In a desperate search for .218 BEE ammo!

damo450 · September 9, 2016, 06:43 AM

Hello everyone, I am searching desperately for some .218 bee ammo. Anyone have any suggestions (or some for sale!)? I have exhausted all resources and now am turning to the inter web for some help. I did find a BNIB browning model 65 for sale with 9 boxes of ammo. However, spending $1100 on a rifle for the ammo as I already have one seems a bit backwards. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks All.

BillM · September 9, 2016, 07:45 AM

https://hendershots.net/product/218-...e-custom-ammo/

Sure Shot Mc Gee · September 9, 2016, 08:31 AM

Finding manufactured made ammo for your 218 this time of year is more than a challenge. I believe for many years your 218 Bee has been a Winchester seasonally made cartridge. Once its list on Web places like Midway I'm sure it sells out quickly.

If your a Home Reloader:
This fellow on Cast Bullets may make the brass for your 218. He custom makes and sells allot of obsolescent brass. Having the brass to reload is half your battle. 218 bullets are for the time being are still available (see link.)

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/member.php?16276-GRUMPA

http://www.midwayusa.com/s?userSearchQuery=218+bee

natman · September 9, 2016, 10:49 AM

Two years ago I sold the last of my 218 Bee ammo on Gunbroker. It went for $98 per 50 round box.

That deal with the Browning is starting to look better. Buy it, sell the rifle to a collector and keep the ammo.

shuvelrider · September 9, 2016, 11:36 AM

Graf & Sons reloading supply house carries the .218 Bee brass, I have not bought any in a long while though. Still have my dads reloads and mine I've made. Cabela's does sell it as a seasonal round, the last time I seen it there, it was priced at $85 a box. Now I have to go do some lookin also, it might be an unobtanium item like 30/40 krag brass.

T. O'Heir · September 9, 2016, 11:46 AM

Isn't being loaded by any of the major manufacturers. Midway listed Winchester at $80.99 per 50. Graf's is $.40 less. Still no stock. Winchester isn't making it. Neither is Precision.
Brass isn't easy either, but it's around. And you can make it out of .32-20 or .25-20. Couple guys on Gunbroker have some at not idiotic prices.
Hendershots is probably your best option if you don't have the time/inclination to make the brass.
Like natman says, it'd be $810 for the ammo, $290 for the rifle.

Scorch · September 10, 2016, 01:03 AM

HSM loads it, I have bought it from them in the past. It's only available occasionally, buy as much as you think you'll need.

30Cal · September 10, 2016, 08:15 AM

I think Remington and WW have given up the family entirely. I got an email from Midway last year sometime to the effect that they wasn't going to be any 25-20 brass anymore.

A local shop has been sitting on a box of 25-20 for 2 years. They want something like $70 for it.

For what you're going to spend on 3 boxes of ammo, you could probably find a used press, scale, and a set of dies. Starline runs 32-20, so it can be done.

340 Weatherby · December 4, 2016, 05:59 PM

Hornady is supposedly coming to our rescue guys. New loaded ammo on the way soon.

ammo.crafter · December 4, 2016, 06:03 PM

Starline has 32-20 Brass which can be converted into .218 Bee.

bobn · December 4, 2016, 08:41 PM

where do you live.....local gun store has it on shelf....

dgludwig · December 5, 2016, 11:22 AM

You can probably locate some at a large gun show. Won't be cheap though.

aarondhgraham · December 5, 2016, 01:24 PM

Just a few years back I was offered one of these rifles at a good price,,,
The rifle was absolutely beautiful (custom stock),,,
And came with a nice leupold scope.

He had about 60-70 rounds and was going to toss them in the deal.

Now I'm glad I passed on it,,,
Nothing worse than owning a fine fiery-arm,,,
And having no way to enjoy shooting the danged thing.

Aarond

.

BeeShooter · December 5, 2016, 03:08 PM

PM me. I'm in SD and I'll load it for you at cost plus shipping.(Assuming you don't go through a ton of rounds per month) Just finding the brass is a chore. Probably will have to reform. I think it's a 1/16 twist. In my old Mod43 I think we were shooting 50 gr. However, as mentioned above, Hornady may be producing ammo for it. It's a nice little cartridge.

Scorch · December 5, 2016, 05:12 PM

Beeshooter- unless you are licensed and insured to load ammunition for others, do not offer to do so.

Besides, HSM lists 4 loads. The OP can call them.

BeeShooter · December 6, 2016, 10:27 AM

I'm not a commercial loader of ammunition nor do I operate any commercial enterprise. Therefore, I can reload for anyone I choose as long as it is not a commercial exchange for monetary or other value.

BeeShooter · December 6, 2016, 11:39 AM

Hornady comes through with some great old cartridges. A little steep in price but ... Good for them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMGoE4JCBk8

jdscholer · December 6, 2016, 03:35 PM

The Hornady reintroduction is great to hear. There was a time when I had 2000 brass for my 218. Forty years of hard use has got me down to maybe 1000, and many of those have been loaded eleventyseven times. I'd love to get some new brass to finish out me and the old "43". jd

regularguy · December 21, 2016, 07:24 PM

I have just this week run across a box of Winchester Super X 218 Bee 46 gr HP. the box looks brand new. I also have another box of un-named Soft points with 20 loaded rounds and 30 empties. This newly acquired stash also includes a set of reloading dies from the C-H die company. The box looks old but the dies look new, almost as if never used. I've been a reloader for over 40 years but never heard of this brand. I did confirm that the threads are the same as my RCBS and Lee presses. If there is still and interest in these let me know. They are for sale but I'd like to sell them as a package deal.

bellasys · January 29, 2017, 02:28 PM

Hey there, looks like this thread never gets old!

I have about 30 rounds of ammo for my North American Arms long barrel
REVOLVER. Yep, that's what I said.

I was looking for more ammo too then I realized that the gun itself is pretty rare.

I have a lot more casings than live ammo, guess I should either be investing in making my own ammo or putting the lot up for sale to a collector!

Thanks for all the posts I learned a lot.

rc · January 29, 2017, 11:22 PM

I was already reloading when I got into 32-20 for a Browning 53 and Marlin 1894 I purchased. I wouldn't be able to afford shooting them if I didn't. Tried to skimp on dies and bought lyman and they were crap. Got some RCBS cowboy dies and they are great. Once you have the equipment, it can pay for itself very quickly with the oddball ammo that costs $50 to $80 a box and you won't be at the mercy of the ammo companies. Go RCBS for the best warranty and customer service + great quality products that pretty much always work. 218 bee reloads should cost you under $15/50 when you are just paying for primers, powder and bullet and you'll break even with factory ammo pretty quick. I believe you want 296 or H110 powder for the bee. 44 mag at almost $1 a round is also a great one to load for. Now with the more common factory loads like 9mm, 223 etc, there's not such a benefit in rolling your own but if you own a bee, you like being different.

http://www.midwayusa.com/

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/709...int-box-of-100

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/537...-bee-box-of-50

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/937...tage-press-kit

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/658...-wcf-32-20-wcf

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/308...ie-set-218-bee

bobn · January 30, 2017, 11:17 AM

lots of companies make good dies. all have plus and minuses. rcbs inner spindles stretch case mouths more than any other brand. that requires more trimming thus shortening case life. a blanket statement about one brand of anything is questionable.
.....however I am glad to see you like reloading and do like one particular brand due to your experiences. bob

PunchDrunkFool · April 29, 2017, 10:11 AM

I finally found .218 bee Hornady available from Midway. It's not cheap but it's available. They also have brass casings available. I hope that you find the ammo you're looking for.
Kind Regards,
Rory Moore

natman · April 29, 2017, 08:58 PM

Midway is already out of stock, expecting more in July.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/76...oint-box-of-25

Jetmissile · May 19, 2017, 12:28 PM

I have just this week run across a box of Winchester Super X 218 Bee 46 gr HP, new.

Make an offer.

Also have 165 rounds of reloaded 44 mag (3 different loads)

September 9, 2016, 06:43 AM	#1
damo450 Member Join Date: October 3, 2012 Posts: 42	In a desperate search for .218 BEE ammo! Hello everyone, I am searching desperately for some .218 bee ammo. Anyone have any suggestions (or some for sale!)? I have exhausted all resources and now am turning to the inter web for some help. I did find a BNIB browning model 65 for sale with 9 boxes of ammo. However, spending $1100 on a rifle for the ammo as I already have one seems a bit backwards. Any help is appreciated. Thanks All.

September 9, 2016, 11:46 AM	#6
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	Isn't being loaded by any of the major manufacturers. Midway listed Winchester at $80.99 per 50. Graf's is $.40 less. Still no stock. Winchester isn't making it. Neither is Precision. Brass isn't easy either, but it's around. And you can make it out of .32-20 or .25-20. Couple guys on Gunbroker have some at not idiotic prices. Hendershots is probably your best option if you don't have the time/inclination to make the brass. Like natman says, it'd be $810 for the ammo, $290 for the rifle. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

September 10, 2016, 01:03 AM	#7
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	HSM loads it, I have bought it from them in the past. It's only available occasionally, buy as much as you think you'll need. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

December 4, 2016, 06:03 PM	#10
ammo.crafter Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2006 Location: The Keystone State Posts: 1,970	B Starline has 32-20 Brass which can be converted into .218 Bee. __________________ "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading". --Thomas Jefferson

December 5, 2016, 11:22 AM	#12
dgludwig Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2005 Location: North central Ohio Posts: 7,486	You can probably locate some at a large gun show. Won't be cheap though. __________________ ONLY AN ARMED PEOPLE CAN BE TRULY FREE ; ONLY AN UNARMED PEOPLE CAN EVER BE ENSLAVED ...Aristotle NRA Benefactor Life Member

September 9, 2016, 07:45 AM	#2
BillM Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2009 Location: Amity Oregon Posts: 791	https://hendershots.net/product/218-...e-custom-ammo/

September 9, 2016, 08:31 AM	#3
Sure Shot Mc Gee Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,876	Finding manufactured made ammo for your 218 this time of year is more than a challenge. I believe for many years your 218 Bee has been a Winchester seasonally made cartridge. Once its list on Web places like Midway I'm sure it sells out quickly. If your a Home Reloader: This fellow on Cast Bullets may make the brass for your 218. He custom makes and sells allot of obsolescent brass. Having the brass to reload is half your battle. 218 bullets are for the time being are still available (see link.) http://castboolits.gunloads.com/member.php?16276-GRUMPA http://www.midwayusa.com/s?userSearchQuery=218+bee

September 9, 2016, 10:49 AM	#4
natman Senior Member Join Date: June 24, 2008 Posts: 2,607	Two years ago I sold the last of my 218 Bee ammo on Gunbroker. It went for $98 per 50 round box. That deal with the Browning is starting to look better. Buy it, sell the rifle to a collector and keep the ammo.

September 9, 2016, 11:36 AM	#5
shuvelrider Senior Member Join Date: October 2, 2011 Location: West Coast of Michigan Posts: 132	Graf & Sons reloading supply house carries the .218 Bee brass, I have not bought any in a long while though. Still have my dads reloads and mine I've made. Cabela's does sell it as a seasonal round, the last time I seen it there, it was priced at $85 a box. Now I have to go do some lookin also, it might be an unobtanium item like 30/40 krag brass.

September 10, 2016, 08:15 AM	#8
30Cal Senior Member Join Date: December 3, 2002 Posts: 1,264	I think Remington and WW have given up the family entirely. I got an email from Midway last year sometime to the effect that they wasn't going to be any 25-20 brass anymore. A local shop has been sitting on a box of 25-20 for 2 years. They want something like $70 for it. For what you're going to spend on 3 boxes of ammo, you could probably find a used press, scale, and a set of dies. Starline runs 32-20, so it can be done.

December 4, 2016, 05:59 PM	#9
340 Weatherby Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 2012 Posts: 139	Hornady is supposedly coming to our rescue guys. New loaded ammo on the way soon.

December 4, 2016, 08:41 PM	#11
bobn Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2006 Location: midwest Posts: 1,105	where do you live.....local gun store has it on shelf....

December 5, 2016, 01:24 PM	#13
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 8,638	I'm glad I passed on the rifle,,, Just a few years back I was offered one of these rifles at a good price,,, The rifle was absolutely beautiful (custom stock),,, And came with a nice leupold scope. He had about 60-70 rounds and was going to toss them in the deal. Now I'm glad I passed on it,,, Nothing worse than owning a fine fiery-arm,,, And having no way to enjoy shooting the danged thing. Aarond . __________________ Never ever give an enemy the advantage of a verbal threat. Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time)

December 5, 2016, 03:08 PM	#14
BeeShooter Member Join Date: August 24, 2016 Posts: 85	PM me. I'm in SD and I'll load it for you at cost plus shipping.(Assuming you don't go through a ton of rounds per month) Just finding the brass is a chore. Probably will have to reform. I think it's a 1/16 twist. In my old Mod43 I think we were shooting 50 gr. However, as mentioned above, Hornady may be producing ammo for it. It's a nice little cartridge.

December 5, 2016, 05:12 PM	#15
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Beeshooter- unless you are licensed and insured to load ammunition for others, do not offer to do so. Besides, HSM lists 4 loads. The OP can call them. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

December 6, 2016, 10:27 AM	#16
BeeShooter Member Join Date: August 24, 2016 Posts: 85	I'm not a commercial loader of ammunition nor do I operate any commercial enterprise. Therefore, I can reload for anyone I choose as long as it is not a commercial exchange for monetary or other value.

December 6, 2016, 11:39 AM	#17
BeeShooter Member Join Date: August 24, 2016 Posts: 85	Hornady comes through with some great old cartridges. A little steep in price but ... Good for them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMGoE4JCBk8

December 6, 2016, 03:35 PM	#18
jdscholer Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2008 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 1,197	The Hornady reintroduction is great to hear. There was a time when I had 2000 brass for my 218. Forty years of hard use has got me down to maybe 1000, and many of those have been loaded eleventyseven times. I'd love to get some new brass to finish out me and the old "43". jd __________________ "We're all dummies, just in different ways." Old Okie Philosopher

December 21, 2016, 07:24 PM	#19
regularguy Member Join Date: April 11, 2011 Location: Florida Posts: 19	218 Bee Ammo I have just this week run across a box of Winchester Super X 218 Bee 46 gr HP. the box looks brand new. I also have another box of un-named Soft points with 20 loaded rounds and 30 empties. This newly acquired stash also includes a set of reloading dies from the C-H die company. The box looks old but the dies look new, almost as if never used. I've been a reloader for over 40 years but never heard of this brand. I did confirm that the threads are the same as my RCBS and Lee presses. If there is still and interest in these let me know. They are for sale but I'd like to sell them as a package deal. Last edited by regularguy; December 21, 2016 at 07:41 PM.

January 29, 2017, 02:28 PM	#20
bellasys Junior Member Join Date: January 29, 2017 Posts: 1	Hey there, looks like this thread never gets old! I have about 30 rounds of ammo for my North American Arms long barrel REVOLVER. Yep, that's what I said. I was looking for more ammo too then I realized that the gun itself is pretty rare. I have a lot more casings than live ammo, guess I should either be investing in making my own ammo or putting the lot up for sale to a collector! Thanks for all the posts I learned a lot.

January 29, 2017, 11:22 PM	#21
rc Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2001 Location: CA Posts: 1,767	Reload! I was already reloading when I got into 32-20 for a Browning 53 and Marlin 1894 I purchased. I wouldn't be able to afford shooting them if I didn't. Tried to skimp on dies and bought lyman and they were crap. Got some RCBS cowboy dies and they are great. Once you have the equipment, it can pay for itself very quickly with the oddball ammo that costs $50 to $80 a box and you won't be at the mercy of the ammo companies. Go RCBS for the best warranty and customer service + great quality products that pretty much always work. 218 bee reloads should cost you under $15/50 when you are just paying for primers, powder and bullet and you'll break even with factory ammo pretty quick. I believe you want 296 or H110 powder for the bee. 44 mag at almost $1 a round is also a great one to load for. Now with the more common factory loads like 9mm, 223 etc, there's not such a benefit in rolling your own but if you own a bee, you like being different. http://www.midwayusa.com/ http://www.midwayusa.com/product/709...int-box-of-100 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/537...-bee-box-of-50 http://www.midwayusa.com/product/937...tage-press-kit http://www.midwayusa.com/product/658...-wcf-32-20-wcf http://www.midwayusa.com/product/308...ie-set-218-bee

January 30, 2017, 11:17 AM	#22
bobn Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2006 Location: midwest Posts: 1,105	lots of companies make good dies. all have plus and minuses. rcbs inner spindles stretch case mouths more than any other brand. that requires more trimming thus shortening case life. a blanket statement about one brand of anything is questionable. .....however I am glad to see you like reloading and do like one particular brand due to your experiences. bob

April 29, 2017, 10:11 AM	#23
PunchDrunkFool Junior Member Join Date: April 28, 2017 Posts: 1	.218 bee ammo I finally found .218 bee Hornady available from Midway. It's not cheap but it's available. They also have brass casings available. I hope that you find the ammo you're looking for. Kind Regards, Rory Moore

April 29, 2017, 08:58 PM	#24
natman Senior Member Join Date: June 24, 2008 Posts: 2,607	Midway is already out of stock, expecting more in July. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/76...oint-box-of-25

May 19, 2017, 12:28 PM	#25
Jetmissile Junior Member Join Date: May 19, 2017 Posts: 1	50 rounds Winchester X218B ammo I have just this week run across a box of Winchester Super X 218 Bee 46 gr HP, new. Make an offer. Also have 165 rounds of reloaded 44 mag (3 different loads)