CVA Optima Elite M/L 50 cal Bullet Selection

[zeke08]

I was wanting input on bullet selection for my Optima I have tried Hornady SST's 250 gr 2" groups, and I have tried Power Belt 250gr 2-2.5" grouping and Hornady JHP 180gr with 2" groups first 2 were shot with 100gr of Pyrodex pellets and 3rd with 80gr of Powder I want better groups I have checked and rechecked scope, mounts and rings. I shot 1 100lb deer in shoulder with power belt (copper) poor performance. the 180gr JHP worked nice on 5pt buck 125lbs 70yrds quartering away (fell down hill never got back up) and no shot with SST's! Any suggestions on differant bullets and terminal performance I am worried that the 180 JHP wont hold up at 125 plus yards.

[Buckskins & Black Powder]

have you tried different primers?  200gr SST, 247-250gr Thor conical , powerbelt platinums, 300gr xtp mag in short black mmp-12 sabot, 240gr xtp in same sabot as mentioned.

[zeke08]

not yet I was wanting to find info on converting to the 25acp i understand it gives better powder consumption and no "bullet jump" but i have been unable to find data on this subject to confirm or dispell or to see if my cva could even be converted any help in this would greatly be appreciated

[Buckskins & Black Powder]

sure you can use the ACP, you just have to buy the breech plug + the reloading stuff for the cases. Its a direct breech plug replacement.

[zeke08]

oh ok i already reload so that be easy i will check with cva for the replacement breach

[Buckskins & Black Powder]

cva doesnt make the APC plug. You'll have to look that up.  Ive seen them before but damned if i can remember where exactly.  I'll see what i can find

[zeke08]

Thanks I will see what I can find as well!

[BCall]

prbuliet.com was doing the acp breech plugs, but they no longer make one for the Optima series, only for T/C and NEF. You will have to ask them if they would make one, or use the veriflame adapter. Personally I use Blackhorn 209, and my groups were basically cut in half when I switched, and I can use standard shotgun primers. FWIW, Billy

[zeke08]

I talked with him today he advised that the QC at CVA wasnt up to par and he quit making them due to 1-3 not fitting and he had his equip checked.(?) But with the dead center bullet and Blachorn 209 powder it stops the flyers and no need to convert and higher B.C. and he has data out to 300yds(not that I have that option) but I am awaiting my dead center bullets now! (and will post velocities and patterns after range time) Thanks for all the great info and help to ALL

[bubba]

I had to send my breech plug to cecil at prbullet and he converted mine. I bought a replacement plug and sent it in. I believe it was 30 bucks for the conversion.  www.prbullet.com