Percussion Maynard

[Barbarossa]

Was thinking about getting a Romano first model Maynard in 50 cal and was planning on ordering it with a 30 inch barrel to make it a sporting rifle instead of a carbine. My question is has anyone ever used a percussion maynard for hunting deer.I believe the full load is a 350gr bullet  backed by 40 to 50 hrs of powder would that be adequate for deer out to 100 yards?

[PJ Hardtack]

Barbarossa

I think you'd be well advised to restrict your range to 75 yds max on broadside only shots.

I just had my ERMA Gallagher carbine re-lined to .50 calibre and it takes a 375 gr bullet with 40 grs FFFg. I wouldn't fire on a deer past 75 yds with it. It isn't a question of hitting it, I like my game to drop in it's tracks as I don't regard trailing wounded animals as a good time.
My .50 Shiloh '63 uses 55 grs and the 425 gr Lyman 515141. I regard this as a 100 yd gun on deer. Haven't tried the 375 gr in it.

Another factor to consider is the amount of lube your bullet will carry. It may not be sufficient for a 30" barrel. Using greased wads and/or grease cookies will further reduce your powder capacity as well.

[WaddWatsonEllis]

I have a final payment and my Maynard is mine!

Please, let's start up a conversation about these interesting 'missing Link rifles'.

[John Smith]

While I don't have a Maynard, I do have a Ballard chambered in 40-60 Maynard.

[WaddWatsonEllis]

John,

40-60 Maynard ... that must have been one of those peacetime Maynard loads .... 1870s, 1880s?

TTFN,