CVA pistol kit

[stimpylu32]

30 years ago i put one of these together and have never shot it , about 2 mo. ago i got my first ML rifle and that got me to thinking ( Not good ) about the old pistol . so i took if all apart just to make sure it was still workable , everything still looks good .

The problem is that i have no idea as to what powder & charge to start with , i have FFg and FFFg on hand for the rifle . Its a single shot cap & ball .

Any help Please . 

stimpy

[Rickk]

If it is one of their 45 calibers, I have always used an empty 45 ACP case full of 3F. At one point in time I knew how many grains that was, but now it is a moot point....that is how much I stick into it.

[longcaribiner]

either powder granulation will be fine.  Assuming you are shooting a patched round ball, I use a 357 mag case for a powder measure for my 45 muzzleloader pistol.  20 to 35 grains is plenty for most target and plinking loads.  More than 45 grains would just waste the  powder in muzzle flash.  I'd avoid the 3fg if shooting a conical bullet. 

 

[stimpylu32]

Thanks guys , that gives me a place to start , yes its a 45 and all i'll be shooting is round balls .

stimpy

[GregP42]

Stimpy,

The one I had when I was a kid I shot 30gr by volume of 3fg powder in it. That load worked well for me in mine, I also have the CVA Derringer and I used I think 20gr in it.

Greg

[Rickk]

I always had a hard time getting a patched ball down there... unlike a rifle, you can't rest it on the ground to hold it.

I wound up using conicals that I had made to fit my ruger old army. I am pretty sure that 45 ACP style bullets would work as well. The bullets were an easy fit in the bore. They were heavily pan lubed, and the excess lube held the bullet seated in place.

[GregP42]

I always had a hard time getting a patched ball down there... unlike a rifle, you can't rest it on the ground to hold it.

I wound up using conicals that I had made to fit my ruger old army. I am pretty sure that 45 ACP style bullets would work as well. The bullets were an easy fit in the bore. They were heavily pan lubed, and the excess lube held the bullet seated in place.

Rickk,

I always did too, then I built a box with an upright and notch for the barrel to sit in, after that it was all gravy!

Greg