CVA Optima VA .50 pistol

[broham]

I just received one of these beautiful pistols as a gift. I have been loading for metallic cartridges for years but the whole BP thing is new to me. I'm super excited to go out and shoot but have a few questions. I hear BP guns get dirty real fast, is running a nylon or brass brush down the bore every so often a good idea or a non issue? Can I buy regular cast bullets from say Missouri or Pen Bullet Company to shoot? I would imagine a gas check would be a good idea. I would rather shoot the jacketed bullets but the price seems a bit high. I hate leading and have dealt with it too much in the past with my 357 and 40. I have researched the loading process. Pour in the charge, I plan on using Blackhorn, seat the bullet fully against the charge by checking the measurement marked on the ram rod, then breaking the action and seating a 209 primer. I was thinking that when I dump the loose powder in won't some of it fill the breech plug? Is this something I shouldn't worry about? I only ask because it seems like many people like the pellets and with those it's impossible to have any powder in that area. Sorry for the long post and thanks much for any advice and tips or tricks, Have a happy New Year

 

[Patocazador]

If using Blackhorn, you need to have the breech plug designed for it. It is available from CVA.

I have great accuracy in my Optima V2 pistol with a 240 gr. Harvester PT Gold in a black crush rib sabot with 40 gr. (by weight) of BH209. (60 grs. by volume)

The results are good on deer. The 260 gr. PT Gold would be better for larger game.

Powder is better than pellets because you can fine tune it. The pellets are not available in Blackhorn and you only have 50 gr. options with the pellets. Ignition is also a little tougher with the pellets. Don't worry about the powder and the breech plug.

 

[Malachi Leviticus Blue]

+1 for Powder since you can fine tune the optimum charge, and save significant money.

I really find it hard to believe how popular the pellets are today. Measuring powder is definitely not hard to do. They have always seemed like a solution looking for a problem to me.

 

[CraigC]

They're on sale at Cabela's and I was thinking about picking one up but I can't find much info on them. Don't wanna fool with Powerbelts and sabots that cost a dollar a shot. I know the twist is too fast for roundball. Anybody shoot them with loose powder and conicals?