Poor accuracy from CVA Optima Pro Elite .50

[tango2echo]

I shoot a TC Omega in .50 cal that is very accurate, but Dad's CVA will not shoot 7" at 100 yards. We've tried pellets and loose powder from 90-150 grains and bullet weights from 185-270 grains. We've shot powerbelts, barnes, hornady, and TC bullets with the same results. It preforms the same with or without optics. Is it time to write this one off? This gun also has a 30-06 barrel that will drive tacks, and the action and barrel appear to be well fitted and tight. Also, the CVA is much dirtier than my TC. Does this mean the powder charge is not burning fully, and if so why? Thanks.

T2E

 

[mykeal]

I think you're using too much powder. Drop down to 60 gr, shoot 3 shot groups and work your way up to 90 gr in 5 grain increments. You should find a happy load around 70-75 grains.

 

[whosyrdaddy]

If you're not happy with the accuracy of that barrel, take CVA up on their guarantee. This is from CVA's website under FAQs.

21. Are Bergara barrels more accurate than your factory barrel?

Answer: Bergara Barrels are guaranteed to produce superior accuracy to that of any other brand of original factory barrels. Currently, the CVA Optima Elite, Electra and Accura rifles all come standard with a Premium Bergara Barrel. In the unlikely event that your Bergara Barrel does not meet this accuracy standard, Bergara Barrels will repair or replace your barrel.

 

[ilike223s]

I have the same set up as you have,I bought mine when they first came out,I read the book that came with it,and they recomended the powerbilt bullets,So i went out and bought a few dif types..they didnt shoot well at all.I was so unimpressed,,I pushed it back the back of my safe/
this year as a thought,I was looking at what 44 mag bullets i have sitting around,I found 700 hard cast bullets in 230 and 180 grn,and I also bought some of the Hornady green sleeves for 44 mag, i have some XTP bulllets to, so I loaded about 80 gr, or pryodex power.and used 180gr hornady XTP hollow points,shoot it at 50 yards,WOW 3 SHOTS in the same hole,, wow was i surprised.i ran a swab down the barrel after each shot.with out any LUBE,,dont use any lube if your using the plastic sleves.I made that mistake,
Also I read that with the 209.they found that the primmer was going off and pushing powder up before going off,I'm thinking it was someone from powerbilt talking about the powder being pushed up some. resulting in poor grouping,

Did you try using the real B/P
Your barrel might just need broke in too..