Author Topic: CVA Optima, good shooter, good value. (Read 745 times)

RicMic · « **on:** October 29, 2005, 01:41:39 PM »

Got myself a CVA Optima last week. Black stocks with nickel finish. Tried 295gr PowerBelts, CCI 209 primers, and 90gr Pyrodex RS with little luck, around 1 foot at at 100 yards. Nasty crud ring to boot. Switched to 90gr 2F loose American Pioneer Powder, Remington ML 209 primers, T/C black high pressure sabots, and Hornady 45 caliber 300gr XTP. After a few sighters, I fired a 5 shot group at 100 yards, 3 inches. No crud ring! Ran out of time, I might try 100gr and 110gr loads before the season starts for muzzleloaders (9-19 DEC), to see if the groups tighten up. I had no problems with the gun like misfires or hangfires or any mechanical difficuties. Fit and finish of the gun is very good, not T/C level but not T/C cost either. Mine was $210 out the door and I think I did very well.

poncaguy · « **Reply #1 on:** October 29, 2005, 03:25:22 PM »

I would watch your loads, hearing a lot about Spanish made barrels blowing up.

Critter · « **Reply #2 on:** October 31, 2005, 02:16:01 AM »

RicMic,
Just so you don't get confused or confuse anyone else Zone 2 muzzleloader ends on the 18th not the 19th.

RicMic · « **Reply #3 on:** October 31, 2005, 02:14:45 PM »

You are correct Critter (dad-gum nit-picker

) I was thinking 10 days and added 10 to the 9th, but math and dates don't mix, just ask my girlfriend!

Critter · « **Reply #4 on:** November 01, 2005, 01:47:14 AM »

dad-gum nit-picker :-D Thats too funny

I have the same affliction :grin: , I just wanted to make sure somebody didn't get pinched for hunting later than they should be.

We have lucked out in Zone 3 and our season starts on the 2nd like in the U.P. and doesn't end til the 18th. Then in my county we have a late antlerless season that lasts until the 1st of January. I should have all the venison I need by then but it's comforting to know it's there if I want to go hunting.

I'm glad your Optima is shooting well. My hunting partner just picked up a Optima Pro that we have yet to try on the range yet. It's his first muzzleloader so I hope it performs well.

Busta · « **Reply #5 on:** November 01, 2005, 03:18:33 AM »

Quote from: Critter

We have lucked out in Zone 3 and our season starts on the 2nd like in the U.P. and doesn't end til the 18th. Then in my county we have a late antlerless season that lasts until the 1st of January.

Critter,

I seen your "dad-gum-nit-picker" post last night but was too tired to answer. This morning I went to the DNR site to get the information, but you have covered it this morning. For others who might be looking I will post the Muzzleloader Seasons. Notice Zone 3 Season starts on the first Friday in December now and is as long as Zone 1 & Zone 2 Seasons combined. Also since we are nit-picking, the late antlerless (any weapon) season for private land starts on December 19th and runs through January 1st, 2006.

Here is the Michigan Muzzleloading Season dates for each Zone.

Muzzleloading Season (Zone 1): December 2-11, 2005
Muzzleloading Season (Zone 2): December 9-18, 2005
Muzzleloading Season (Zone 3): December 2-18, 2005

RicMic · « **Reply #6 on:** November 08, 2005, 05:11:33 PM »

Well I did learn a few things today. The 90gr 2F APP load with the 300gr 45 cal XTP was going about 1390fps. Upped it to 100gr and got 1520ish (extreme spread was only 23fps) Accuracy at 100 yards was 5 shots into just over 2 inches. I think I'm ready. Now, if only I could figure out when the dad-gum hunt is!