Anyone reloading .218 Bee?

[popeshawnpaul]

I have a .218 Bee I like to shoot but I can't stand the factory bullets.  Besides that, paying about $1/shot for crappy loads sucks.  I'd like to put some accurate good rounds through this rifle.  I don't shoot a ton, so 200 rounds or so will keep me happy for a bunch of years.  Is anyone around me shooting and reloading this and have it dialed in?  I got some brass, and am willing to buy the shooting supplies and whiskey.  The custom reloader I use online doesn't load them...

[jdb]

Wish I could help ya. Its a sweet heart of a round, I used to cat hunt with a kid that shot a winchester 43 bolt action clip fed rifle, I once had a gun dealer buddy call me with a rifle he was sure i'd want, it was a marlin 1894 .218 sweet gun but the ammo cost turned me off. whats make and model do you shoot?

[Bscman]

My father has a contender in .218Bee.
I've loaded a few hundred rounds for him in the last few months...He's been out of the reloading game for some time (doesn't shoot much anymore) but he used to be hot and heavy into accuracy.

.218Bee is a GREAT round, I love it to death.

I'll get a hold of his reloading manuals and sketch book and send a few of his recipe's your way, if interested?
It might take a day or three, though.

[popeshawnpaul]

I don't reload or have the dies.  I was hoping someone else might.  About 6 months ago I ran into someone on here that had them and was going to load me up, but I forgot who it was and never ended up doing it.

I'm pretty sure I have the Winchester bolt action clip fed one.  It's fun. 

[AWS]

I'm loading for a 218 Bee, a Marlin so I'm pretty much restricted to HP's.  I have played around with some 40gr Seirra's and Noslers single loaded but find the 46gr Win. HP (same bullet as factory load) over Lil'Gun works best for me.  The same bullet is the most accurate bullet in my 22 Hornet also.

AWS

Sorry I don't do any custom loading.

[popeshawnpaul]

I was told once that the factory loads were tailored to the Winchester bolt rifle and they were the best load for it.  Something about the twist in the barrel.  It's a really heavy bullet for the round.  I would love to go with a better performing lighter bullet. 

I guess if the factory bullet is the best, at least custom loading some would be nice.  I definitely want to try a few bullets out with it before I commit to a big batch.

[Sagedawg]

 Pope, The hunting shack out of Missoula loads various weights for the 218. 50 rounds for 30 to 35 bucks. Ive shot some of their 222 and 22/250 and had good results with them. You can look them up online. Plus youll have the brass for reloading. Hope this helps.


   Sage

[popeshawnpaul]

Thanks Sage.  That'll have to do...