Proper bore size for a .218 Bee?

[awp101]

Saw one listed and the seller says it has a .222 bore. Is that the normal bore size or has it been rechambered from something else?

My copy of CotW doesn't say one way or the other...

Thanks!

[RSY]

My Hodgdon No. 27 manual shows loads for both .222 and .224 and does not mention any issues, so it must not be too big a deal.

Scott

[awp101]

Thanks Scott!

I know older .22 Hornets were .223/1-16" and the newer ones are .224/1-14" but I didn't know if something similar might hold true for the Bee.

[Hobie]

Modern Hornets and Bees are .224". They were originally .223 because the .22 LR was .223 and guess what .22 barrels were used... The standard has quietly changed over the years.

[awp101]

That's what I was afraid of. I'm probably looking at an older, rechambered .22LR bbl which means it's probably 1-16" as well.

Not impossible to overcome but not as easy to work with methinks.

[Kirby]

My Martini Cadet chambered in .218 Bee wears a CZ .22Magnum rimfire barrel.
I purchased the barrel new, as the owner rebarreled his rifle to the .17HMR when that cartridge was introduced.

I primarily use the Speer 45gn spitzer, but it shoots great with 35gn V-max and 40gn Winchester projectiles.
It shows no preference for any weight and shoots very accurately. My favorite rifle for rabbit and fox.

I'd snap up that 222 barrel if it was me...

Kirby.

[awp101]

Thanks for the info!

I went back and re-read the ad instead of skimming it and staring at the pretty pictures. It's a rechambered Stevens 416 barrel but it doesn't matter since it's no longer available.

But now I have some ideas...