The 218 Ruger/Bee

[pistolchamp]

Okay, I admit it, I made that name up, but, its almost true.

The Ruger #1 in 218 Bee has a very long throat and allows seating the bullet to a much longer OAL than factory ammo.

Most 218 reloading info is very mild. The Ruger #1 is very strong and supports the cartridge very well.

I have now used these loads in five Ruger # 1-S rifles with NO problems.

50 grain Ballistic Tip bullets over 17.0 grains of AA-1680 = velocity of 2925 fps and 3/4" groups.

50 grain Ballistic Tip bullets over 17.5 grains of AA-1680 = velocity of 2950 fps and 3/4" groups.

46 grain Calhoun double hollow points over 17.5 grains of AA-1680 = 2990 fps and 5/8" groups.

50 grain Nosler solid base JHP over 17 to 17.5 grains of AA-1680 = 2950+ fps and 1.3" groups at 200 yards.

Barely 1/8" of bullet is in the case, it looks like a rocket/space ship, but, it shoots like crazy.

I advise you to approach this carefully and work your way up slowly as its nearly 5.0 grains over max in any reloading manual... I just know it works for me and I get many reloads per case.

I am experimenting with H-116 and 40 grains bullets now. AA-1680 is just too slow for bullets this light and WW-296 was a bit fast.

The 26" barrel on the #1 helps too. These loads make the 218 into something it has never been before. I love it and have killed many gophers in Alberta and Montana with these loads.

Also quite a few coyotes in Texas and Alberta. Its a nice/not too heavy varmint rifle. I have a Leupold M8-8XAO scope on mine with a 4" mirage tube.