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218 Bee Load Data & Ballistics Calculator

Estimate chamber pressure and muzzle velocity for the 218 Bee with the free, in-browser MyLoads internal-ballistics simulator. The figures below are illustrative estimates from a physics model — not a recommended recipe. Always cross-check a current published loading manual.

218 Bee reference

Maximum average pressure (MAP)35,000 psi
Nominal case capacity17.5 gr H₂O
Groove / bullet diameter0.224 in (5.69 mm)

Example simulation illustrative

Bullet
Hornady 0.224 45 gr HORNET
Powder
Vihtavuori N-120
Charge
12.6 gr
Barrel
22 in

Muzzle velocity

2,368 fps

Peak chamber pressure (interval, ±10% burn-rate)

19,573 – 24,365 – 29,748 psi

nominal is 70% of the 35,000 psi maximum average pressure

Compressed load — this published starting charge already fills the 218 Bee case past 100%. Compressed charges are common in published data, but the model can under-predict pressure for heavily compressed charges — check a current published manual before loading.

Pressure for this powder is extrapolated from a velocity-only fit — the pressure figures carry extra uncertainty in both directions.

Illustrative example — every figure is an estimate; always confirm your load against a current published manual before loading.

Use MyLoads as a 218 Bee velocity and pressure calculator: it estimates muzzle velocity, muzzle energy and the full chamber-pressure curve for your own powder, charge and barrel length, compared against the reference facts above.

Open the 218 Bee in the MyLoads calculator →

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