218 BEE for Sale
Browse 218 bee listings from verified sellers across the U.S. on GunsAmerica.
Quick Look
The .218 Bee cartridge was introduced by Winchester in the 1930s for small-game hunting. It offers improved velocity and flatter trajectory over earlier lever-action cartridges. Though less common today, it retains a devoted niche among varmint and vintage rifle enthusiasts.
Why It's a Top Choice
- Excellent accuracy for small-game and varmint hunting
- Mild recoil enables easy follow-up shots
- Available in classic lever-action platforms
- Flat-shooting performance out to medium ranges
- Good reloadability for handloaders
Key Variants
Winchester Model 65 218 Bee
A classic lever-action rifle originally chambered in .218 Bee, ideal for collectors and hunters.
Browning Model 65 218 Bee
A modern take on the vintage Winchester design, offering enhanced build quality and finish.
Sako L46 218 Bee
A bolt-action alternative in .218 Bee, known for European precision and hunting performance.
Competitor Comparison Table
| Feature | 218 Bee | 22 Hornet | 222 Remington |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP | Varies | $900+ | $1,000+ |
| Capacity/Size | 5–10 rounds (lever-action) | 5 rounds (bolt-action) | 5–10 rounds |
| Weight | ~7 lbs | ~6.5 lbs | ~7 lbs |
| Optics-Ready | Some models | Yes | Yes |
| Trigger Type | Lever-action, single stage | Bolt-action, single stage | Bolt-action, single stage |
| Notable Pro | Classic lever-action charm | Low recoil, accurate | Match-grade precision |
| Notable Con | Limited rifle availability | Ballistically modest | Higher recoil |
Best Use Cases
- Varmint and small-game hunting
- Vintage rifle collecting
- Precision reloading practice
- Range shooting with mild recoil
FAQs
What is the effective range of a .218 Bee rifle?
Most .218 Bee rifles are effective up to 200–250 yards for varmints, depending on load and optics.
Can I reload .218 Bee brass?
Yes, .218 Bee is reloadable and popular among handloaders for customizing light varmint loads.
How does the .218 Bee compare to .22 Hornet?
The .218 Bee generally offers slightly higher velocity and better performance at medium ranges.
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Hornady Unprimed Cases 218 Bee 8601
$49.99
Hornady Unprimed Cases 218 Bee 8601
$63.99


