Maynards: Full capacity VS reduced capacity brass ?

**Jack C., 69th NY** · 09-24-2017

There is "full capacity" Maynard brass and "reduced capacity" Maynard brass. Full holds approximately 35 grains and the reduced hold about approximately 22 grains of ff or fff powder. These measurements are not exact but approximate.

My question to experienced Maynard shooters, what is the benefit of one over the other? More powder, more kick with the full capacity. Save powder with the reduced capacity but hinder performance? I would guess there are many opinions out there, I'd like to gain some insight as to what is considered the "best" load. I am not looking to save on powder, just what shoots better, if there is any difference?

Thanks

**Tom Magno, 9269V** · 09-25-2017

Originally Posted by Jack C., 69th NY

Maynards: Full capacity VS reduced capacity brass ?

There is "full capacity" Maynard brass and "reduced capacity" Maynard brass. Full holds approximately 35 grains and the reduced hold about approximately 22 grains of ff or fff powder. These measurements are not exact but approximate.

My question to experienced Maynard shooters, what is the benefit of one over the other? More powder, more kick with the full capacity. Save powder with the reduced capacity but hinder performance? I would guess there are many opinions out there, I'd like to gain some insight as to what is considered the "best" load. I am not looking to save on powder, just what shoots better, if there is any difference?

Thanks

I've been using reduced capacity for years with 3Fg loads. No need for filler. Works fine for the ranges that we shoot (50 and 100 yds).

**Bruce Cobb 1723V** · 09-25-2017

Yes, it's always about not having to use any filler. Filler is a step you don't need. With Ballards its easier, you just order a shorter 44 caliber chambered barrel. Use 44 Russian to 44 Special, or in between. These are all closer to original length anyway.

**Mike McDaniel** · 09-25-2017

Depends on the gun. Originals seem to do well with reduced charges. The Romano Maynards seem to like full loads.

**marv762** · 09-25-2017

i do everything with a kick. my tubes are reduced ones opened up and i have a compression die that puts the powder into a compressed pellet with corn meal to fill to top. load is 27 grns 3fg with .7cc dipper of corn meal. it burns so clean that you can shoot the whole match with no cleaning required. again i seem to do stuff the hard way. Marv

**John Bly** · 09-25-2017

Jack, Maynards are sort of like women, you've got to give them what they like or they will make your life miserable. Many shooters find accurate loads between 22 and 27 grains of various powders. Most of these loads will fit in reduced capacity cases. You have to test your Maynard with different combinations to find the best whether it uses full or reduced capacity cases. Some reduced capacity cases were too small and eventually crack at the juncture of the diameters when the thin brass expands. The ones Charlie Hahn and I designed eliminate this problem but we can't get them made at a price we can sell them. I recently got a price to produce them at $4 ea. When sutlers have cases for around $3 it's a no-brainer. No one will buy them even if they would be the best on the market. Charlie has the aluminum ones for sale though.