C M M 

Thanks for the clear link to the very clear photos. I am not able to help you, but I am looking forward to the answers.

ron

Keep in mind that the 1882 Maynards were generally chambered for the standard style cartridges by then in vogue - 25-20 SS, 38-55, 45-70, etc. - which had rims just somewhat larger than the diameter of the shell itself. Removal of the loaded cartridge from the loading tool could become a problem since these shells did not have the over large rims which the percussion and 1873 model shells had. So we see the tapered cut on opposing sides of the 1882 loading tools which allowed fingers to grasp the shells smaller diameter rims. The circular cut is a natural result of cutting the tapers across a portion of the tool “chamber”. Additionally these cuts make it easier to put a second tool edge like a screwdriver blade or knife back against the cartridge rim in the event that the shell is more difficult to remove. Additionally we usually see a hole in the palm end of the ‘73 and ‘82 loaders through which a stout wire could be inserted to dislodge a bullet in the event that it might get stuck in the tool and not be withdrawn by the shell. Interestedly in the case of my original .36 percussion loading tool this hole is not through the palm area but comes in at an angle just ahead of the bullet location from the narrow area of the tool, which of course is not caliber marked and does not have taper cuts. As to the question of crimping in these tools, well aware of the collectors’ admonition to never say never, I feel it is highly unlikely. First there is the potential problem mentioned above of extracting the completed cartridge from the tool. Second these tools were  used to load rounds for a single shot rifle and crimping was required largely for cartridges to be used in multiple shot firearms to prevent cartridges for coming apart under recoil.

Bob

  Thank you gentlemen (all) for a very informative answer concerning the ways and means by which the early Maynard owners and operators went about the task of reloading their ammunition.

I greatly appreciate your time and your information.

C.M.M.

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Those discs are new replacements. Someone with access to woodworking equipment made those for me last Christmas...Nice Gift!! 

I used to see those Maynard tools at large gun shows, but haven't spotted one around here for 10 years or more....outside the big Wanemaker's gun show in Tulsa. Two or three visits to that Tulsa gun show will produce almost any doo-dad or tool. 

I used to buy any I spotted - even if I didn't need 'em - so I could hopefully trade into one I needed later. With some time, patience, and diligence, I bet you could find some of those tools on ebay or gunbroker.

Which cartridge/tools are you looking for? Which bases?

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Technically they did. I've seen several .32-40 M-1873s sporting barrels numbered to the action that had been Mass. Arms factory-converted to 1882-type cases using the Sleeving Method to reduce that gap to accomodate the thinner rim - (like the #16 I posted photos of elsewhere). Those .32-40 barrels may have started life as .32-35s, but the benefits of the longer case was certainly apparent to shooters in the latter years of the Mass. Arms factory, and Mass. Arms was certainly customer-friendly in adapting their customers' old 1873s to 1882-type cases.

You stuck another post in there while I stepped away to eat my oatmeal and banana.......   

Sent you a PM