CVA Optima NW...Charge and Bullet Recommendations for Elk

[Kzoobronco51]

Hello....just purchased a new cva optima nw and am researching the charge size and bullets.  Ive read a lot about power belt aerolites for this gun with 100 grains 777 powder.  Id like 300 grain bullets with 110 grains of powder but havent decided.  Need some opinions or others input with this gun.  I thank you in advance.

[kselkhunter]

I have the CVA Acura V2 model.  I use 250g and 290g Barnes T-EZ.  I chose pellets over powder for convenience, two 50gr pellets for me. 

[Watimberghost]

I use 100 grains of 777 with 290 grain Barnes T-EZ.

[Kzoobronco51]

In the Washington season loose powder has to be used correct?  I've used pellets in other states.  Thanks for Info.  The Barnes bullets sound good.

[kselkhunter]

Pellets are legal here.  I use the Hogdon ones.  Musket caps, I've had best luck with RWS Musket caps. 

[reelamin]

 It seems to be a consensus with most people of 100gr shoots the best but it sure does not give you the best ballistics.   Try multiple different powder charges, bullets, sabots, and even powder for that matter.   You may find the load you like for your gun could be totally different than others.   I found out (I'm a newbie also) these things are as picky as any modern firearm.  My limited testing with about 6 different bullets and four different powders my gun likes everything the best with 90-100gr of any powder.   Mine also shoots just as accurate up to 140gr then depending on the bullet/sabot combo starts to open up if I add more.    I chronograph and ballistic chart all my rifles so I factor in more than just pure accuracy.  I would gladly give up .5-1" of accuracy to gain 2-300fps for better trajectory and energy on target.   Good luck and I hope you find what you want quickly.  My gun shoots the Barnes and Lehigh Defense about the same, and the most consistent across all powder weights is the Barnes 290TMZ.  Based on ballistics and math...I would not use anything less than 350gr in pure lead (PowerBelt) or 290gr in all copper for elk as you need penetration not expansion. 

[sled]

Cva accura.  100 gr of t ff.  300 Lehigh.  1 inch group at 100

[Sabotloader]

Cva accura.  100 gr of t ff.  300 Lehigh.  1 inch group at 100

Really a good bullet...

[SeatoSummit88]

I am about to make my final ammo/loading purchases and start shooting my newly acquired Optima from Zwickeyman! 
 

So it sounds like loose powder shoots cleaner and more consecutively that pyrodex pellets?  If so, look for Hogdon Triple 7 Brand and load around 110 grains.

For Rounds, it could range from powerbelts, to barnes t-ez 295 grain, to lehigh 300 grains?  Does it matter/would the round change the entry of the animal, if the sabot has an open head vs a tipped head?

Nipple Caps: RWS 4 Flange 200 CT Musket Caps?

Just wanted to check with everyone.

Probably going to check out sportsman warehouse for this!

thanks

[MountainDevil54]

290gr Barnes T-ez with 110gr Blackhorn209  Beautiful in a CVA barrel.

[bobcat]

290gr Barnes T-ez with 110gr Blackhorn209  Beautiful in a CVA barrel.

We can't use 209 primers here in Washington, so I don't think the Blackhorn 209 powder will work.

[SeatoSummit88]

Does anyone have experience shooting loose powder when its wet out? Will loose powder misfire/get wet, just as easily as pellets will?

 

[SeatoSummit88]

https://www.knightrifles.com/product/bloodline-50-cal-300-grain-muzzleloader-bullets/

Lehigh/Same/Comparable?

Ok for a CVA?

[Kzoobronco51]

I got the gun all sighted in and ended up using 100 grains of 777 loose powder and the 290 grain barnes tez.   I added the Williams rear ghost ring peep sight for $24.00 and it helped me a lot at ranges past 50 yds.  I'm about 2.5 high at 50 and dead nuts at 100 yds.  It holds groups good and I had no flyers.  I'm ready for the hunt now.  Thanks again for all your input.