218 BEE for Sale

Quick Look

The .218 Bee cartridge was introduced by Winchester in the 1930s for small-game hunting. It offers improved velocity and flatter trajectory over earlier lever-action cartridges. Though less common today, it retains a devoted niche among varmint and vintage rifle enthusiasts.

Why It's a Top Choice

• Excellent accuracy for small-game and varmint hunting
• Mild recoil enables easy follow-up shots
• Available in classic lever-action platforms
• Flat-shooting performance out to medium ranges
• Good reloadability for handloaders

Key Variants

Winchester Model 65 218 Bee

A classic lever-action rifle originally chambered in .218 Bee, ideal for collectors and hunters.

Browning Model 65 218 Bee

A modern take on the vintage Winchester design, offering enhanced build quality and finish.

Sako L46 218 Bee

A bolt-action alternative in .218 Bee, known for European precision and hunting performance.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	218 Bee	22 Hornet	222 Remington
MSRP	Varies	$900+	$1,000+
Capacity/Size	5–10 rounds (lever-action)	5 rounds (bolt-action)	5–10 rounds
Weight	~7 lbs	~6.5 lbs	~7 lbs
Optics-Ready	Some models	Yes	Yes
Trigger Type	Lever-action, single stage	Bolt-action, single stage	Bolt-action, single stage
Notable Pro	Classic lever-action charm	Low recoil, accurate	Match-grade precision
Notable Con	Limited rifle availability	Ballistically modest	Higher recoil

Best Use Cases

• Varmint and small-game hunting
• Vintage rifle collecting
• Precision reloading practice
• Range shooting with mild recoil

FAQs

What is the effective range of a .218 Bee rifle?

Most .218 Bee rifles are effective up to 200–250 yards for varmints, depending on load and optics.

Can I reload .218 Bee brass?

Yes, .218 Bee is reloadable and popular among handloaders for customizing light varmint loads.

How does the .218 Bee compare to .22 Hornet?

The .218 Bee generally offers slightly higher velocity and better performance at medium ranges.