I have a CVA Mountain Rifle, purchased new in 1980, in 50-caliber.
It's very well made and accurate. I've only shot .490-inch round balls in it so I can't comment on conicals.
My plinking load is 50 grains of FFG or Pyrodex RS. Back when I lived in Idaho and hunted deer and elk, I loaded it with 85 or 90 grains of FFG and a patched .490 ball.
Never had an opportunity to shoot either critter with it but I never felt undergunned. In the St. Joe River Drainage where I hunted, timber was thick and a long shot was 60 yards.
Mine has the pewter nose cap. I don't believe that German silver was ever used for the nosecap. German silver was used for the patchbox and wedge plates, though.
With a patched ball, it's a very accurate rifle.
I like the rear sight too, which looks original but is easily adjusted for elevation with a small screwdriver. I never much liked the Thompson Center rifles with their modern sights, brass and bluing.
The CVA Mountain Rifle was a class act with its browned barrel, German silver and pewter. Too bad they're no longer made.
Wish I could find a barrel for it in .36 caliber, for roaming the Utah desert where I live and busting rabbits. Other muzzleloaders have barrels of lesser caliber that drop in. Anyone know if such a thing is available for the CVA Mountain Rifle?