does the .218 Bee compare to the .22 Hornet? The .218 Bee offers slightly higher velocities and a flatter trajectory than the .22 Hornet, making it a preferred choice for some varmint hunters.
- What are the typical bullet types available for .218 Bee? .218 Bee ammunition typically comes with soft-point (SP) and hollow-point (HP) bullets, designed to maximize expansion and effectiveness for small game hunting.
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