I just got some cases for a Model 1873 Maynard in 40/40 and 64 shotgun.  I have been hunting and shooting with antique rifles my entire adult life.  I looked up in an old Barnes Cartridges of the world the recommended load with a 260 gr bullet.  It is 22 gr. 4759.  That seems a little stout to me as I only use 25gr in a 44/90.  Any one shot any smokeless loads for this caliber in a Maynard with good safe results?

About 6 months ago members of this board helped me with loads for a 25/20 SS--8.5 gr 4227 .  Just wanted to report I took it to Montana and shot prairie dogs with good results--the bird hunting was great also.

Mike in Virginia

You would be best to stick with black powder in that 1873 Maynard. All Maynard frames were made in 1864 and 1865 no matter what model it is marked. The last ones shipped in the 1890's were still made from surplus Civil War guns.

The firing pin diameter of those 1873's is about .140" and the backthrust on the primer puts a lot of stress on the cross screw that keeps the firing pin in place. The firing pin can be blown out of the frame toward your face with a higher pressure than normal load. It was a problem then and the 1882 firing pin with it's smaller diameter and threaded retainer was a big safety improvement.

Yes, I shoot my 1873's, but only with black powder or .22 rimfire in a properly fitted barrel. Don't risk your eyesight or risk ruining an antique firearm with smokeless powder. That's my opinion. Others may differ.

Looked in all  my old manuals and don't see anything for the 40/40 Maynard.  I did see the reference in Cartridges of the world however edition I have shows that charge using 4198 which is a couple of stops slower than 4759.

Any event I would be using Black powder only

Boats

mike in Va. wrote on Jan 23^rd, 2012 at 6:03pm:


Mike,

     I have a pair of bullet moulds that copy the original 40s from Maynard, and when I pan lube them with Emmert's I don't find the need for a lube cookie.  Did you find you needed it, or are you just using it as a matter of routine?  FWIW, I have gotten good results with a case full of GOEX FFg and just a card wad behind either of those bullets, getting good accuracy out to moderate distances, but no leading or hard fouling.  My cases duplicate the .40-40 in outside dimension but are effectively .40-60s due to the internal configuration of the case.    I'm pleased with the performance of my original 26" barrel. 

Froggie

I did buy this gun at the Chantilly gun show after seeing it for a couple of years at the same dealers table.  I have always like Maynard's on their merit and used one when I skirmished with the N-SSA.  But I laughed at my self for buying the gun empathizing with a trout as that damn worm keeps going by again and again... 
Shot the rifle yesterday after cobbling together some rounds with a variety of unrelated reloading equipment.  The 308 gr bullet is dead on at 50 yards and about 4" low at 125 yards. did not chrono yet.  I used 3F Swiss (this is a 20" barrel--thought 2F Goex may not burn in that length) but did have some case extraction difficulty which I have never had before.  I am trying to sort out that issue today. I annealed the cases, may dispense with cookie (only used it as I am mainly a hunter and do not expect to wipe between shots), may try a slower powder, etc. These cases will also hold closer to 60 gr with the card wads and cookie as yours.   

the Malcolm scope lenses cleaned up with Q-tips to clear as new.  the rifle barrel looks almost unused, rifling and chamber bright, chamber cast great.  Shotgun barrel (64 caliber or about 18 G.) is also bright. tried the shotgun this morning with a 60 gr 2 F Goex and one ounce of shot.  Lt field load.

any thoughts on the sticky cartridge cases--let me know.  I am finally semi-retired now with time to Play with the toys I love. Having input from people with similar interest just makes the hobby more fun.

I don't have a Mayard but, I do like them. Any chance of seeing that that "worm" wearing the glasses?

Frank

Thank you Mike,
I'll look forward to seeing them

Frank

this picture has the '73 in the case. later I'll post a text  of what each one is if interested.