Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
218 Bee #198992 04/16/2019 6:01 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey Offline OP
Shootist
OP Offline
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
Have any of you guys owned or fired a Taurus revolver in 218 Bee or 22 Hornet or know any info about either caliber in that make gun???


Life member-NRA-SCI
Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067
Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s
"I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
Re: 218 Bee [Re: jamesfromjersey] #198993 04/16/2019 8:05 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,205
KYODE Offline
Shooting Expert
Offline
Shooting Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,205
No, but it might be pretty cool. I have rcbs dies i picked up. A contender barrel in the bee might be fun too.


Kentucky….no place like home.
Re: 218 Bee [Re: KYODE] #198994 04/17/2019 1:01 AM
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,821
45MAN Offline
Pooh-Bah
Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,821
DON'T FORGET, THE 22 CF's IN REVOLVERS BENEFIT FROM A GOOD CRIMP. e.g. A LEE FACTORY CRIMP DIE, EVEN ON FACTORY AMMO, TO REDUCE THE EXTREME VELOCITY SPREADS IN REVOLVERS.


"ADAPT OR DIE". I USE ALL CAPS, NOT BECAUSE I AM YELLING, BUT BECAUSE IT IS AN OLD HABIT FROM MY ARMY DAYS, PLUS IT IS EASIER TO TYPE AND READ.
Re: 218 Bee [Re: 45MAN] #198997 04/17/2019 1:53 AM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 920
billa Offline
old hand
Offline
old hand
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 920
Never shot a revolver in these calibers. My first Contender was (is) a 10 inch Octagon in 218 Bee. Great round - many groundhogs, squirrels and 2 turkeys with it.


"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,... "
Matthew 28:19

Handgun hunter since 1979 - haven't used a rifle since!
HHI member #992, NRA, SCI.
Re: 218 Bee [Re: billa] #198999 04/17/2019 2:31 AM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 605
longhunter Offline
addict
Offline
addict
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 605
I searched forever for one of these and finally found this one on GB a few months back, it is very accurate and a lot of fun to shoot. I plan to use it for coyotes and cats next fur season. I am now on the lookout for one in .218 Bee which seem even more elusive than the hornet, they also made these in .30 carbine. I love oddball calibers like this in a revolver.


Last edited by longhunter; 04/17/2019 2:40 AM.

"The reason a dog has so many friends,He wags his tail instead of his tongue."

"I don't always listen to Black Sabbath,But when I do so do the neighbors"
Re: 218 Bee [Re: longhunter] #199012 04/17/2019 2:57 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,280
Sawfish Offline
veteran
Offline
veteran
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,280
I knew a couple of guys that had the MRI revolvers in 218 Bee (I think it was called the Raging Bee) but they were unhappy with the accuracy and got rid of them. As I remember, MRI made only a short run of this model before they were closed out through CDNN.


Good Shooting Makes Good Hunting
Patron Member NRA;
Life Member RMEF, SCI, NSRPA, CRPA: Member, FTRF, HHI #7108, CBA
Re: 218 Bee [Re: longhunter] #199024 04/17/2019 4:32 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey Offline OP
Shootist
OP Offline
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
 Originally Posted By: longhunter
I searched forever for one of these and finally found this one on GB a few months back, it is very accurate and a lot of fun to shoot. I plan to use it for coyotes and cats next fur season. I am now on the lookout for one in .218 Bee which seem even more elusive than the hornet, they also made these in .30 carbine. I love oddball calibers like this in a revolver.

LH, from the little info I`ve found the Taurus 22 Hornets have all shot good with no case set back and like you I also love those oddball revolver calibers. Had a 356 GNR and still have a 22Kay-Chuck...


Life member-NRA-SCI
Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067
Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s
"I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
Re: 218 Bee [Re: jamesfromjersey] #199036 04/17/2019 10:01 PM
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 133
RH Custom Guns Offline
member
Offline
member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 133
A Raging Hornet has been on my to-own bucket list forever!

Re: 218 Bee [Re: RH Custom Guns] #199061 04/18/2019 12:23 PM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 605
longhunter Offline
addict
Offline
addict
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 605
 Originally Posted By: RH Custom Guns
A Raging Hornet has been on my to-own bucket list forever!

There is one up on GB now.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/807009620


"The reason a dog has so many friends,He wags his tail instead of his tongue."

"I don't always listen to Black Sabbath,But when I do so do the neighbors"
Re: 218 Bee [Re: longhunter] #199062 04/18/2019 12:32 PM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 605
longhunter Offline
addict
Offline
addict
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 605
There are also a couple of silhouette style .218 Bee's on GB, I would bid on one but cant get past the ugly, would prefer a full lug barrel myself.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/805076299
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/808876572


"The reason a dog has so many friends,He wags his tail instead of his tongue."

"I don't always listen to Black Sabbath,But when I do so do the neighbors"
Re: 218 Bee [Re: longhunter] #199174 04/23/2019 4:20 PM
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 50
Paul_H Offline
journeyman
Offline
journeyman
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 50
Used to have a 218 mashburn contender. The only bullet it liked was the 45 gr speer. I'd have to check my notes for loads. Once I did find the load it liked, I could fire a box full at the head of the 150 yd turkey silhouette and never miss.

One of these days I'll get an xp-100 221 fireball. I find the slightly larger case much easier to manipulate on the press and more friendly with loads.

Re: 218 Bee [Re: Paul_H] #199179 04/23/2019 6:27 PM
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,821
45MAN Offline
Pooh-Bah
Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,821
 Originally Posted By: Paul_H


One of these days I'll get an xp-100 221 fireball. I find the slightly larger case much easier to manipulate on the press and more friendly with loads.


WAS CHECKING ON 221 FIREBALL BRASS, NOT A LOT OF SOURCES FOR IT, AND MOSTLY PRICEY, BUT IT MAY BE A PERFECT SIZED 22 CALIBER CARTRIDGE FOR 10 - 14 INCH BARRELS


"ADAPT OR DIE". I USE ALL CAPS, NOT BECAUSE I AM YELLING, BUT BECAUSE IT IS AN OLD HABIT FROM MY ARMY DAYS, PLUS IT IS EASIER TO TYPE AND READ.
Re: 218 Bee [Re: 45MAN] #199180 04/23/2019 6:30 PM
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 50
Paul_H Offline
journeyman
Offline
journeyman
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 50
If push comes to shove it can be formed from 223 brass, though I hate forming and trimming brass. 300 BO brass is pretty common and should be easy enough to form with minimal trimming.

221 works great in rifles as well, got my daughter a Rem 700 LVSF that's a joy to shoot.

Re: 218 Bee [Re: 45MAN] #199186 04/24/2019 2:40 AM
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,669
Chance Weldon Offline
Distinguished Expert
Offline
Distinguished Expert
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,669
 Originally Posted By: 45MAN
 Originally Posted By: Paul_H


One of these days I'll get an xp-100 221 fireball. I find the slightly larger case much easier to manipulate on the press and more friendly with loads.


WAS CHECKING ON 221 FIREBALL BRASS, NOT A LOT OF SOURCES FOR IT, AND MOSTLY PRICEY, BUT IT MAY BE A PERFECT SIZED 22 CALIBER CARTRIDGE FOR 10 - 14 INCH BARRELS


In my opinion, the 221 Fireball is the best centerfire cartridge for practice shooting with T/Cs and SPs. It has a similar trajectory to more powerful hunting cartridges, but with minimal recoil. It's also very cheap to reload for, and even though the brass tends to be expensive, it will last a long time if taken care of.


Formerly TN Lone Wolf

"We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided." - J.K. Rowling
Re: 218 Bee [Re: Chance Weldon] #199445 05/04/2019 2:10 PM
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 269
Randominator Offline
enthusiast
Offline
enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 269
James, I have a custom revolver made by Gary Reeder chambered in 218 Mashburn Bee. I shoot 40 grain Sierra's at 2035 fps. and 34 grain HP's at 2428 fps. Accuracy is less than 1" @ 50 yards.



NRA Life Member
HHI Member
VHA Member

"get busy living, or get busy dying"
Re: 218 Bee [Re: Randominator] #199454 05/04/2019 7:44 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey Offline OP
Shootist
OP Offline
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
Randy, that is a shootin small bore for sure.... Hope I can get close to those numbers..


Life member-NRA-SCI
Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067
Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s
"I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
Re: 218 Bee [Re: jamesfromjersey] #199476 05/05/2019 1:19 PM
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,821
45MAN Offline
Pooh-Bah
Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,821
BACK IN THE 1970's, WHEN I WAS ACCUMULATING AND RELOADING FOR THE S&W MODEL 53 JET REVOLVER, YOU ALLEGEDLY COULD GET 2,000fps WITH 40gr BULLETS AND NOT HAVE SET BACK OR EXTRACTION ISSUES IN THE MODEL 53: BS! MAYBE IT WAS THE LACK OF AND/OR IGNORANCE OF GOOD CRIMPING DIES AND/OR TECHNIQUES, BUT 40gr BULLETS AT 2,000fps WAS MORE OF A MYTH THAN A REALITY. THE .224 K-CHUK "MADE ITS NAME" USING LIGHTER BULLETS, AND AS I HAVE STARTED MESSING WITH 22CF REVOLVERS AGAIN, AND USING A LEE F/C CRIMP DIE (A COUPLE OF THEM SPECIAL ORDERED FROM LEE), I HAVE DECIDED THAT IF YOU WANT A LOT OF VELOCITY YOU NEED TO USE LIGHTER BULLETS, e.g. LOOK AT THE 400fps DIFFERENCE IN THE REEDER 218 MASHBURN BEE ABOVE BETWEEN 40gr BULLETS AND 34gr BULLETS.


"ADAPT OR DIE". I USE ALL CAPS, NOT BECAUSE I AM YELLING, BUT BECAUSE IT IS AN OLD HABIT FROM MY ARMY DAYS, PLUS IT IS EASIER TO TYPE AND READ.
Re: 218 Bee [Re: 45MAN] #201343 08/23/2019 1:15 AM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 975
doc with a glock Offline
old hand
Offline
old hand
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 975
I have a couple of the older BFRs in 22 Hornet, one scoped the other with irons. They both shoot real well. The 7.5" barrels shoot significantly slower than my Win model 43; however, that is expected. I have several S&W 53s in 22 Jet that shoot great, as well. Can just touch the 2,000 fps with 34 grain bullets in the 8 3/8" barrel. I have a large supply of the Remington 40 gr JSP originally loaded in their factory 22 Jet ammo. Additionally, I have an Freedom Arms in 224-32. Initial loading for that was rough; however, the problem was defective dies. Exchanged them with FA and been smooth sailing since.

Re: 218 Bee [Re: doc with a glock] #201405 08/24/2019 5:58 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey Offline OP
Shootist
OP Offline
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
 Originally Posted By: doc with a glock
I have a couple of the older BFRs in 22 Hornet, one scoped the other with irons. They both shoot real well. The 7.5" barrels shoot significantly slower than my Win model 43; however, that is expected. I have several S&W 53s in 22 Jet that shoot great, as well. Can just touch the 2,000 fps with 34 grain bullets in the 8 3/8" barrel. I have a large supply of the Remington 40 gr JSP originally loaded in their factory 22 Jet ammo. Additionally, I have an Freedom Arms in 224-32. Initial loading for that was rough; however, the problem was defective dies. Exchanged them with FA and been smooth sailing since.


Doc, you have quite the collection of .22 bottle neck revolvers..


Life member-NRA-SCI
Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067
Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s
"I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
Re: 218 Bee [Re: jamesfromjersey] #201421 08/25/2019 2:27 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,861
Franchise Offline
Distinguished Expert
Offline
Distinguished Expert
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,861
Muntjac medicine


The Eyes are Useless, When The Mind Is Blind
Re: 218 Bee [Re: Franchise] #201467 08/27/2019 12:01 AM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey Offline OP
Shootist
OP Offline
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
 Originally Posted By: Franchise
Muntjac medicine


you sure have a way with matching the gun to the game ($$)...


Life member-NRA-SCI
Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067
Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s
"I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
Re: 218 Bee [Re: jamesfromjersey] #201474 08/27/2019 1:39 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,861
Franchise Offline
Distinguished Expert
Offline
Distinguished Expert
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,861
Why not? 😉😜 it beats what Kim and I think you need to kill 🐂🐄🐂🐄 and you've never shot one, and they are a small target. Perfect for the 218 Bee


The Eyes are Useless, When The Mind Is Blind
Re: 218 Bee [Re: Franchise] #201477 08/27/2019 11:33 AM
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,821
45MAN Offline
Pooh-Bah
Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,821
I WENT ON SAFARI TO MOZAMBIQUE (IN 2001 AS I RECALL) AND THERE WERE SOME NICE PYGMY ANTELOPE AVAILABLE (DUIKERS AND THE LIKE). I THOUGHT, WOW A 22 HORNET REVOLVER WOULD BE PERFECT FOR THESE LITTLE BUGGERS BUT GUESS WHAT? IT WAS ILLEGAL TO HUNT THEM WITH A 22 HORNET, WHY I DO NOT KNOW.


"ADAPT OR DIE". I USE ALL CAPS, NOT BECAUSE I AM YELLING, BUT BECAUSE IT IS AN OLD HABIT FROM MY ARMY DAYS, PLUS IT IS EASIER TO TYPE AND READ.
Re: 218 Bee [Re: 45MAN] #201503 08/28/2019 1:00 AM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey Offline OP
Shootist
OP Offline
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
 Originally Posted By: 45MAN
I WENT ON SAFARI TO MOZAMBIQUE AND THERE WERE SOME NICE PYGMY ANTELOPE AVAILABLE. I THOUGHT, WOW A 22 HORNET REVOLVER WOULD BE PERFECT FOR THESE LITTLE BUGGERS


That would have been nice if you could have used the Hornet revolver......


Life member-NRA-SCI
Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067
Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s
"I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
Re: 218 Bee [Re: RH Custom Guns] #202689 10/17/2019 11:36 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey Offline OP
Shootist
OP Offline
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
 Originally Posted By: RH Custom Guns
A Raging Hornet has been on my to-own bucket list forever!


There is a Raging Hornet for sale on Guns International...


Life member-NRA-SCI
Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067
Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s
"I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"

Moderated by  Chance Weldon, Gary, Gregg Richter 

Newest Members
Redhawk41, Striker243, Sxviper, RobbieD, IRONMAN
9668 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
Who's Online Now
0 registered members (), 66 guests, and 3 spiders.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3