Hornady Custom .218 Bee 45 gr Hollow Point Match Ammunition: Precision and Performance for Small Game and Varmints

For discerning shooters and hunters seeking exceptional accuracy and reliable performance in their .218 Bee firearms, Hornady Custom ammunition stands out as a premier choice. Specifically, the Hornady Custom 218 Bee 45 grain Hollow Point Match (HPM) offering is engineered to deliver consistent, ethical results whether you're engaging in precision target practice or pursuing small game and elusive varmints. This detailed exploration will help you understand why this particular ammunition, SKU 8307, is frequently recommended for those who prioritize ballistic excellence and proven effectiveness in the field.

Why Choose the .218 Bee Caliber?

The .218 Bee cartridge, first introduced in 1937, holds a unique and respected place among small-bore rifle cartridges. Known for its mild recoil, inherent accuracy, and respectable velocity, it's a favorite for specific hunting scenarios and recreational shooting. It bridges the gap between rimfire cartridges and more powerful centerfire options, providing a balance that many hunters find ideal for delicate situations where over-penetration or excessive noise are concerns.

What Makes the .218 Bee So Effective for Specific Applications?

• Low Recoil Profile: Its relatively small powder charge results in minimal recoil, making it comfortable to shoot for extended periods and suitable for smaller-framed shooters or those who are recoil-sensitive. This also contributes to faster follow-up shots and less shooter fatigue.
• Inherent Accuracy: The design of the .218 Bee lends itself to impressive accuracy, especially in well-tuned firearms. This makes it a formidable choice for precise shot placement, which is critical when hunting small, fast-moving targets.
• Versatility for Small Targets: While not designed for large game, the .218 Bee is perfectly suited for a wide array of small game and varmints, offering sufficient energy to ensure humane kills with proper shot placement.

The Hornady Custom Ammunition Philosophy

Hornady is a brand synonymous with innovation, quality, and a deep commitment to the shooting community. The "Custom" line of ammunition embodies this philosophy, providing hand-inspected, high-quality rounds that often mimic the precision and consistency of meticulously hand-loaded cartridges. When you choose Hornady Custom, you're investing in:

• Unwavering Consistency: Each cartridge in the Custom line is manufactured to strict tolerances, ensuring uniform bullet seating, powder charges, and primer consistency. This meticulous attention to detail translates directly into predictable performance, shot after shot.
• Premium Components: Hornady Custom ammunition utilizes only the finest components. This includes select brass casings, reliable primers, and powders precisely matched to each load to achieve optimal velocities and pressures.
• Exceptional Ballistic Performance: The combination of premium components and stringent manufacturing processes results in ammunition that delivers impressive muzzle velocities, flat trajectories, and potent terminal performance within its intended range.

Deep Dive into the 45 Grain Hollow Point Match Bullet

The heart of the Hornady Custom 218 Bee SKU 8307 is its 45 grain Hollow Point Match (HPM) bullet. This specific bullet design is a key differentiator, engineered for both remarkable accuracy and controlled expansion upon impact.

What are the Key Features of a Hollow Point Match Bullet?

• Precision Manufacturing: HPM bullets are designed with incredibly tight manufacturing tolerances. This leads to near-perfect concentricity and uniformity, which are paramount for achieving superior accuracy, especially at longer ranges for a cartridge like the .218 Bee.
• Aerodynamic Profile: While not as sleek as some V-MAX or spire point designs, the HPM maintains an aerodynamic shape that contributes to a stable flight path and reduced wind drift within its effective range.
• Controlled Expansion: The hollow point cavity is precisely engineered to facilitate rapid and controlled expansion upon impact with soft tissue. This ensures maximum energy transfer and hydrostatic shock, leading to quick, humane kills on small game and varmints while minimizing the risk of over-penetration. Unlike some hunting bullets, the "Match" designation implies that while it expands, its primary design goal is accuracy.
• Optimal Weight for Caliber: The 45-grain weight is a popular and effective choice for the .218 Bee, balancing velocity with enough mass to deliver sufficient energy for common varmint and small game species.

Ballistic Performance: Muzzle Velocity and Energy

Understanding the ballistic characteristics of your ammunition is crucial for predicting its performance in the field. The Hornady Custom 218 Bee 45 gr Hollow Point Match ammunition boasts impressive figures for its caliber:

• Muzzle Velocity: 2750 feet per second (fps).
  • This velocity ensures a relatively flat trajectory out to typical varmint hunting distances, making range estimation less critical than with slower cartridges. It allows for quick target acquisition and reduces the amount of holdover needed for shots at varying distances.
• Muzzle Energy: 756 foot-pounds (ft-lbs).
  • This energy level is more than sufficient for dispatching small game and varmints cleanly and ethically. For species like prairie dogs, groundhogs, and coyotes, this kinetic energy translates into rapid incapacitation, minimizing suffering.

These figures illustrate that the Hornady Custom 218 Bee is not just accurate; it also delivers a potent punch, ensuring that the bullet's excellent precision translates into effective terminal performance.

Real-World Applications and Ideal Use Cases

When considering ammunition, a common question is, "What is the best use for this round?" The Hornady Custom 218 Bee 45 gr Hollow Point Match excels in several specific scenarios:

1. Varmint Hunting

Perhaps the most common and celebrated application for the .218 Bee is varmint hunting. Whether you're targeting:

• Prairie Dogs: Its flat trajectory and mild recoil make it ideal for shooting these small targets at varying distances across open fields.
• Groundhogs (Woodchucks): The HPM's controlled expansion ensures a devastating impact, anchoring these tough critters effectively.
• Coyotes: While some prefer larger calibers for coyotes, the .218 Bee, especially with a precise shot to the vitals from a skilled shooter, is perfectly capable for predator control, particularly at shorter to medium ranges.
• Foxes and Bobcat: For those who wish to preserve furs, the controlled expansion of the HPM can sometimes offer a balance between effectiveness and minimizing pelt damage, depending on shot placement and range.

The accuracy of this Hornady load means fewer missed shots and more successful outings in the varmint fields.

2. Small Game Hunting

While often overshadowed by rimfire cartridges for small game, the .218 Bee offers a significant power upgrade for certain scenarios:

• Rabbits and Squirrels: For hunters who prefer a centerfire rifle, the .218 Bee provides excellent precision for headshots, which are often necessary to preserve meat. The HPM's rapid energy transfer ensures a clean kill.
• Certain Furbearers: For trappers or hunters looking for a versatile cartridge that can take a variety of small to medium-sized furbearers, the .218 Bee with this HPM load offers a blend of power and precision.

3. Target Shooting and Plinking

Beyond hunting, this ammunition is an excellent choice for shooters who enjoy precision target practice:

• Benchrest Shooting: While not a dedicated benchrest cartridge, the inherent accuracy of the .218 Bee and Hornady Custom loads makes it a joy to shoot from a bench, allowing shooters to hone their skills and achieve tight groupings.
• Recreational Shooting: For general plinking or informal target sessions, the low recoil and satisfying performance make it an enjoyable cartridge to shoot repeatedly without significant shoulder fatigue. It's a great option for introducing new shooters to centerfire rifles.

Advantages of Hornady Custom Ammunition for the Serious Shooter

What sets Hornady Custom apart and makes it a trusted choice for those who demand performance?

• Ethical Hunting: By delivering consistent accuracy and appropriate terminal performance, Hornady Custom helps hunters achieve quick, humane kills, which is a cornerstone of ethical hunting practices.
• Reduced Variables: When you use factory ammunition of this quality, you eliminate many of the variables associated with inconsistent reloads or budget ammunition, allowing you to focus on your shooting technique and external factors like wind and range.
• Reliability in the Field: Few things are more frustrating than ammunition failures in a critical moment. Hornady's rigorous quality control and use of high-grade components mean exceptional reliability in feeding, firing, and extraction.
• Value for Performance: While perhaps not the cheapest option on the market, the Hornady Custom line offers exceptional value when considering the level of precision, consistency, and terminal performance it provides. It's an investment in successful outings and confident shooting.

Comparing the .218 Bee to Other Calibers

To truly appreciate the .218 Bee and the Hornady Custom 45 gr HPM, it's helpful to understand its position relative to other popular varmint and small game cartridges:

• vs. .22 Hornet: The .218 Bee typically offers slightly higher velocities and energies than the .22 Hornet, though both are excellent low-recoil varmint cartridges. The .218 Bee might provide a flatter trajectory over longer distances.
• vs. .17 HMR & .22 WMR (Rimfire): The .218 Bee is a centerfire cartridge, offering significantly more power, range, and wind resistance than popular rimfire options like the .17 HMR or .22 WMR. While rimfires are great for very close range or smaller pests, the .218 Bee extends your effective range considerably.
• vs. .223 Remington / 5.56 NATO: The .223 Rem is a much more powerful and versatile cartridge, with significantly higher velocities and energy, making it suitable for larger varmints and even deer in some jurisdictions. The .218 Bee offers a much milder report and less recoil, making it more pleasant for extensive shooting and sometimes preferred where over-penetration is a concern. The .218 Bee operates at lower pressures and is generally perceived as a more "gentle" cartridge.

The Hornady Custom .218 Bee 45 gr Hollow Point Match holds its own as a specialized, highly effective cartridge for those who appreciate its unique balance of power, precision, and low recoil.

Packaging and Convenience

Hornady Custom 218 Bee ammunition (UPC: 090255383072) is conveniently packaged for both individual use and bulk purchasing. Each box contains 25 rounds, making it easy to grab for a quick hunting trip or a day at the range. For those who shoot frequently or wish to stock up, these boxes are typically sold in cases of 10, totaling 250 rounds. This bulk packaging offers efficiency and ensures you have enough ammunition on hand for extended shooting sessions or a full season of hunting.

Where to Find Your Hornady Custom Ammunition

When you're ready to experience the precision and performance of Hornady Custom 218 Bee 45 gr Hollow Point Match ammunition, you can find this exceptional product and a wide array of other shooting essentials at DEGuns.com. As a reputable provider of firearms and ammunition, DEGuns offers a reliable source for high-quality products like SKU 8307 from Hornady, ensuring you're well-equipped for your next hunting adventure or target shooting session.

In summary, the Hornady Custom 218 Bee 45 grain Hollow Point Match ammunition represents a pinnacle of quality and performance for its specific niche. Its combination of the accurate .218 Bee caliber, Hornady's stringent manufacturing standards, and the effective Hollow Point Match bullet design results in a round that delivers consistent, ethical performance for varmint and small game hunting, as well as satisfying precision for target shooting. For shooters who value accuracy, reliability, and controlled terminal performance, this ammunition is an outstanding choice that continually earns its reputation in the field.

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Hornady Custom .218 Bee 45 gr Hollow Point Match Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Hornady
Model	Custom
Caliber	.218 Bee
Bullet Type	Hollow Point Match
Bullet Weight	45 Grain (gr)
Muzzle Velocity	2750 fps
Muzzle Energy	756 ft lbs
Rounds Per Box	25
Boxes Per Case	10
Casing Material	Brass
Application	Hunting, Target Shooting
Game Type	Small Game, Varmint
SKU	8307
UPC	090255383072