Author Topic: Taurus Tracker Model 218SS6 (Read 1006 times)

LJ Barrero · « **on:** November 24, 2003, 06:03:29 PM »

Hi guys!
This is my first time in this forum. I have a million questions; but let's start with the first one:

I've just purchased a Taurus Tracker .218 Bee. It is a 7-shooter, stainless steel matte and it looks just the same as the model 971 tracker (.22 Mag). My question is:

a) Does anyone have one like it?
b) How accurate is it?
c) What would be a good load for it (reloading)?
d) What velocities can I get with a 55 grains Sierra bullet and Blue Dot power?

I debated between a .22 Mag and this .218 Bee. I went with the 218 Bee because it will be less costly than the .22 Mag to shoot (reloads of course).

I appreciate any responses. Thank you.

p.s. Please, don't get mad if I ask a lot more questions later. I started handgun hunting (rimfire) for the last 10 years and deer hunting for the last 4 years. I get much more excited when I shoot a deer with a revolver than with my shotgun.

Thanks.

LJB

DirtyHarry · « **Reply #1 on:** November 24, 2003, 07:03:25 PM »

LJ,
First let me say welcome, and we are glad to have you

I can't comment on your first two questions but I am sure some will be able to, as far as the reloading goes, I assume you either have a reloading press now or plan on getting one,either way you have or will have a manual and I would suggest you follow it.
Happy shooting :grin:

Graybeard · « **Reply #2 on:** November 25, 2003, 11:32:31 AM »

Before I get to your questions let me offer you a welcome also from the old graybearded one himself. Welcome.

Then an administrative note. HTML don't work in the subject line. Dunno why just know it don't. Often wish it did but don't. So I edited it out of your message so the tags didn't show.

Now on to the questions. Let's see if I can help any.

a. Sure someone's bound to. But it ain't me. :-D

b. Dunno. Didn't it come with a target? Maybe not. As an aside I'll say that historically bottle necked rounds in revolvers have had a checkered history. They don't always work well. If it don't set back and bind up the cylinder tho it should do nicely. I'm guessing you should be able to find loads that will give you 2MOA groups. I seriously doubt better.

c. Sorry but really no one is gonna be able to tell you the answer to this one. Just like any other gun you'll have to try different loads until you find what yours likes. Even if someone else has one just like it there best load could be your worst and vice versa.

d. I don't seem to have a loading manual here at the computer with the Bee in it but off the top of my head I'm thinking a 55 grain bullet is a bit heavy for it. Especially in the revolver with short barrel and cylinder gap. I believe 45s would do better or maybe the plastic tipped 40s. Hornady has a 35 V-MAX you might want to try.

Just use loading data from any manual that covers the Bee whether in rifle or handgun section. The powders that are best in the rifles will also be best in the revolver but velocity will be much less. If you have a current version of the TC Contender Loading Manual I think it has load data for the Bee in a 10" barrel. The one I have here at my desk is an old one and to be honest I'm just too dang lazy to go walk out and find a manual at my loading bench to check. :eek:

GB

LJ Barrero · « **Reply #3 on:** November 26, 2003, 07:58:58 PM »

Thank you for the replay.

I will settle with the 45 and 50 grains. I just want to make loads in the .22 LR/.22 Magnum levels so I can use it for plinking and squirrel gun.

I will mount a scope on it to help with accuracy.

Thank you.

LJ

LJ Barrero · « **Reply #4 on:** December 08, 2003, 04:20:16 PM »

Some loads that I developed since I got this revolver:

1. I use 10 and 12 grains of H4198 for 45 and 50 grain speer bullets. The revolver's cylinder seem to not to rotate after the third shot. I open the cylinder and check. There were some unbornt powder pieces that got in the way. I cleaned up and try again. Same results.

2. My best loads: 5.5 grains of Blue Dot and 6.0 grains of Blue Dot. The 45 grain speer bullet penetrated a 2.5" piece of wood easily. The sound was pretty much like the sound of a .22LR.

3. The 6.0 grains of Blue Dot sounded a little louder but not that bad. It felt like the .22 mag round.

4. I tried 7.0 grains of Blue Dot and it begun showing some minor signs of pressure. So I back up to the 5.5 grains for either of the 45 or 50 grain speer bullets.

I can't wait to put a scope and do some small game hunting with it.

LJ