New guy with a few questions...

[D-Bak]

Hello...  
 
My name is Zak and I just got a CVA Hunterbolt Magnum with a Stainless Steel  barrel and Composite stock in .50 caliber for a birthday present....  
 
With Ohio's muzzleloader season coming up pretty quick I want to make sure I have everything squared away by then so I have a few questions...  
 
First off... Is this a reliable ML???  I realize it is towards the bottom of the pecking order when it comes to modern ML's but I hope it will still get the job done...  
 
Second...  How many pyrodex pellets should I use when i am hunting??  It says that I should use either 100 grains at minimum or 150 at maximum.... what do you guys think??  
 
Third... When it comes to a scope... I already have a red dot scope that I used for my shotgun, and I was wondering if this would fit onto this gun and where I could find the appropriate mounts if it does???  
 
Lastly... I was wondering how far my effective range will be with this gun when shooting a whitetail??  
 
 
Also any other tips for a beginner is greatly appreciated....  
 
I really don't know anything about the sport as I have been a bowhunter all my life.....  
 
Thanks in Advance fellas.....  
 
Zak

[Redhawk1]

I have never shot one, so as far as accuracy I could not help you. I only use 90 gr. of loose tripe7 in my Encore or I use 2 triple7 pellets. I never found a need for 3 pellets.

As far as distance for shooting, that is up to your ability, but 125 yards is do able if you are up to it. The red-dot is a disadvantage at longer ranges do to no magnification. Go to your local gun shop and see if they have or can get mounts for your gun. Hope this helped.  

[D-Bak]

Thank you that did help....

Anyone else have any tips or info for me???

Thanx in advance

[kb]

Hi,
Welcome to the forum.  I too am not familiar with the Hunterbolt, but it should be up to the task of hunting out to at least 100 yards.  Id stick to 2 pellets, as 3 wiill not be that much of an advantage.

How far will you be shooting at the max?  If your really trying to reach out there, then 3 might be needed, but having just goten the rifle, Id stick to <100 yards, and 2 pellets.

Do you have all the accessories to go with the gun?  Short starter, cleaning jag, speed loader, ect?  What will you be shooting?  Sabots or conical?

CVA's are a decent gun, so dont sell it short.  I have yet to find a deer that cares what you shoot it with.  Ive shot em with CVA sidelock, MDM's, T/C's, ect., and not a single one complained what type or brand of gun I used.

Good Luck, and practice  practice  practice before you hunt.  The deer deserve that, at least.

kb