[Frosty]

Hi,

I have been researching Muzzleloading for some time. I bought a CVA Accura (yesterday ion fact) and am planning on using Blackhorn powder and Barnes 290 Expanders. I have some Cheap Shot Sabots for target practice.

Am I on the right track? What Blackhorn charge would you suggest starting with? Any other advice?

I want to be very familiar with the gun before hunting seasons arrive.

Frosty

 

[alarsene]

Start off with 80-100-120 Volumetric measure then pick the load you like best for accuracy.
If your weighing the powder 56-70-84 grains.

 

[alarsene]

This should give you approx. 1650,1900 and 2100 FT per second anything you hit in the right spot will be down for the count. This should work for the 290 spitfire tmz or the 300 expander mz.

 

[Frosty]

Thanks Alarsene,

Do you find much difference in the Spitfire and expanders?

 

[alarsene]

They both shoot well in my CVA but I finally decided on the 295 Power Belt as they group better for my gun at 100.

 

[Frosty]

How do the Power belts work on big game? Also is there a break in process for a muzzleloader?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Albertabound]

How do the Power belts work on big game? .

.45 cal/ 225gr Powerbelt/90gr Goex fffg/100yards broadside lungs/clipped heart.....40yards recovery

 

[alarsene]

You generally only shoot a 4 or 5 rounds and clean the gun so it pretty well looks after any breakin process. It is important to give it a good cleanup before you put it away. I usually use tripe seven then go through the hoppes routine using a bronze brush finishing up with a good oil. Hornady one shot works well for me and I sometimes use rem oil.

 

[alarsene]

That is very nice Elk

 

[alarsene]

The biggest mistake a lot of people due is neglect to clean the rifle thourghly before taking it out to shoot when they first buy one. You should alway clean the barrel before initially shooting it because the factory applies a generous rust prentative before shipping.

 

[Frosty]

Thanks Alarsene and Albertabound,

I think I got the last of what I need today to shoot and then clean my gun after. Using Blackhorn powder and the need for specific primers makes it challenging to get all the necessary materials at this time of the year.

 

[alarsene]

Did you get out shooting your new gun yet?

 

[Frosty]

I got out a week ago and again today. I really like shooting the CVA. The process seems pretty straightforward.

 

[Frosty]

I started off with 80 grains of Blackhorn powder. I used cheap shot sabots. The loaded easily 5 on one day, 6 on another. They were snug but still loaded well to the last shot. I like to have a target and hunting load, the former being cheaper to shoot.

Gun cleaned like a dream. Before season I can up the powder (or not) and play with bullets i(f they get some in.) I'm starting with Barnes as I like their solid metal bullets.

I got the thumbhole stock and like it. I know this is a largely male site but why do muzzleloaders companies over calculate the length of their barrels. My Acura is stated to be 27in but really only 25 is useable rifled bore.

Thanks for the help and encouragement.

Frosty