The .218 Bee, introduced by Winchester in 1938, was originally chambered in the Model 65 lever-action rifle, a modernized version of the Model 1892. It was enthusiastically greeted, and many articles compared its superior killing power and range to the .22 Hornet. The .218 Bee is based on the .32-20 case necked down to .22-caliber.
The .218 Bee has a larger case and somewhat greater powder capacity than the .22 Hornet. It provides higher velocity and a greater effective range, and, in a good single-shot or bolt-action rifle, is just as accurate. On small varmints, it can be counted on out to 200 yards, but on coyote, bobcat, or the like, it cannot be depended on for one-shot kills farther than 150 yards. Although still a fine cartridge for many…
