HELP WITH SOME LOADES FOR MY CVA"S

[FATTTTDADDY]

I HAVE A 50 CAL  ECLIPSE  THAT I WANT TO USE AS MY WOODS GUN I AM PUTTING A 1.5X4 SCOPE ON IT I BOUGHT A BUNCH OF 295GN POWER BELTS AND USE 777 LOOSE POWDER HOW MANY GN POWDER SHOULD I USE? MY SECOND RIFLE IS A 45CAL ULTA MAG  WITH THE FLUTED BARREK I HAVE A 3X9X40 SCOPE AND I PLAN ON USING IT FOR OPEN FIELD HUNTING.I GOT THIS GUN FOR CHRISTMAS AND HAVE NOT SHOT IT. WHAT SHHOTS GOOD IN THESE GUNS?

[dmurphy317]

Every rifle is unique to some degree. I've seen 2 rifles of the same model that shot differently with the same load so you will need to let the gun tell you what it likes. Of course that just means you get to go to the range more often to "work on loads".

The Powerbelts work well for some and not for others. Some have had good luck with them and others have had them explode or not penetrate, especially the HP's. To me they are overpriced for what you get. All that said, the most accurate bullet in my gun so far is the 348 HP Powerbelt. It will shoot under an inch at 100 yards regularly. But I have several other bullets that are almost that good that cost less and penetrate better such as the Shockwaves and No Excuses and Buffalo SSB's.

Since you already have some Powerbelts, I would start off at 70 grains of powder and work up in 5 grain increments till you find the most accurate load while still under the manufacturers max loading. I would also swab between shots so you keep everything as consistent as possible. Also don't rush things and get the barrel too warm, again, you want consistency.

Good luck and keep us informed on how it's going.

David

[skamaniac]

No excuses and Bufflalo SSBs are to heavy to shoot from a CVA.  You are limited to shooting bullets weighing 300 gr or less.  Shockwaves/Hornady SSTs will shoot out of practically any barrel i've tried them in with varying powder charges.

[quickdtoo]

I have a CVA Staghorn, it shoots the Powerbelts very well with loose T7, pick a bullet weight and start as David suggested and work up.

Dunno what year your CVA was made but please note the bold print from the CVA warranty booklet below.

http://www.again.net/~steve/pdf/cva_inline.pdf

1. When selecting powder loads be sure to use the correct loading data for
your particular model of CVA In-Line. All CVA Bolt Action In-Lines
(FireBolt™ and HunterBolt™ models) and conventional In-Lines featuring
a one-piece MonoBlock barrel design (year 2001 and newer Eclipse
and Stag Horn models) are capable of handling a “magnum” charge of up
to 150 grains of Pyrodex Pellets. Any pre-2001 Eclipse or Stag Horn
models, which have a traditional 2-piece barrel, are rated for a maximum
powder charge of 100 grains. The use of “magnum” pellet loads in any
CVA rifle other than in-line models designated as “magnum” is not recommended.

2. “Magnum” loads for CVA in-lines are safe only when using Pyrodex Pellets.
“Magnum” loads of loose blackpowder or Pyrodex are inefficient and
are not recommended. Only FireBolt™, HunterBolt™, and year 2001+
Eclipse and Stag Horn models are approved for Pyrodex Pellet loads in
excess of 100 grains.

3. Always follow recommended loading data when selecting bullet type and
weight. When using saboted bullets and Pyrodex Pellets, maximum bullet
weight should not exceed 300 grains. With loose powder loads, conical
lead bullets should never exceed 400 grains.

4. Always use Musket Caps and the CVA Musket Cap Nipple (AC1425) or
modern #209 Primer Ignition when firing multiple (2 or more) Pyrodex
Pellet loads. The extra fire to the charge ensures efficient burn of the
entire pellet charge.

5. Always use PowerBelt™ Bullets or saboted bullets when using Pyrodex
Pellets. Both provide the tight gas seal necessary for efficient burn of the
entire pellet charge.

6. For maximum accuracy when shooting saboted bullets, the barrel must
be cleaned of powder fouling and plastic residue after each shot.
PowerBelt™ Bullets do not require cleaning after every shot. You can clean
every 4 to 5 shots without compromising accuracy.

7. When using multiple Pyrodex Pellet loads, actual bullet weight should not exceed 400 grains. Heavier bullets may produce dangerously high pressure levels, possibly resulting in explosion of the gun and severe injury to the shooter and bystanders.

[tscott]

I'm with quick... There is a reason that CVA packs Powerbelts in their package rifles... 90 gr, T7!

[dmurphy317]

skamaniac,

You are correct about the CVA limits of 400gr for conicals and 300gr for sabots. These limits are based on using the max 150gr pellet powder loads.

Based on several email communications with CVA tech support, they allow conical loadings up to the largest Powerbelt (530gr) as long as the powder is limited to 100gr (2 pellets) max. I haven't persued the heavier sobot bullets with CVA so I'm not sure their stance on those, besides, a 300gr SST/Shockwave is plenty of bullet for most anything on this continent.

The Buffalo SSB's I have are the 287gr version. I get very good accuracy out of them but unfortunately, they have been discontinued. If someone out there has any they want to get rid of, I would be interested.

David

[Biff Mayhem]

100 grains is the max for loose powder loads in CVAs.

If an email arrives from CVA that allows you to shoot a bullet larger than what is stated in the owners manual, I hope you save that email and request the sender's name for later verification if necessary.  :?  :?