Author Topic: Bought a CVA .32 (Read 3194 times)

shotgunner · « **on:** March 13, 2006, 02:56:52 AM »

I went to a small gun show yesterday and bought a CVA .32 cal. squirrel rifle. It looks to be about the same as the Traditions guns as far as quality, and I got it for $200. I dug around at home and came up with caps, powder and even a Lee round ball mold. Why I had a mold when I have never owned anything smaller than a 44 cal. revolver I don't really know. First shots with 30 grains of Pyrodex went into 1 1/2" at 25 yards, rested but not from a bench. I can already see that this will be lots of fun. Is there a .32 cal. mini bullet mold? I used pre lubed 50 cal. patches and trimmed them. Is there a better patch? I will wage war on the woodchucks this spring! Shotgunner

sharps4590 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 13, 2006, 10:55:52 AM »

I had one of those years ago and it was an ok rifle.
Cut your patches on the muzzle and they'll be perfect every time.
I'm not aware of a 32 cal. maxi-ball or conical but it seems so obvious there must be some out there somewhere.
I've used 20 grs. of Fffg in 32's and 36's for years and it's become my standard load for either caliber for small game. It's still plenty hot for small game inside 50 yards and the small bores aren't all that good for much longer shots. They'll do it, certainly, but the smaller balls are quite susceptible to wind.

Enjoy your new toy!!!! Small bores are a lot of economical fun.

Vic

Gregory · « **Reply #2 on:** March 13, 2006, 01:43:35 PM »

My local blackpowder shop carries pre cut patches for 32-39 caliber guns, I think they are made by ox-yoke.

20- to 30 gr FFFG works well in my CVA Varmint 32 with a PRB.

I also got a couple of boxes of TC 103 gr Maxi ball conicals that came with the rifle. I plan to try some Ball-ets also. Haven't done much shooting with these yet.

RussB · « **Reply #3 on:** March 13, 2006, 02:04:36 PM »

Quote from: Gregory

My local blackpowder shop carries pre cut patches for 32-39 caliber guns, I think they are made by ox-yoke.

20- to 30 gr FFFG works well in my CVA Varmint 32 with a PRB.

I also got a couple of boxes of TC 103 gr Maxi ball conicals that came with the rifle. I plan to try some Ball-ets also. Haven't done much shooting with these yet.

Gregory....good seeing your post. I recently came into a CVA Varmint in .32 and I was wondering what size ball you are shooting.
The .310 RB seems awful tight in mine with a .010 denim patch, but I was lucky enough to get a brass rod with it so I don't mind applying the extra pressure to seat the ball.

What size ball are you shooting? Have you tried #1 Buck @ .300, with a good .015 patch? I have been thinking about getting some because I can't believe this is normal......but, then again, maybe it is. You are the first "other" person I know to have this particular rifle.

Respectfully, Russ...

shotgunner · « **Reply #4 on:** March 14, 2006, 02:55:15 AM »

The mold I have is a Lee. Should I look into an iron mold or just buy swaged ? I never thought much of Lee molds, though I do have a couple of pistol molds that shoot well. Are you guys shooting real black powder or one of the subistutes? Shotgunner

horseman308 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 14, 2006, 05:14:18 AM »

While I don't have that particular rifle, in answer to your powder question, I shoot GOEX real black powder. Real black powder ignites at lower temperatures than Pyrodex (I don't know actual temps. but the differences are considerable), and from what I understand, it burns faster. It's a big deal for flint and cap lock shooters because generally, they don't produce enough heat from the sparks or caps to consistently ignite modern substitutes. Pyrodex works well in modern in-lines because they use a shotgun primer (which is a much hotter prime than blackpowder/flint or caplock) and it's much closer to the main charge, generally speaking.

If your CVA is a side-lock, I'd recommend the real thing because, all things being equal, it'll be more reliable than Pyrodex in that type of gun. It does require more clean-up, it's harder to find, and it's more expensive (that seems like a lot of disadvantages), but it simply seems to work better in traditional guns (and after all, if a gun doesn't work reliably, then what's the point?). Can you tell I'm a bit of a snob about powder choice? :money:
Anyway, that's my $.02

KING · « **Reply #6 on:** March 14, 2006, 09:49:47 AM »

I have a couple of the little .32s that I shoot.................One is a Traditions flintlock and the other is the Crockett rifle. I shoot the same charge of powder in both and that is 25 grains of 3f Swiss. The crockett will only shoot a .320 dia ball and that is with a great deal of accuracy. The flinter likes a .310 and a .311 ball with a .015 pr .020 patch. Both patchs will shoot very well in the flinter but the caplock likes a .010 patch to really do its thing. Have fun and as long as you do not stretch the bbl past 50 yards they will be a lot of fun and shoot well also....stay safe........King

Gregory · « **Reply #7 on:** March 14, 2006, 12:25:57 PM »

Quote from: RussB

Quote from: Gregory
My local blackpowder shop carries pre cut patches for 32-39 caliber guns, I think they are made by ox-yoke.

20- to 30 gr FFFG works well in my CVA Varmint 32 with a PRB.

I also got a couple of boxes of TC 103 gr Maxi ball conicals that came with the rifle. I plan to try some Ball-ets also. Haven't done much shooting with these yet.

Gregory....good seeing your post. I recently came into a CVA Varmint in .32 and I was wondering what size ball you are shooting.
The .310 RB seems awful tight in mine with a .010 denim patch, but I was lucky enough to get a brass rod with it so I don't mind applying the extra pressure to seat the ball.

What size ball are you shooting? Have you tried #1 Buck @ .300, with a good .015 patch? I have been thinking about getting some because I can't believe this is normal......but, then again, maybe it is. You are the first "other" person I know to have this particular rifle.

Respectfully, Russ...

I'm shooting a .310 RB and an 0.010 patch. Goex FFFG. No plans to try #1 Buck. Mostly I use Hornady balls but did pick up some cast RB at a gunshow.

RussB · « **Reply #8 on:** March 14, 2006, 12:35:53 PM »

Quote from: Gregory

Quote from: RussB
Quote from: Gregory
My local blackpowder shop carries pre cut patches for 32-39 caliber guns, I think they are made by ox-yoke.

20- to 30 gr FFFG works well in my CVA Varmint 32 with a PRB.

I also got a couple of boxes of TC 103 gr Maxi ball conicals that came with the rifle. I plan to try some Ball-ets also. Haven't done much shooting with these yet.

Gregory....good seeing your post. I recently came into a CVA Varmint in .32 and I was wondering what size ball you are shooting.
The .310 RB seems awful tight in mine with a .010 denim patch, but I was lucky enough to get a brass rod with it so I don't mind applying the extra pressure to seat the ball.

What size ball are you shooting? Have you tried #1 Buck @ .300, with a good .015 patch? I have been thinking about getting some because I can't believe this is normal......but, then again, maybe it is. You are the first "other" person I know to have this particular rifle.

Respectfully, Russ...

I'm shooting a .310 RB and an 0.010 patch. Goex FFFG. No plans to try #1 Buck. Mostly I use Hornady balls but did pick up some cast RB at a gunshow.

Thanks for the reply Greg. I suspect this is something I will just have to learn to live with when using the .310 ball.
I am going to try some #1 as soon as I can find a handful to try. I don't want to buy 10#, and then find out it's not what I want at all.

Respectfully, Russ...

sharps4590 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 15, 2006, 12:10:25 AM »

For best results and most consistency I stay with GOEX black powder. I'd certainly like to try some Swiss or KIK but haven't seen either for sale at places I frequent. Barring the real thing I'd have to go with T7 as I had very good results with it in my BPC rifles. My experience with Pyrodex in anything isn't good....lots of folks do like it tho. I'll confess that I do have certain prejudices against the funny looking, round, gray stuff.

shotgunner · « **Reply #10 on:** March 15, 2006, 03:03:53 AM »

I tried Pyrodex in the .32 because I had some around. I shoot a T/C Encore when I hunt in NY where it is that or a slug gun. The Pyrodex didn't work well in a flintlock either. It is OK if you use a 209 primer, in fact I did better with the pellets in the Encore. I live in PA and found that places like Gander Mt. carry real black. My feeling is that I have to clean it anyway, kind of the way I felt when the new cleaner burning shotgun powders came out. I need to pick up some FFF on my next trip. Shotgunner

ELMO · « **Reply #11 on:** March 15, 2006, 11:39:07 PM »

I have the .32 cal. squirrel rifle and the load I found to be very accurate is 25gr of 777-fff, wonder wad, and a .010 patch on a .310 roundball. The wonder wad really helps to keep the powder from burning up your patch. This is what I use to hunt squirrels and that little roundball does a job on them. I have also used the ball-et bullet and it is a good shooter also.....

Gregory · « **Reply #12 on:** March 23, 2006, 03:27:12 PM »

Quote from: ELMO

I have the .32 cal. squirrel rifle and the load I found to be very accurate is 25gr of 777-fff, wonder wad, and a .010 patch on a .310 roundball. The wonder wad really helps to keep the powder from burning up your patch. This is what I use to hunt squirrels and that little roundball does a job on them. I have also used the ball-et bullet and it is a good shooter also.....

Elmo

What is your load with the ball-et?
Just got some today, was planning on trying 30 and 40 gr FFFG.

ELMO · « **Reply #13 on:** March 24, 2006, 01:44:27 PM »

Hi Greg:
I had to go back through my shooting log book and found where I shot the ball-et in .32 caliber. The last time I shot the ball-et was Aug. of 2003. The powder charge was 30gr of 777-fff. My notes say I was using a rest and iron sights and at 25 yards, bullet holes inside an inch circle. I figured this would be ok for squirrel hunting and it was. I have since bought a Lee mold for roundballs and this is what I shoot now....

shotgunner · « **Reply #14 on:** June 07, 2006, 07:36:13 AM »

Elmo

are your cast bullets as good as the swaged? I have a Lee mold and am looking for an iron one. It was funny, the day I bought the gun I came home and found a mold I didn't know I had, it came with a bunch of others. Have you ever shot any of the T/C mini's? Shotgunner

teech · « **Reply #15 on:** June 07, 2006, 10:55:32 AM »

I just bought a CVA squirrel rifle, for me and my Grandson who is 6yrs old.He loves it, and I get to shoot it at the "squirrel shoots. :-)
We found .310" ball and .015" patch worked real good.I cut the patches with a 5/8" hole punch.
We bought our ball at TheGunWorks $5.70 /100

Shootin' the trail walk at our Rondy May Long weekend

Gregory · « **Reply #16 on:** June 07, 2006, 11:59:48 AM »

teech

I see your grandson is a lefty, fellow I know has a 50 cal LH Renegade for sale, you could give it to your grandson for his 12th birthday!

teech · « **Reply #17 on:** June 08, 2006, 10:39:26 AM »

Thanks Greg, that's awful tempting,too many government hoops to jump through.
Jared has a T/C Cherokee waiting for him, when he's big enough.
Right now that squirrel rifle is perfect for him, wish I could find a couple more for the other kids in the club.
I bought this one from New Brunswick,it hadn't been shot in 20 yrs since the sellers sons last used it when they were 5 and 6 yrsold.
Clubs around here and in Wash. State are now having "squirrel shoots" 40cal and smaller.
So I really got lucky when I found this one.
Cheers teech

48mauser · « **Reply #18 on:** June 10, 2006, 09:06:30 AM »

Teech, I don't know if it would fit the bill but if you can check the bargain bin at Traditions Performance Firearms (www.traditionsfirearms.com) they have a .32 cal percussion in a synthetic stock for $139.95 U.S. I don't know about shipping to Canada though. Keep teaching those kids.Good luck, Paul P.

teech · « **Reply #19 on:** June 12, 2006, 02:20:18 PM »

Thanks for the tip,big hassle importing firearms into Canada, only Antiques and flintlock rifles are not "firearms"
Cheers teech.

hans g./UpS · « **Reply #20 on:** June 24, 2006, 02:54:53 PM »

If you run short of rb's,try the .300 caliber buckshot[forgot what # buckshot it is], comes in 5 lb bags.It's a little hard,but it works.I've been using 15-25 gr FFFg Goex,pillow ticking,and either straight Ballistol or 3:1 olive oil/ beeswax lube.

rimfirehunter · « **Reply #21 on:** July 22, 2006, 03:42:04 PM »

I do not own a CVA .32 rifle, but I do have a TC Cherokee .32 and so far I have a few loads that shoot really accurate out to 35 yards. Both loads will shoot a consistant <1" at 35 yards, which is my normal small game sight in distance. For some reason my Cherokee does not like charges lower than 30grs.

Hornady .310 rb, .017 denum patch, TC 1000 "Bore Butter" and 30gr Pyrodex P

Hornady .315rb, .010 Ox-Yoke pre-lubed patch and 30gr Pyrodex P

I have shot a few 70gr Buffalo Bal-ets in the Cherokee but not enough to say I have a really accurate small game load.

rimfirehunter

shotgunner · « **Reply #22 on:** September 11, 2006, 04:08:09 AM »

I shot my first squirrel the other day, what a blast, if you don't mind the pun. I will try the .315 balls. I am going to look into a cap and ball revolver as a back up - companion gun for small game. Has anyone tried it? Shotgunner

S.S. · « **Reply #23 on:** September 11, 2006, 05:39:13 AM »

I have some of the TC Maxi-ball's for mine but the group size opens up substantially
when using them. If I remember correctly, they weigh 100 grains.

longcaribiner · « **Reply #24 on:** September 21, 2006, 04:57:32 AM »

I had a CVA Squirrel rifle until three years ago, when someone decided they needed it more. It was a hoot and fairly accurate. My step son at 13 could put 5 in a postage stamp at 25 yds. We used standard 310 swaged balls and cheap round cotton bulk 22 cal cleaning patches I had purchased by the pound. Those patches worked great. For a powder measure we used a 38 Special shell. It was an excellent gun for teaching youngsters and accurate enough for serious small game hunting.

One of these days I'll find mine somewhere. And KILL THE M F THIEF!

If anyone runs across a CVA squirrel rifle with a round copper inlay on the butt stock, please e-mail me. The inlay had my initials and the date 12-25-83. My first wife gave it to me for Christmas just a few months before she died in an accident.

RemingtonMagnum · « **Reply #25 on:** September 22, 2006, 05:39:45 AM »

What do you 32 useres use to strat the Roundball in the barrel. I haven't been able to locat something to use as a starter?

??

Don

shotgunner · « **Reply #26 on:** September 22, 2006, 07:44:19 AM »

It was a funny thing when I bought this .32. I was looking for a 32 or a 36. I bought it and headed home. I have purchased a few box lots at auctions over the years. Turns out I had a Lee round ball mold and a 32 caliber bullet starter, along with a bunch of percussion caps and other accesories. Maybe I should be more careful when I buy, but it was a lot of fun shooting that gun the first day. all I had to do was wait for the balls to cool, after melting some soft 38 bullets. Shotgunner

longcaribiner · « **Reply #27 on:** September 22, 2006, 10:27:05 AM »

Rem mag for a 32 starter, get a 5/16 dowel, preferrably hickory, drill a 5/16 inch hole a third of the way into a piece of antler, wooden ball, piece of oak dowel etc. and glue a three inch piece of dowel into the hole. Then take some sand paper and sand the other end of the dowel till it slip fits down the muzzle. A 5/16 should be .315 and you need something that fits about that same diameter bore. You'll want the end tapered enough that it can't grab the patch and pull the patched ball back out. Or you can use a piece of three inch solid brass of aluminum instead of the wooden dowel. same process. Piece of cake, easy to replace, if necessary.

slayer · « **Reply #28 on:** September 23, 2006, 09:38:19 AM »

I have a short starter made by T/C that is for 32/36 cal. I don`t know if they make it anymore. I use to have a T/C Cherokee. I think I will just buy a Green Mountain .32 barrel for my Renegade!! Jack.