wondering about the quality of cva guns.

[buckslayer]

am interested in getting a good muzzleloader, and am looking at maybe the optima or op elite.  the apex and OE are also possibilities as i am interested in getting a single shot mag.  i have never hunted or shot a cva, so i am not sure about the quality of them and would like the experienced shooters ta help me out.
1) can i expect 1.5-2" groups at 100 yards with either the optima or elite muzzleloader, if i do my part and spend the time working up loads?
2) is the lockup tight from the factory?
3) does the lockup remain tight after alot of use?
4) can a OE with a mag centerfire barrel be worked to moa or less with handloads?
thanks for any info, i really appreciate it.

[quickdtoo]

I don't have a muzzleloader barrel for my Optima Elite, but all three of my barrels(243, 7mm-08, 300WM) shoot under 1˝" with factory ammo, even better with handloads.   Lockup is tight from the factory, can't tell ya on durability, haven't shot mine that much, but Ditchdigger has and likes his a LOT!!   

Tim

[BCall]

I like mine alot. It has been an excellent shooter. I was getting less than 3" groups with the .50 cal barrel first time out, which has since shrunk to under 2" with almost boring consistency. Under 1" occassionally, with a 2.5x scope. My .243 barrel has been shooting 3 shot groups averaging around 1 1/2" at 100, usually with 2 shots nearly touching and the third one out(normally it is the 2nd shot that is away from the other 2). This was with cheap PRVI ammo, I have not done any reloading for it yet. I have a 222 barrel on the way, and am looking at an Apex when it comes out. I have been satisfied so far, and think it could still do better if I improve my loading and shooting technique. Billy

And the lockup was excellent on mine, fit was great, no problems with anything other than the trigger has some creep that I will get sorted out soon. Can't say about after alot of use, as I have only had mine for a couple of months now, but I can see no problems developing.

[Underclocked]

If you are in no real hurry, I would wait and take a look at the Apex.  I think it's going to be a jewel.

[buckslayer]

also forgot to ask, what is the max recomended charge for their muzzleloaders?

[Ditchdigger]

I have several barrels for mine,45 70 ,30 06, 243,222, and the stainless 50 cal muzzleloader. The 45 70 shoots around 1" with fairly hot handloads,( 2364 fps.with a 300 gr. bullet),The 243 shoots .300" with 65 gr.vmax's,the 30 06 shoots in the 1" range with factory 165's,and the 222 is alway's around .25" or just a hair more with handloads. I hav'nt shot the muzzleloader enough to say anything good or bad about it.
Lots of ammo has went down the 243 and the 222 on praire dog towns,the 30 06 has killed alot of hogs with just about everykind of ammo,and the 45 70 is still waiting for a big hog to show itself. The barrels still lock up very tightly,and the trigger was a 3 1/2 pd.as is a little less than 3pds now. I guess the trigger is getting honed in on its own.  I'm happy with mine,and I hav'nt had to do any tricks to it to get it to shoot good.    Digger

[Underclocked]

"MINIMUM AND MAXUMUM LOADS CVA recommends a minimum
of 50 grains, by volume, of blackpowder or blackpowder substitute
in your .45 or .50 caliber gun. The maximum load in CVA break-action
guns is 150 grains by volume. This maximum load is generally known as
the “magnum” load and is suitable only for pelletized powder due to the
more efficient burning characteristics of the powder pellets. Maximum
loose powder charge is 100 grains."

So far, CVA is sticking to their generic load recommendations... even though they are somewhat confusing.  Pellets measured by volume??   

They need to update that to enhance clarity and reflect the true quality of these Bergara barrels - although I see nothing wrong with either maximum of 100 grains loose (plenty for most any purpose, IMHO) or 3 "50 grain equivalent" pellets.   Certainly they aren't the only ones that put out conservative figures or confusing info. 

I have just emailed Mark Hendricks of BPI with this "concern".