CVA Kentucky Pistol

[Dragon]

I recently purchased one of these which is in excellent condition, I have a couple of questions I need some help on.
1) What type of powder do I use ? Will it use the same powder as my rifle? Triple Seven ? How much ?
2) What do you all think of this pistol ?

Thanks in advance for your help !

Dragon

 

[4v50 Gary]

Sorry but I don't have the 'act stuph...

Here's the data from the GunDigest Blackpowder Loading Manual, 3rd Gen:

CVA Hawken Pistol

Cal: 50
BBL: 9 3/4"
Twist: 1:66
Depth of Groove: .010
Projectile: .490" 177 gr Speer RB
Powder: GOI
Patch: .015" Ox-Yoke Precision Blue-striped
Lube: Young Country No. 103
Ignition: FFFFg pan powder
Powder Measure: Uncle Mike's 120
Powder Temp: 80 deg. F.

Powder Powder MV ME Vel Energy
(vol) (wt) (fps) (fpe) (50 yd) (50 yd)
30 FFFg 30.9 887 309 754 223
40 FFFg 41.2 1019 408 856 228
60 FFFg 62.5 1159 528 956 359

Maximum recommended load is 60 FFFg.

 

[Dragon]

4v50 Gary...are you being sarcastic ? Or making fun of me or what?
What is the "act stuph..."?
This is a CVA Kentucky Pistol not a Hawken. Percussion.
Oh well forget it I'll email and get a manual from CVA.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Not making fun of you. "act stuph" = actual stuff. The data for the Hawkin pistol is about as close as I can find. Nothing in any of my books for the CVA KY Pistol.

Insofar as they are different pistols, one being a flint and the other a percussion, the load data should not vary. BBLs are all the same when it comes from one mfg. and it's a matter for the shooter to determine what combination of patch (thickness)/lube/powder/ball works best in their particular pistol. All the info given in books is considered as "safe" as a starting point.

 

[scotjute]

Just for comparison, I have a Lyman Plains Pistol in .50 cal. It uses FFF, maximum load is 40 grn.s, I usually shoot with 30 grns. due to improved accuracy at that load. If your CVA is .45 cal., would imagine that somewhere in the 25-35 grn load of FFF is what you'd use. Can't hurt to check with mfg.
Also have 1851 Navy in .36 cal. Its maximum load is 26 grns of FFF. You should be somewhere between these two.

 

[Dragon]

Sorry 4v50 Gary...I was a little confused by your response and I am somewhat internet jargon stupid..THANK YOU for the info !!
I am going to try to shoot this pistol this weekend and do some load experimenting .

Dragon

 

[4v50 Gary]

No offense taken Dragon. Have fun shooting and let us know how you did.