Help with 218Bee

[Stumps13]

I am considering having a barrel made in a 218 Bee. What I need to know is Ruger at one time made a #1 and possibility of one in a #3. What were the Barrel lengths and and the rate of twist. The factory ammo that is available is out of site but Winchester does made a 46gr HP so that would be the bullet weight of choice. Thanks for any info you might have.
Stumps :wink: :wink:

 

[roofinspector]

I remember the No.1 being built in the No.1B and No.1S confiurations, both in 26" barrels, with the S having irons. I am not familiar with a No.3 in the bee; do not ever remember seeing a No.3 in a bee caliber factory wise........

These 26" barrels previously mentioned are essentially the Shilen #4 taper. Any of the barrel blank guys can duplicate the specific taper that you want, probably already in their data base.

The 218 bees by Ruger I believe were 14 twist. That is the twist I would use if I built one up for myself. I have pondered a 16 twist at one time, but reverted to the old standby 14 twist. Just my opinion on twist selection for small centerfire 22's.

Roof

 

[SteveRuger]

No, 218 Bee's were factory made in a No.3, Wish they would have it is one of my favorite calibers! J/S

 

[METLHED57]

I assume you're having the barrel made for a #1. The ammo made for it has to cover the lever action Winchesters so the are loaded with the blunt 46gr bullets. However, if you reload you can get a 35(Hornady)-36(Barnes Var Grenade)gr up over 3000 fps with a little H110 or Lil Gun behind them. My #1B seems to like them pretty well. You can get decent priced ammo load with new Winchester brass from these guys too:

http://shop.reedsammo.com/218-Bee_c80.htm

Brass is backordered:

http://shop.reedsammo.com/Winchester-Factory-218-Bee-Brass-218BeeBrass.htm

 

[George Tucker]

I have 2 Win Mod43 Rifles and a #1 in .218 Bee, and a 14" Contender in .218 Bee, as you can tell, its one of my favorite cal. Lil Gun works for me, George.

 

[Rockrat]

I shoot the 40gr vmax in my #1s over lil gun. Have to check book but IIRC, it clocks over 3k fps and shoots very well.

 

[Stumps13]

What is the number of grains of Little Gun that you are using?

 

[relodr36]

I've had a Win 43 in .281 Bee for over 50 years.It is a great turkey rifle,using FMJ bullets or bullets designed for velocities over 3500 FPS.
My favorite load uses 14.5-15 gr 4198 behind any bullet up to 55 gr.
If you get one these old NRA manuals,there is a great chapter on reloading the .218 Bee,including pressure info.

http://www.amazon.com/Reloading-Information-American-Rifleman-Handbook/dp/B0017G9C2S

It also includes about 10 other calibers.