CVA Optima Muzzleloader

[Rich M]

Needed a distraction - picked up a CVA Optima - SS, 26 inch barrel, got the iron sight version to have that capability but will install scope. 1:28 twist. Wanted a 200 yard ML and will work to get this one there.

Have 1 piece scope mount on the way for a 3-9x40 VX-2. Based on preliminary review, the ballistics seem to be good for dead hold to 200 yds, hold on spine or back at 225. This scope will be perfect if that's actually the case.

Was able to get 777 powder and have Federal 209A primers.

Have 250 gr SST (w sabot), on delivery are 290 gr Barnes EZ TMZ and Hornaday XTP 250 gr HP + harvester crush rib sabots.

In my mind - the SST and Barnes are 200 yard bullets and the XTPs are 100-125 yard bullets for up close hunting WT deer and hogs local. Could also use the Barnes/SST bullets in a couple areas local where there is a flood plain (200 yds +) and a big flag pond the deer cross (175 yds).
Kept seeing stuff about the SSTs not performing as well as the Barnes, so got the Barnes to try.

Does anyone have any suggestions regarding starting loads for the bullets? 90-100-110-120?

And if I should go by weight or volume?

 

[JimP]

I'm running 100 grains of BH 209 with a TC Barnes EZ bullet and it shoots great out of my Accura. But unless I can find some BH 209 this summer I'll be shooting 777 or Pyrodex.

I never tried any of the other powders since I sighted it in and it was shooting so well at 150 yards.

 

[LCH]

I have pretty limited muzzleloading experience, but have taken a few animals with a few different set-ups.

I started towards the max powder charge and worked my way down trying to find the best load for my scoped gun, which I use in places like Kansas where longer range shots are a likely scenario. I settled on 100 grains (volume) of BH-209 and 270 grain Federal Premium "B.O.R. Lock" copper bullets. Great accuracy at 100 yards out of my gun, and with a 150 yard zero I have about 16" drop at 250, what I would consider my max range.

The way I look at it, for shooting big game at longer distances, the extra velocity from the heavier powder charge is desirable so long as it doesn't negatively affect accuracy.

 

[JimP]

With a muzzle loader as with center fire rifles you often find that the best accuracy is not with the max load but usually a little bit lighter.

My .54 caliber TC Renegade hates max loads of anything. But if you back them down a ways it will shoot lights out with what I like to shoot out of it. It is too bad that there are so few powders for the muzzle loaders to pick and choose from.

 

[Rich M]

Jim - I've seen Blackhorn at Bass Pro in Orlando - they had about 24, 10 oz jugs for $50/each a couple weeks back. I reached over the top of those and grabbed a pound of 777 for $32. From what I'm hearing, I shoulda grabbed 2 jugs of Blackhorn. Guess it shoots about 100 fps faster and is easier to clean.

While back someone told me to use windshield washer fluid mixed w rubbing alcohol 1:1 for cleaning the bore. Works great w pyrodex & black powder.


LCH - thanks for the comment with the BOR bullets. They sure are fancy looking.

 

[Muley bound]

I’m a huge fan of the Blackhorn powder. I’ve had great consistency and accuracy with it. After playing around with the loads. 200 yards is a shot that I wouldn’t think twice about