218 BEE data with modern powders!! Got any??

Groundhog Devastation · #1 03-23-2011, 04:01 AM

Anybody dinking around with the 218 BEE and powders besides, LilGun, 4227 or 4198?? I'm sure there are those who've tested AA1680 or maybe even BenchMark or some other come lately modern powder. Tell me what you found out. Thanks, Charlie (GHD)

AzSam · #2 03-23-2011, 04:22 AM

Hi Charlie,

I copied this from an earlier post of mine. Hope it helps. Michael.

Currently my standard load is 16.0/AA2015, WSR behind the Horn 46gr Bee XTP HP. My Oehler clocks them around 2670fps. Due to the powder level (full case) my COL is 1.670", which is max length in order to cycle through the action. I do not crimp due to the COL and have not had any problems with the bullets getting seated deeper when cycling the action. This was my main reason to giving AA2015 a try. It consistently groups .7-1.25" @ 100 depending the day and me. Faster powders, shorter COL, both with and without crimping open groups up to over 2". When working up the load, I also used 46gr Speer FP, 2" groups were the norm. The Speer slug has a longer ogive than the Horn, which inclines me to think that a longer bullet jump is a factor in this rifle.

Chuck Miller · #3 03-23-2011, 07:34 PM

I'm using 13.0grs IMR 4227, 40gr Vmax and WSR's, right around 3000 fps.

DLJ · #4 03-25-2011, 02:11 PM

Hodgdon's starting load of Lil Gun under the not so sexy looking 35grn Vmax

and a cci-br is extremely accurate out of my Contender barrel. I have not chronograph-ed the load as I was just looking for a mild tree rat load.

SmokinJoe · #5 03-25-2011, 08:17 PM

Working up a fast/accurate 218 Bee load is on my to-do list, but haven't gotten to it yet. From reading posts, I think Daryl has done a lot of work with the Bee. Maybe do a search. I have tried 14.0 grs of Lil'Gun with 40 V-Max, which gives 3450 & good acuracy, but I'm just not very comfortable with some of the characteristics of that powder. Gave Alliant 300MP a brief test & got 3400+ with 15.5 grs, good accuracy & cleaner burning, so want to do some more with that powder. Then there is AA1680, which has turned out to be great in my 221FB w/40's, so want to see what can be done with it, too. Will let you know results when I get them.

Daryl · #6 04-03-2011, 03:53 PM

I started at 13.0gr. LG and went from there. I had an artical/letter from a Small Caliber News wherein the guy noted his Mashburn and a friend's standard Ruger #1 in .218Bee were putting out speeds of 3,800fps with 35gr. Vmax.

35gr. Vmax's were pushing close to 4,000fps, but were innacurate past 150yards.

I approached this very carefully, but did manage the same velocity with 40gr. Vmax and BT's. I reduced that maximum load by 1 1/2 gr. and used that at a sedate 3,600fps to 3,650fps(winter) to 3,700fps (summer) for gophers - well over 3,000 of them.

I will not tell you what my max loads were - it's up to you.

Normal .218Bee powders like AA1680 stopped at around 3,400fps with safe max loads. Lil'Gun is the best pwder for this ctg. bar none. It's also the cleanest burning, but- it needs decent pressure to burn cleanly.