maynard load?

[Scott Lynch 1460V]

I purchased a Harper's Ferry Maynard and would like to know what to feed it? I have a 515 bullet mould for my smith and also have a shorter round nosed bullet mould that I found while antiquing in my own junk. It is about the same diameter. Feedback?? Thanks Scott

[Kevin Tinny]

Hello, Mr. Lynch:

Respectfully suggest that you contact John Bly for assistance. He knows what's involved.

Regards,

Kevin Tinny

[Chris Sweeney]

The thing you gotta watch for with the HF Maynards is chamber diameter. Most if not all of them were made for a proprietary white plastic case that had a significantly larger O. D. You couldn't use the black plastic cases because they'd blow apart at the first use. Reduced capacity brass cases would bulge at the mouth; they would split if you didn't anneal them frequently. I ended up getting mine relined.

Also, review the SAC rules for these. There was a lower limit to the acceptable serial numbers (forget what I was). Guns before that # were not allowed due to some safety problem.

IIRC, the bores used to vary a lot, so you definitely need to slug it before choosing a bullet. I used the Lyman smith Maynard bullet, which shot OK.

[ms3635v]

In the list of approved firearms (6/1/2015), it notes that the Harpers Ferry Arms 2nd Model Maynard (dated 1976 or later) are approved.

[Scott Lynch 1460V]

Thanks for the info. The one I bought is dated 1976 and is approved. The black plastic tubes seem to be a good fit in the chamber. we will see. suggested powder charge?

[Chris Sweeney]

A lot of them ended up making a trip through Hoyt's shop, so maybe yours has too

[John Bly]

Sorry 'bout your bad luck there Scott. But since you've got it try 22-25 grains of FFF and any bullet that fits it. Many of those HF Maynards had chambers cut with a 9/16" (.562") reamer and as was mentioned they will split the brass cases. Many were lined by Hoyt and use standard cases.