.218 Bee Pet Loads

.218 Bee (Pet Loads)

“Pet Loads” in Handloader Issue #59 – January, 1976 provides some of the most cherished load information for the .218 Bee among enthusiasts. These loads were developed with accuracy, mild recoil, and rifle preservation as priorities—ideal for shooters who use their Bee rifles regularly and want to stretch barrel life without sacrificing accuracy.

The report covers a variety of bullet weights, commonly 40- and 45-grain Sierra Hornets and occasionally 50-grain Speer Spitzer bullets. Powder selections include IMR-4227, Winchester W-296, W-630, and W-680 among others. Many of the loads are conservative—well below maximum pressures—yet produce excellent velocities and tight groups when paired with properly prepared brass and match bullets.

One key highlight from the “Pet Loads” article is the consistency achieved with 40-grain Hornet bullets over Winchester W-296 or W-680 in rifles like the Winchester Model 43. Shooters reported velocities in the 2,700-to-2,950 fps range with those combinations, achieving excellent group sizes at 100 yards. These performance figures are especially notable given the limitations of older rifles and shorter barrels often used in the tests.

The load data also emphasizes the importance of seating depth and primer selection. Loads tested in this section were done so using Winchester cases and Federal or other standard primers. For example, several 45-grain combinations achieved their best group accuracy when bullets were seated to an overall length of approx 1.68-inch, paired with moderate powder charges. These loads tend to produce light recoil and minimal muzzle blast, making them suitable for varmint control in open country or for shooters concerned about fatigue and rifle wear.

Overall, the “Pet Loads” are especially valued because they offer practical, shootable loadings—ones you can use daily or often—with less risk and maintenance needed. While not pushing the cartridge to its limits, these loads reveal much about what the .218 Bee was meant to do: deliver dependable, mild, and accurate performance in the hands of careful reloaders.

Source: Wolfe Publishing —Handloader Issue #59 – January, 1976