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.218 Bee (Moderate Loads)

Warning! Notes: Test rifle was a Kimber Model 82 with 24-inch barrel, 1-in-14-inch twist. Winchester cases (weighing an average of 72.7 grains with spent primer, with a gross water capacity of 18.3 grains) and CCI BR-4 primers used in all loads. All powder charges were safe in the author's rifle but must be reduced at least 10 percent for starting loads in other Kimber Model 82 rifles. For starting loads in rifles from other manufacturers, all powder charges must be reduced by 20 percent. (Handloader Issue 117)

Cartridge History

.218 Bee (Moderate Loads)

Moderate loads for the .218 Bee, as presented in Handloader Issue #117 – September, 1985, offer a balanced performance suitable for shooters who want good velocity and accuracy without pushing for maximum pressures. These loads provide a safer margin, better barrel life, and more forgiving performance, especially in older rifles or those with uncertain chamber conditions.

The moderate load data includes bullets in the 40- to 50-grain range, paired with powders such as Hodgdon H-4227, Alliant RL-7, Norma N-200, and similar options that burn cleanly and produce consistent velocities. One example from the data shows a 40-grain Speer bullet over 20-ish grains of a moderate powder producing velocities in the high 2,800 to low 3,100 feet per second range, depending on barrel length and seating depth.

Shooter reports in the magazine emphasize that these more restrained loads maintain excellent group sizes at typical varmint ranges (100-200 yards) and are easier to shoot over extended periods without fatigue. The loads also tend to produce less fouling and smaller temperature-induced shifts, making them more reliable in changing environmental conditions.

The key to achieving good performance with these moderate loads lies in consistent case prep, proper primer selection, and careful bullet seating depth. Handloader 117’s data shows that with matched brass, using a benchrest or free-floating stock, many shooters achieved sub-MOA groups with these moderate loads. Pressure signs were minimal, provided that they were cautious about working up slowly from published starting points.

Overall, the moderate-load tables in Handloader #117 serve as a strong baseline for shooters who want to enjoy the .218 Bee without chasing the more punishing maximum loads. They strike a compromise between performance and longevity, allowing varmint and small-game hunters or target shooters to use the Bee reliably and comfortably.

Source: Handloader Issue #117 – September, 1985

Be Alert: Publisher cannot be responsible for errors in published load data.

Wt.	Bullet	Powder Manufacturer	Powder	Charge	Velocity (FPS)
40	Speer	Hodgdon	H-322	Subscribe	2,762
Remarks: fair accuracy
40	Speer	Hodgdon	H-4198	Subscribe	2,643
Remarks: poor accuracy
40	Speer	IMR	IMR-4198	Subscribe	2,704
Remarks: poor accuracy
40	Speer	Norma	N-200	Subscribe	2,793
Remarks:
40	Speer	Alliant	RL-7	Subscribe	2,827
Remarks:
40	Speer	Winchester	W-680	Subscribe	2,712
Remarks: most accurate 40-grain load tested
40	Speer	IMR	IMR-4227	Subscribe	2,836
Remarks: 2nd most accurate with this bullet
40	Speer	Hodgdon	H-4227	Subscribe	2,851
Remarks: 3rd most accurate with this bullet
40	Speer	Hodgdon	H-110	Subscribe	2,471
Remarks:
40	Speer	Alliant	2400	Subscribe	2,612
Remarks: 4th most accurate with this bullet
40	Sierra	Winchester	W-296	Subscribe	2,446
Remarks: poor accuracy
40	Sierra	Norma	N-123	Subscribe	2,752
Remarks: fair accuracy
45	Hornady	Hodgdon	H-322	Subscribe	2,747
Remarks: 1 of two most accurate tested
45	Hornady	Hodgdon	H-4198	Subscribe	2,611
Remarks: case full, mild
45	Hornady	IMR	IMR-4198	Subscribe	2,758
Remarks: more accurate than H-4198
45	Hornady	Norma	N-200	Subscribe	2,795
Remarks: extremely accurate load
45	Hornady	Alliant	RL-7	Subscribe	2,704
Remarks: 1 of two most accurate tested
45	Hornady	Winchester	W-680	Subscribe	2,694
Remarks: fair accuracy
45	Speer	IMR	IMR-4227	Subscribe	2,737
Remarks: best accuracy with this bullet
45	Speer	Hodgdon	H-4227	Subscribe	2,729
Remarks:
45	Speer	Hodgdon	H-110	Subscribe	2,503
Remarks:
45	Speer	Alliant	2400	Subscribe	2,748
Remarks: 2nd best accurate with this bullet
45	Sierra	Winchester	W-296	Subscribe	2,668
Remarks: terrible accuracy
45	Sierra	Norma	N-123	Subscribe	2,611
Remarks: poor accuracy
50	Hornady SX	Hodgdon	H-322	Subscribe	2,550
Remarks: excellent accuracy
50	Speer	Hodgdon	H-322	Subscribe	2,523
Remarks: excellent accuracy, sub-MOA
52	Speer	Hodgdon	H-322	Subscribe	2,522
Remarks: excellent accuracy