Winchester super x hollow point 218 Winchester bee 46 grain centerfire rifle ammunition

If you’re a fan of niche calibers or looking for a specialized varmint and small game round, the .218 Winchester Bee might be on your radar. Today, let’s take a close look at one of its classic loadings: the Winchester Super-X Hollow Point 46-Grain. We’ll cover its ballistics, uses, compatibility, and where to find this zippy little round.

Understanding the .218 Winchester Bee

Introduced in 1938, the .218 Bee was designed for varmint hunting at moderate ranges. Its small case offers light recoil and a flat trajectory—perfect for precise shots on smaller targets. While less common today, it still enjoys a loyal following among enthusiasts who appreciate its accuracy and specialized performance.

Winchester Super-X: Specifications and Performance

This specific Super-X load features:

• Caliber: .218 Winchester Bee
• Bullet Type: Jacketed Hollow Point
• Bullet Weight: 46 grains
• Muzzle Velocity: 2760 fps (feet per second)
• Muzzle Energy: 778 ft-lbs

The hollow point design is crucial here. It promotes rapid expansion upon impact, maximizing energy transfer and stopping power on small targets. This leads to quick, ethical kills on varmints and minimizes damage to pelts if that’s a consideration.

Where the .218 Bee and Winchester Hollow Point Excel

This ammo is ideal for:

• Varmint Hunting: Think ground squirrels, prairie dogs, coyotes, and similarly sized pests. The hollow point ensures humane kills and minimal pelt damage. Its flat trajectory and inherent accuracy make it a great choice for longer shots within its effective range.
• Small Game: Suitable for rabbits and similar game if local regulations allow. The rapid expansion of the hollow point limits meat damage compared to some other bullet types.
• Target Shooting: The .218 Bee’s accuracy, low recoil, and relatively inexpensive ammo (compared to larger calibers) make it enjoyable for plinking and target practice out to 150-200 yards.

Compatible Rifles

Ensure your rifle is chambered for .218 Win Bee before using this ammo. Common options include:

• Winchester Model 43
• Browning Micro Bolt
• Older bolt-action rifles from Savage, Marlin, etc.
• Some single-shot rifles
• Occasionally, custom-built rifles on modern actions

Consider the Alternatives

If you need something different, here are some options:

• Brand .218 Bee 45 Grain Soft Point: This is for slightly less expansion and potentially deeper penetration.
• Brand .218 Bee FMJ: Primarily for target practice or if hollow points aren’t allowed for hunting in your area.

The Takeaway

The Winchester Super-X .218 Winchester Bee Hollow Point is a classic load for a reason. If you enjoy the .218 Bee or need a dedicated varmint round.