I'm getting a Ruger No.1 in 218 Bee next week. Anyone got any pet loads they would like to brag on. This will be the smallest caliber I've ever reloaded for. My previous experience has been 223 and up. Thanks so much.
218 Bee
- Thread starter fredhorace77
- Start date
Everyone around here and what I have read on forums others are using Lil' Gun. I have loaded some test loads for my Marlin but haven't taken time to shoot them yet. 
I agree. I've noticed the same thing. This gun is coming from a good friend of mine that passed away last week. If I remember correctly he liked H4227, but I'll have to see if I can find his data.Everyone around here and what I have read on forums others are using Lil' Gun. I have loaded some test loads for my Marlin but haven't taken time to shoot them yet.
Ty I appreciate it.
I'm not sure of the accuracy of this one I'm picking up. I do know that I fired about 200 rounds thru it on a turtle shoot we went on a couple years before he passed. I don't remember it being horrible. And knowing him if it wasn't a "good shooter" he would have done likewise and sent it down the road.
He would probably kill me if he knew this, but I hope to get it threaded for my suppressor and use it as an "urban" area coyote gun, where most shots should be inside of 100 yards.
jds holler
Gold $$ Contributor
I'd like to try Lil' Gun, but frankly have had great success with IMR 4227 over the years. I've used it all the way up to the max listed in Lyman #49, in my Winchester Model 43. Best thing that ever happened for my loads was the Hornady 35 and 40 grain V-Max's. My rifle is now a consistent 1 MOA or better shooter with these pills, and that wasn't always the case with other bullets that I've used.
The Bee is a very mild and pleasant round to shoot, and I'd hold off on the can, at least until you try it and see. From a few hundred yards, the report is pretty mild.
This case head spaces on the rim, and you will have good results in you set your sizing die to just fit your chamber and no more.
The Bee is a very mild and pleasant round to shoot, and I'd hold off on the can, at least until you try it and see. From a few hundred yards, the report is pretty mild.
This case head spaces on the rim, and you will have good results in you set your sizing die to just fit your chamber and no more.
My Ruger NO.1 is amazing with my load of 13.6g of LilGun and Hornady 40g VMax. It's had a bit of tweaking to get it there however. Prep your brass because Winchester brass is horrible. Once you fireform your brass, just neck size and keep an eye on case stretching. I use Wilson dies for neck sizing and seating. Enjoy
It's good to hear that the 40gr. V-max has worked so well, I have plenty of those. They are my go to bullet in my 223 Rem. LVSF with Benchmark Powder.
Has anyone preferred one primer over the other? I do have thousands of the CCI 400 that I was hoping would work in this small cartridge. I don't care to shoot those primers in my full power 223 loads, so I hope to use them up some where else.
Has anyone preferred one primer over the other? I do have thousands of the CCI 400 that I was hoping would work in this small cartridge. I don't care to shoot those primers in my full power 223 loads, so I hope to use them up some where else.
jds holler
Gold $$ Contributor
As tmx199 mentioned, the 40 gr. V Max is to long for the mags on our 43's. I usually just single shot mine, and they're almost too long to eject if not fired also.. You at least won't have that problem with your Ruger. The stubby little 35 grainer is perfect for the bee and hornet if you can find them.
And yeah, the CCI 400's are what I use, with no prob. I'm betting that you're gonna love your new buddy. jd
And yeah, the CCI 400's are what I use, with no prob. I'm betting that you're gonna love your new buddy. jd
I sure hope so. I know that what little I did get to shoot it in the past it was a pleasure. My only concern is I'm guessing brass is going to be hard to find.
Did your friend have anything left in the way of ammo when he passed? Perhaps he had some handloads left and you could go from there. dedogs
jds holler
Gold $$ Contributor
After I learned to not oversize mine, my brass has lasted pretty well. I'm probably still shooting some that I had when Nixon was president. I made some pretty good deals on the stuff over the years, but I'm down to probably my last thousand. I guess you could befriend some old bastard like me, and try to out live him.
jdYes he did. There's approx 1100 loaded rounds according to his brother. His brother does plan on splitting them with me 50/50. His brother has a TCR rifle chambered in 218 Bee. I've never heard of a TCR, sadly I had to google it.
HahaAfter I learned to not oversize mine, my brass has lasted pretty well. I'm probably still shooting some that I had when Nixon was president. I made some pretty good deals on the stuff over the years, but I'm down to probably my last thousand. I guess you could befriend some old bastard like me, and try to out live him.
Unless you do A LOT of shooting, 550 rounds should last you A LONG LONG time especilly if you pay attention to the advice on re-loading the othe fellows gave. .218 Winchester brass is pretty thin necked (IMO) so be careful and don't try to hot -rod it. Your primer pockets will go south pretty quickly if you do. dedogs
Ok ty for the advice. I'll post some pics up once I get the rifle
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