Looking for a lightweight .218 Bee project

[barrowsr]

I had a Ruger No. 1 218 Bee re-barreled to 22 Rem. and wish to put the Bee dies and brass to good use. I like the caliber - just want one in a lighter weight gun than the Ruger. I understand Sako used to make a diminutive Bee but they are as scarce as hens teeth. I've seen a few Coopers in that caliber but don't care for the synthetic stocks or Buick vents some come with. Might consider a Low Wall but most likely will have to rechamber a hornet and don't know if that is even feasible. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Robin

 

[jds holler]

You're not going to find anything lighter than the old Winchester Model 43. There simply isn't much difference in size and weight from the little bolt action 22's that most of us had as kids. The 43 will never go down as one of the "best" bolt actions created, but it is sufficient for the Bee cartridge.

I've had mine for over forty years, and have fired it a few more than a gazillion times. A few years ago, I finally decided to get serious about fitting/bedding the barrel and action in the original stock. It was very easy, and my Bee is a better rifle than it ever was. It really likes V-Max's, and is shooting better groups than ever.

Down side is a short magazine, and the stubby little 35 grainers are the best solution for that. I frequently use mine as a single shot, and don't feel handicapped. jd

 

[MClark]

I have a Thompson Contender rifle in a Bee. I have a custom barrel, 18" light contour.

Mark

 

[Ggmac]

How much work can you do ? A lifetime ago I shortened a 94 Mauser , modified the extractor , and fitted a bee to it . Was a smooth running little light weight rifle .
I recently found the remnants of its ugly ( read warped ) sister .

 

[barrowsr]

Thanks for the replies; I am definitely NOT a gunsmith. I've learned over the years to pay a professional to do things way over my head so any modifications more than scope mounting will be done by a smith.

 

[Spook]

Thanks for the replies; I am definitely NOT a gunsmith. I've learned over the years to pay a professional to do things way over my head so any modifications more than scope mounting will be done by a smith.

Would a Marlin lever action work?

 

[barrowsr]

Maybe but I'd like something lighter than the marlin and be able to use spitzer bullets.

 

[jds holler]

Maybe but I'd like something lighter than the marlin and be able to use spitzer bullets.

I would pay particular attention to whatever bolt action type (if you choose bolt action) so that the magazine, if repeater, and the loading port also, provide more length than the specs of a typical 218 Bee cartridge. That cartridge was designed for the lever action rifle with stubby, non-pointy bullets.
With my Model 43, even when loading single shot, I can't seat the more modern profiles out as far as I'd like. Or if I slip it in, I'd better shoot it, cause it aint coming out very easy. jd

 

[Auto-X Fil]

Check out the Howa mini-actions. They are pretty compact.

 

[jds holler]

The guys over at Saubier .com would have all kinds of ideas. That's what they love the most. Although they'd try to get ya to do a 17 Bee. Or a --- how little can ya go. jd