'Picked up a totally neglected, rusted CVA Hawken a couple of weeks ago, sixty dollars cash and two knives. After spending my free time replacing missing parts, adjusting and tightening screws, scouring and lapping the rusty bore, etc. I was ready to see if it would shoot at all, and , if so, what it liked for a load. Let me admit, the bore is really pitted, but the rifleing is still strong. I use a .490 RB with denim patches and Crisco lube (tight fit). I tried loads of FFG Goex, FG Goex, Pryrodex R, 35 to 70 gr. of each. They all fell into a 9" "pattern" at 70 yds. I'll refine that further, but I call that "minute of deer".
The hard part was that a neighbor from down the road appeared in my yard, while I was doing this, to complain of my noise! That's a story I'm putting on "Second Amendment", if you care to look.
