The fact that bullets much longer than 0.600 inch are not stabilized by that twist rate rules out the use of the Nosler 40-grain Ballistic Tip and Hornady V-Max of the same weight. Chambers: Bolt action. Serial number 19257A was manufactured in February 1950. Punching paper with the .218 Bee loaded with cast bullets is not only fun, but also an inexpensive way of keeping one of my favorite cartridges alive. Bert I have a number of Model 43 218s and one 25 20. V1-D1 Barrel Length: 24 Bore condition: Excellent, Your email address will not be published. Tied for second place are the Federal GM205M and the CCI BR4. Ill look more closely and take some photos next time Im home. In pleasant contrast, Hornady comes close to making its 2,750 fps billing in my Marlin and actually exceeds it from my Sako. I bought it for a few hundred bucks assuming it had been modified and therefore no collector value. These rifles were produced until 1957, with about 63,000 sold. When I return, Ill double check the bevel on the receiver ring and the shape of the bolt. Gear Expert, The Model 43 was only in production from May 1948 through December 1953. Bert (just to the south of you in western Washington), Drew said View cart for details. Assuming that it is in the 61,000 serial range, it was a late production rifle, and Yes, it was factory drilled & tapped for mounting a scope. But do you know how to properly use them? WINCHESTER MODEL 43 .218 BEE CAL for sale - GunsAmerica The LOP measures 13 from the front of the trigger to the back of the steel buttplate. We have not fired this rifle. Rare Winchester Model 43 .218 Bee Bolt Action Varmint Hunting Rifle This rifle is used, but fully functional with an excellent bore. This hinges on the fact that, again like the Hornet, the Bee is just flat-out fun to shoot, producing negligible recoil and tolerable muzzle report. It predates the timer period in which Winchester factory drilled & tapped them for scope mounts. If I switch to Winchester 45-gr SP ammo, my group immediately opens to nearly 2-inches @100 yards. Winchester ~ Model 43 ~ .218 BEE | Bass Pro Shops When one comes sneaking in to my tormented bunny call, I wait until it is inside 50 yards before squeezing the Marlins trigger. Suitable for small game or varmint hunting. In 1939 a small-frame version in .410 was introduced, and with it came a combination gun with one barrel in .410 and the other in .22 LR, .22 Hornet, .218 Bee, or .30-30 Winchester. Winchester Model 43 Bolt Action Rifle Winchester Model 43 Bolt Action Rifle. I most certainly can. That local gun shop most definitely did not know a thing or two about the Model 43 ! You can continue to place backorders for out of stock ammo to reserve your place in line for available inventory. Location: IPSWICH, QLD, 4305. The demand of new WINCHESTER MODEL 43 rifle's has risen 4 units over the past 12 months. For additional information, see the Global Shipping Program, This amount includes applicable customs duties, taxes, brokerage and other fees. . (240) 347-4883 Please note, our lead time to fill orders is 2-3 weeks. The Winchester 43 has two rear bolt lugs but some say they are small enough to wear quicker than larger model 54/70 type bolt lugs. The jacketed hollow point design of the 218 Bee is said to be one of the most accurate and deadly of the .218 caliber. Winchester 43 218 Bee | Winchester Rifles | Forum | Winchester I reload my Kimber .218 Bee very hot and get some really good results using 33 grain V-Max on ground squirrels and smaller varmints. Winchester Model 92 - 218 Bee | Gun and Game Forum At the time, the .22 Hornet was loaded with 45-grain and 46-grain bullets at a claimed velocity of 2,650 fps. it has good result for range up to 200 yards. I have just recently acquired a model 43 in 22 hornet.with a serial number 15525 am I able to get a manufacture date and possibly a review on quality and aquracy.i have not yet had the chance to shoot it and would love to know what I can expect. Transferring Dealer: QLD Shooters Supplies, QLD, 4305. There is no elevator. (1950) The third one is in 22 Hornet ser # 14xxx. According to this thread, it could have come from the factory with scope mounting capability. Bulk Cheap Ammo has a list of top retailers to provide the latest collection of ammo from top brands. Ammo prices increased due to the more expensive cost of production. Send me a list of the serial numbers. SCOPE WEAVER WANT TO ORDER CALL SHOP 716-941-3946, Ser no 4989XA, Factory Drilled for Scope, Metal Butt, Correct Sights and Swivels, Good Bore, 97% Blue and Varnish, Correct Clip, Buyer pays 50.00 shipping Pa residents add 6% sales tax, Price is for c, WINCHESTER MODEL 43 CALIBER 218 BEE WITH WEAVER SCOPE 4 POWER. Features include standard markings with a hooded ramp front sight, sporting rear sight, swept bolt handle, and top of receiver drilled and tapped for scope mounts. A good choice for Winchester collectors or .218 Bee fans. The demand of used WINCHESTER MODEL 43 rifle's has fallen 5 units over the past 12 months. Magazine is after-market, but works good. The Mashburn Bee is sufficiently powerful for varmint's and was popular up until it was superceded by the .222 Remington. Excellent bore. As long as you stick with factory loaded ammo, it should not be an issue unless it already has developed excessive head space problems. The transition occurs between 31,000 and 32,000. SKU: 3456634 Item Location. _____ "The most . The guns were developed in the 1960s by Robert Mainhardt and Art Biehl through their joint company MB Associates. . Necking the .25-20 case down in 1938 resulted in the .218 Bee for a modified version of the Model 92 called the Model 65. The Winchester Model 43 is a great platform for a varmint rifle. There are several on ebay at the moment though. 1950ish Winchester Model 43 in 218 Bee. Now Seeking. 218 Winchester Bee Ammo - Finding Ammo Do you have a copy of the article that I wrote discussing the Model 43? Model 74 Automatic .22 Rifle. Just ordered the ammo so I haven't shot it yet. . Fired in that rifle, the velocity of Winchester ammo was 2,866 fps and the Remington ammo clocked 2,831 fps. In order to shop on this Web store, you must have cookies enabled. Im impressed that your local gun shop seems to know a thing or two. Note: underside of barrel towards the muzzle has some very light pits. I know they were made from 1949 to 1957. David Wilt said Handgun Ammo Rimfire Ammo . Winchester Model 43 Bolt Action Rifle | National Museum of American History As you probably know it shoot a common .224 bullet, so that won't be a problem. 400 Small Rifle Primers were used for all testing. If ammo and case . Public Auction Sale: GUNS; KNIVES; AMMO; HUNTING ITEMS - Mercersburg, PA I have a model 43 in 22 Hornet which has been drilled and tapped for scope mounts. Downloads. Simi Valley, CA 93065. Can you assist me in determining the years with the serial numbers? Centerfire bolt action rifle chambered for the .22 Hornet cartridge. Mechanics:The action functions Correctly. 218 Bee Ammo | In Stock 218 Bee Ammunition - AmmoBuy .218 Bee - CHUCKHAWKS.COM We try to describe to the best of our ability the condition of the items, however, sometimes flaws are missed. Todd, The .218 Bee like the ancient .22 Hornet remains curiously popular despite the availability of superior, mild-mannered .224-caliber bullets such as the .221 Remington Fireball and .222 Remington. Once cookies are enabled please refresh the current page. The Winchester trademark is used with the permission and to the credit of Olin Corporation/Winchester Division. Those of that weight designed specifically for use in the .22 Hornet are better choices for the .218 Bee because at the far edge of its effective range, they expand more violently on varmints than 40-grain tipped bullets that are constructed to withstand higher velocities when fired from larger cartridges like the .22-250 and .223 Remington. Any and all help is appreciated. Barrels: 24" Barrel. For those who find that claim rather shocking, the most popular deer cartridge at the time was the .44-40 Winchester loaded to around 1,200 fps with a 200-grain bullet. Is this a bad thing? Made early 50's, wood is 99% no dents or cracks, Blue is the same, has one magazine, 4X scope, WINCHESTER MODEL 43 22 HORNET, BORE EXCELLENT WOOD HAS SOME LIGHT HANDLING MARKS. 7626 Westheimer @ Voss, Houston, Texas 77063. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. This has one magazine and shot very little! The .218 Bee had a 24-inch barrel and was billed as a better varmint cartridge than the .22 Hornet, which was introduced by Winchester in 1930. I'm not sure myself. Production was limited to 3,500 Grade I rifles and 1,500 of the more expensive High Grade version. This rifle is fitted with the pistol cap and checkering that the special models receive, Very good condition, light wear, small nicks, scratches and dents. Thornton - Cabela's. 14050 Lincoln Street . The markings are clear. But the serial number is 6155A. Unfortunately you were not told the truth. Has it been drilled & tapped (aftermarket) for a scope? Action works perfectly. I made a truck varmint gun out of it, thinking it had no value. Weaver K6 optics are clear. Bore is very good with strong rifling. Best .218 Bee Ammo, Rifle Ammo. One Cartridge, Not a Box! 1950ish Winchester Model 43 in 218 Bee : r/guns You'd have to do some research before finding an accurate price.I don't know very much about the Model 43 Winchester. it was passed into my family's possession from my grandpa. Triggers: Factory trigger. Winchester model 43 .218 Bee #1691 - Bolt Action Rifles at GunBroker the Hornet is slightly smaller in diameter than the Bee and has about 2/3 the powder capacity of the Bee case. 218 Bee ammo for sale at Ventura Munitions. When filled to the brim with water, the Winchester .218 Bee cases I have hold 14.2 grains, about 4.0 grains more than .22 Hornet cases also made by Winchester. Magazines canroutinely be found on eBay, or at most large gun shows. The .22 Hornet and .218 Bee came first, followed by the .222 Remington around 1952. $54.99. Bore Condition: Bright. It has 2 magazines. That slow rifling generally limits the .218 Bee to bullets weighing less than 52 grains; no Greek tragedy, as introducing heavier slugs produces quickly diminishing returns. Based on my research survey, the odds are very high that your rifle is chambered for the 218 Bee cartridge is it? Can you assist me in determining the years with the serial numbers? Savage Arms Corp. Model 24 Combination Gun .22LR/.410 GA; SMITH & WESSON S&W 14-2 K-38 MASTERPIECE 38 Special; So you want to buy a SKS Rifle Excellent Choice! Winchester SUPER-X RIFLE .218 Bee 46 grain Jacketed Hollow Point Centerfire Rifle Ammo, 50 Rounds, X218B, MPN: X218B, UPC: 020892200494, Code: WQ-LAR-WIN338-X218B Compare ( 0 ) 1 item has been added 50-round box. I am looking for opinions on this rifle that I recently purchased. Model 54 Lever Action. V-max 50-pack $ 87.99 Buy Now .218 Bee Ammo, Rifle Ammo Winchester .218 Bee Ammo rifle. Previously sold. Mikey Hartman, Lt. Col. Estimated Value *Using 80% condition for calculating used Values. . PDF Winchester 43 Manual 4.0 out of 5 stars. Lever Action .22 Rifle. Thanks. This rifle is in superb condition. Skip to main content. Im intrigued by this thread. Model 770 Bolt Action. A single-shot rifle, it has a solid-bottom receiver and a heavy, 24-inch barrel. Inv#0522143. Factory drilled for scope. Martini Custom .218 Mashburn Bee - Revivaler Description: Later version of the model 1906 great mechanically and can use as is or would be a nice one to restore. Copyright 2023 All rights reserved. The GyroJet pistol fires small rockets or microjets that utilize rocket propulsion to fire its rounds rather than the traditional gunpowder [], The Manurhin MR73 series of revolvers was developed specifically for the requirements of the French Gendarmerie and special service units of the French Police and Military. Winchester 43 Magazine 218 Bee Used 3 round. Saved Searches. It is a 218 Bee and a standard rifle. Pre-Owned $9.95 ann4570 (3,220) 99.7% Buy It Now +$4.50 shipping Sponsored A secondary shoulder will appear, but it vanishes on the first firing, and while the neck will be a bit shorter, it is not enough to matter. Headspace issues will typically be manifested by deformed empty cases, or a protruding or deformed primer. Remington eventually stopped loading the .218 Bee, and the velocity rating of Winchester ammo was reduced to 2,760 fps. Brand New. Both bullets shed velocity fast, and for this reason, 100 to 125 yards is about the maximum distance for consistently dropping mature groundhogs in their tracks. If yours are correct would you be interested in selling one? Winchester ~ Model 43 ~ .22 Hornet (1949) | Bass Pro Shops *Caliber, Barrel Length, Generations, Sub Models may all affect item price. Handgun Ammo Shotshell Ammo . Taurus has redesigned this sporting pistol for performance. In an article I wrote not long back, I mentioned that the Speer 40-grain Spirepoint has long been my favorite bullet for the .22 Hornet; the same applies when loading the .218 Bee for bolt-action and single-shot rifles. Of slight concern on the earlier production rifles likes yours, is the head space. But again do not file (polish) too much or it will not hold. The magazines are interchangeable in either grade. Load data for the .218 Bee published in some Lyman reloading manuals of the past were developed in a Marlin Model 90. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. If you read the article that I wrote (in the Spring 2016 Collector magazine), it explains the Model 43 production history in better detail. I am not familiar with 43s but was told this is 100 percent factory and is a model 43 special which was only made one year. The .218 Bee, .25-20 Winchester, and .32-20 Winchester were added to the modern version of the lever-action Marlin Model 1894 around 1989. The Ruger No. If for any It can also be used in lever actions when single-loaded directly into the chamber. Winchester 43 - For Sale :: Guns.com On the pre-October 1950 production receivers, you will see that it has a 45-degree beveled face. Model - Model 43 bolt action rifle, .22 hornet caliber. There is an unmarked scope with a target dot reticle. Model 70 Bolt Action HP. International Media Interoperability Framework. Login / Join. Sold For: $1,010 Make: Winchester Model: 43 Serial Number: 21940A Year of Manufacture: 1949-1957 Caliber: .218 Bee Action Type: Bolt Action With Detachable Magazine Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked "MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S. OF AMERICA / WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL WINCHESTER / TRADE MARK / MODEL 43-218 BEE". Ended: Dec 06, 2022 , 12:32PM. Smooth action and weighted just right to be a range gun or field gun. Please Note: other Boxes and Single Cartridges for Collectors available see below in related items. For instructions on how to enable JavaScript, please see the help section of your browser. MANY Winchester Model Plates. The swept bolts begin to appear at serial number 1100, and fully replace the straight bolt before serial number 8800. Filter Results by: Displaying 1 to 6 (of 6 products) Displaying 1 to 6 (of 6 products) Mine does not. In the absence of factory-loaded ammo or jacketed bullets for handloading, you might do as I do and use a Lyman mold to cast 45-grain bullets from scrap wheelweight metal. Manufacture Date of Model 1894 and other info. Thanks for responding to my question (I had to at least ask). The deep dark original bluei for sale by GBEAR1 on GunsAmerica.com the best online marketplace for buying and selling semi auto pistols, firearms, accessories, and collectibles : 920169734 I have attached pictures of the two bolt types. As a varmint shooter who spends a lot of time under a hot sun, I find newer temperature-insensitive formulas give me peace of mind. Great project or restoration gun. The attached picture below is a factory original Model 43 Special rifle (click on the picture to enlarge it) note the checkering pattern on the stock, and the capped pistol grip. Developed for the mail-order firm Sears, Roebuck and introduced in 1936, it began life as an over-under shotgun in 12 gauge. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. My recommendation is to by a box on all the factory varieties you can find, and spend a day at the range shooting them to see which one your rifle likes the best. Can you assist me in determining the years with the serial numbers? To make an offer please complete the form below: Minimum price for the offer must be greater than or equal to $0. Joseph VonBenedikt is with Joel Hodgdon to talk about the improved accuracy and long-range potential of the already reliable Core-Lokt ammo line. It was manufactured in September 1953. .218 Bee Cartridge: Load Data & Everything Else You Need to Know My uncle has one in 22 Hornet and I have shot it several times. Cost Range. In 1944 Winchester introduced the bolt-action Model 43, which was often described as the country boy's Model 70. Sort By 218 Winchester Bee Hornady Ammo 218 Bee 45 Grain HP [8307] View Options 218 Winchester Bee Winchester Ammo Super-X 218 Win Bee HP 46 Grain [X218B] View Options Displaying 1 to 2 (of 2 products) 1 Many years ago, Remington developed the No. 6 Small Rifle primer for the .22 Hornet, .218 Bee, .25-20, and other small rifle cartridges. Photos not available for this variation. The Marlin Model 90 was the most unusual. Some depressions in the stock. Any and all help is appreciated. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. The good news is the .218 Bee case can be formed from Starline .32-20 Winchester brass, which is available as this is written. That rifle is positively not factory original with that stock (as stated by your local gun store). My Model 43 22 Hornet loves the Remington 45-gr HP factory load the best, and shoots 1/2-inch groups @100 yards with it. Stock Configuration & Condition:The stock is checkered walnut. Price: $895.00. SINGLE Collectible Cartridges, Currect & Obsolete, All Countries, Boxes, or Packages, Collectible, Full, Partial, Empty, John Wayne (DUKE) Assortment by Winchester, 6.5x53.5Rmm Dutch Mannlicher Schoenauer (OBSOLETE), 7mm Secret Service Sniper Cartridge, 1080 "FCOTB 80" H/S, 8mm Nambu or 8mm Japanese Nambu, Single Cartridges, 8x56Rmm Austrian / Hungarian Mannlicher, Single cartridge, 8x57mmJS, Mauser. In addition to the Bee, it was available in .25-20, .32-20, and .22 Hornet. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition. I may have a gem and not known it all this time. .218 Bee - Wikipedia reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, simply return the item within 30 days of Joseph Von Benedikt shows his custom 500 and how well it shoots. Some finish wear, mostly at the muzzle end. The Winchester Model 43 Special Rifle version, used for testing here, includes a 24-inch round, proof-steel barrel measuring .56-inch at the muzzle, select walnut stock with checkered pistol grip and forend and steel butt plate. Action Type:Bolt Action With Detachable Magazine. $4.00. The parent case is 32-20 necked down to .224 size. Available in different sizes and red dot ready, it'll fit your needs, whatever they are. Moving on to other companies, Browning introduced a Japanese reproduction of the Winchester Model 65 in .218 Bee in 1980. overall length - 42.25" length of magazine - 2.33" 43 Spanish; 50-70 Govt. The case is based on a necked down version of the 32/20 WCF or 25/20 WCF. Post author By Grumpy; The bullet is based on the ancient .25-20 Winchester case and was introduced by Winchester in 1938 as a follow-up to their .22 Hornet success. We want to ensure that making a return is as easy and hassle-free as possible! Featured Gun Classifieds Winchester Rifles - Model 43, Winchester Model 43, 22 Hornet, DOM 1950, 99% Overtall, Bolt Action, Beautiful Deluxe Checkered Pistol Grip Stock, Adjustable Lyman Rear sight, 43 Hang Tag & manual, Sling Swivels and Hood, excell, Winchester model 43 in 218 bee. 46 Gr. Model 94 Lever Action. 218 Bee "Extreme" Custom Ammo - Hendershot's Sporting Goods, Inc. Winchester ~ Model 43 ~ .218 BEE Used Guns. Even though the .218 Bee holds a pinch or two more powder, the same propellants work equally well in both. The Winchester Model 43 in 218 Bee in my Humble Opinion. Before there were scopes or red dots there were iron sights. The Winchester Model 43 is a great platform for a varmint rifle. Ammo; Accessories AR Parts Holsters . .218 Bee 218 Winchester ammo ammunition for sale JHP - A Call To Arms, LLC SERIAL NUMBER 20669A WANT TO PURCHASE CALL SHOP 716-941-3946, *****WAS $2450 Now $2000*******Up for sale is a beautiful Winchester 43 Deluxe in the desirable 22 Hornet. .218 Bee, .25-20 & .32 WCF, Complete (Assembly Req'd) This amount is subject to change until you make payment. The rifle was also chambered in .22 Hornet, .25-20 and .32-20 Winchester. Speer's 40-grain Spire SP required a long jump Serial number- 52550A. Rockn the .218 bee - The Firing Line Forums Something went wrong. Winchester .218 Bee Ammo rifle - AmmoSeek.com .218 Bee by Winchester, older production using new brass cases with SUPER-X 218 Bee Head-Stamp and 45 grain JHP (jacket Soft Point) projectile. Timothy Hamilton said Winchester model 43 .218 Bee. TRYBE Tactical Reusable Multi-Purpose Ear Plugs, 33dB, Universal Fit, TRT-EP-SMK, by Gun has the factory knurled steel butt plate. The Manurhin MR73 is one of the most elite combat [], Be the first to review Winchester Model 43 .218 Bee. BORE EXCELLENT ORIGINAL FACTORY FINISH OF WOOD AND METAL PARTS. Winchester ~ Model 43 ~ .218 BEE | Cabela's Recoil and report are both mild so this rifle would be a very good . IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Licence # 50000025. .218 Bee Ammo For Sale | .218 Bee Ammo | Best deals On .218 Bee Ammo Ammo For Sale - (1) CONDITION Unknown Grade - (9) Factory New - (1) Serial number- 52550A. Intl. Winchester Model 70 218 bee | Springfield XD Forum The balance of the finish shows only a few light handling marks on the barrel as well as a hint of frosting. Gun comes with Weaver sc, Very good, light wear, small nicks and scratches. In general, the Model 43 is capable of very fine accuracy with the 22 Hornet cartridge, but they can be picky about the specific ammo to shoot in them for best accuracy. There are spots of bluing loss and knicks and dings on the stock from usage. Learn more here: http://bit.ly/1G7xXag. Use a .25-20 Winchester sizing die prior to the .218 Bee die, and you end up with a supply of cases. Further, the Model 43 Special was manufactured for the entire production run (1948 1953), and it accounted for 17.5% of the total production. Due to volatility and supply challenges, we reserve the right to cancel any backorders or orders. All Rights Reserved. Action works perfectly. The body of the scope shows light wear. The .218 Bee is basically a .32-20 Winchester case necked down to except .22-caliber projectiles, and is a mild varmint cartridge, similar to the .22 Hornet in ballistics.. Obsolete for many years, accept for a small run by Hornady in early 2017. It has a hooded fixed ramp front sight, adjustable rear sight, studs and swivels top and bottom, detachable box maga, The Winchester Model 43 is a great platform for a varmint rifle. It is a neat little rimmed cartridge with an overall case length of 1.345". Adding a bit more history for Sako rifle fans, the 7x33mm Sako on a lengthened 9mm Luger case was developed specifically for use by Finnish seal hunters, and very few L46 rifles chambered for it left that country. In addition to the Bee, it was available in .25-20, .32-20, and .22 Hornet. Learn more about our Return Policy. HSM .218 Bee 35 Gr. Copyright 2011-2023 All Rights Reserved. Condition: Used. Gun has a few tiny nicks and dings in it most of the bluing still intact other than that gun is very clean. Im traveling and a long way from home. I can tell you when your Model 43 was manufactured if you provide the serial number. In order to shop on this Web store, you must have JavaScript enabled. Lyman adjustable rear peep sight and a gold bead front sight. Lever-rifle tubular magazines requiring blunt, low ballistic coefficient (BC) bullets, and slow (1:16) rifling twist, never really allowed the cartridge to live up to its true potential. By then, claimed velocity of .22 Hornet ammo had been slightly increased to 2,690 fps. Introduced in 1944, it was also offered in .22 Hornet, .25-20 and .32-20. . 1 single shot in the Bee. Barrel and receiver are in great condition save some aging and us, Rare Winchest Model 43 - 22 Hornet Drilled & Tapped for Scope 90% Blue - Mint Bore Williams Peep Sight LOP: 13 1/4" Barrel: 24" SN 49893A, Rare Winchester Model 43 218 BEE 95% Blue Mint Bore SN: 42284A, Guns Listing ID: 612919#644A Gun is in excellent working condition. Cases are also easily formed from .32-20 WCF brass. After acquiring my Marlin 1894CL in 1990, I still had several boxes of ammunition produced by Winchester and Remington sometime during the 1950s. Last edited by PennDog; 01/28/17. Winchester 43 Magazine 218 Bee Used 3 round | eBay It had a 24-inch barrel, a detachable three-round magazine, and Winchester's speed-lock bolt with dual-opposed locking lugs. Metadata. Bore Condition:The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. Browse now! 218 Bee Cartridge: History, Rifles, Handloads, Everything Yo - Shooting OVERALL LENGTH - 42.25 LENGTH OF MAGAZINE - 2.33 Bolt action rifle made from 1949-1957 in both standard and deluxe grade. Winchester has not made a run of .218 Bee cases in many years. Federal has created a safer, easier and more reliable way to shoot a muzzleloader. Being an older cartridge with limited sales, you'll find only a few companies catering to your loading needs. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Time-tested standbys include similar Hodgdon 110 and Winchester 296, Alliant Reloder 7, Accurate 2460 and Hodgdons temperature stable Extreme Series H-4198. Winchester ~ Model 43 ~ .218 BEE Used Guns. Yes my local store has 2 or 3 brands.i have sighted rifle in today.mind you not 100 percent fine tuned.i was in the middle of a bear hunt hahabut with scope mounted and Hornady 35g vmax and American eagle 35g I was getting touching groups of 3 at 50 yards.i did a bore sight and first group of 3 just bore sighted the group was less than half inch at 25 yardsdialed it in a bitand managed clover leafs at 50 yards with both brands of ammo.i was in a rush to get moving ?