Winchester's rimmed successor to the .22 Hornet. Faster and more capable, though it arrived just before the .222 Remington made it obsolete.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1938, United States
Parent case: .25-20 Winchester
Standardization: SAAMI
Bullet diameter: 0.224" (5.69 mm)
Case length: 1.345" (34.16 mm)
Overall length: 1.683" (42.75 mm)
Max pressure: 40,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimmed
Primer: Small Rifle
Typical twist rate: 1:16
Muzzle velocity: 2700–2850 fps
Muzzle energy: 745–830 ft-lbs
Effective range: 200 yd
Common bullet weights: 46, 50 gr
Primary use: Varmint, Small Game
Production status: Active
Also known as: 218 Bee · .218 Winchester Bee
History: Introduced by Winchester for the Model 65 rifle in 1938. Based on the .25-20 WCF case necked to .22. Offered noticeably better performance than .22 Hornet but was orphaned when Remington's 1950 .222 Remington made it redundant. Still chambered occasionally in single-shots and lever actions.
Notable firearms: Winchester Model 65, Winchester Model 43, Browning BLR
Similar cartridges: .22 Hornet, .222 Remington