Finding "beta" in an NPN transistor
The beta of a transistor is a set of Ic and Ib combinations.This means that it varies(hfe=x-y).You can make use of the fact that you know what the resistance will be,using resistors.Now we'll think about the 3 transistors states
:saturation,active mode and cut off.Take a beta of 10 and see if your transistor is saturated.Now if you change the value of the base resistor,you shouldn't notice any change in collector current(try connecting some motor to the collector).The beta you will get will be the forced beta.It's not yet what you need.Keep decreasing the base resistance until you notice a change in Ic.Now you will find the actual beta of the transistor(you'll be in the linear region-active mode).Collector current is now affected by Ib.Write this one down and keep decreasing base resistance until it shuts down and enters the cut-off state.The beta before your BJT turned off is the last.Write this one down,too.Now you have your answer(example:200-500).Note that for this,you should use beta= Ic/Ib.