Posted by denny mcdaniels on Oct 18, 2025 in Product Review, Rifle Cartridge Reloading
A customer of Duck Creek wanted to pass along a few tips he learned about reloading 218 BEE. A main concern is some head stamped Bee brass has thin necks and split after a few firings and wanted to explore how well the formed 25-20 brass sold on this website will hold up to the task. Method works on both cast and jacketed bullets.
1- Run the 25-20 through a full-length 218 Bee size die. There may be a slight bulge visible where the neck and shoulder meet. This defect is inwards not outwards so the round will chamber, fireforming solves the cosmetic appearance.
2-Final step prior to complete the process is applying a crimp and a standard die set generally will not apply the needed crimp so using a separate crimping die like a Lee #90830 218 BEE FACTORY CRIMP DIE works great. If a chambering problem exists apply a deeper crimp.