Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol #163744 09/30/2015 8:51 AM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
REDHAWK1954 Offline OP
Pooh-Bah
OP Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
My wife gave me a CVA OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader pistol for Christmas. North Carolina made it legal to hunt deer with this a couple of years ago.

The gun has a 14 inch SS barrel with a quick release breech plug.

This gun will shoot. I have seen reviews showing 1 1/2 inch groups at 50 yards.

The first thing I did was to replace the original breech plug with a Blackhorn 209 breech plug. I had seen reviews saying that this gun shot better groups using loose powder than when id did using pellets. You can adjust your loads a lot better with loose powder.

The only loose powder I could find at that time was Jim Shockey's Gold FFG so I bought a pound of it.

Later at the shooting range I was able to shoot three shot groups, without cleaning the barrel between shots, of 1 7/8 inch at 25 yards using 80 gr of Jim Shockey;s with a 240 gr Hornady XTP with sabot.

After cleaning the gun I went back to the range and tried the same bullet with 90 gr of powder and was able to shoot three shot groups of 1 1/8 inches at 25 yards again without cleaning the barrel between shots.

This is the load I plan to deer hunt with this season so the next trip to the range I sighted the gun in 1 inch high at 25 yards. Then I dropped back to 50 yards and shot it. The shot printed almost perfectly 2 1/2 inches high. I think this should be good to maybe 100 yards.

I believe I am ready to hunt now.

I would love to see Whitworth do a article about hunting deer with this gun.

Last edited by REDHAWK1954; 09/30/2015 9:24 AM.

Michael Joe Moore
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: REDHAWK1954] #163751 09/30/2015 11:29 AM
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 266
archr610 Offline
enthusiast
Offline
enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 266
I have this same pistol but with a red dot sight on it. It shoots better than I do. Do you feel you're getting better ignition with the Blackhorn breech plug ?


Support bacteria:
It's the only culture some people have
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: archr610] #163757 09/30/2015 1:07 PM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
REDHAWK1954 Offline OP
Pooh-Bah
OP Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
I think I am getting better ignition. The gun seems to like hot loads. I thought about trying a 100 gr load but it is almost time to start hunting with it and I wanted to settle on a load. I may try a hotter load after the season goes out and I have more time to play with it.


Michael Joe Moore
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: REDHAWK1954] #163758 09/30/2015 1:29 PM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 920
billa Offline
old hand
Offline
old hand
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 920
I use 80grains of Blackhorn 209 with a Hornady 240gr XTP in a sabot. Full penetration on a Whitetail last season. Considerable damage, broad side, double lung shot. The load is equivalent to a 44 mag revolver. I drilled my breech plug out for the Blackhorn 209 and I use magnum shotgun primers. The link to my old post is below.


http://www.handgunhunt.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/150922/page/1#Post150922


"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,... "
Matthew 28:19

Handgun hunter since 1979 - haven't used a rifle since!
HHI member #992, NRA, SCI.
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: billa] #163806 10/01/2015 9:08 AM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
REDHAWK1954 Offline OP
Pooh-Bah
OP Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
billa, Do you think that this gun would handle 90 grains of Blackhorn 209?


Michael Joe Moore
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: REDHAWK1954] #163807 10/01/2015 9:51 AM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 920
billa Offline
old hand
Offline
old hand
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 920
CVA says the gun is 100 grain capable. I started at 80 grains and went no further at it grouped well and seemed powerful enough for Whitetail. I would shoot 90 grains without hesitation.


"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,... "
Matthew 28:19

Handgun hunter since 1979 - haven't used a rifle since!
HHI member #992, NRA, SCI.
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: REDHAWK1954] #163817 10/01/2015 2:53 PM
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 266
archr610 Offline
enthusiast
Offline
enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 266
One reviewer, some time back, stated that at 100gr of powder it became a bit unmanageable. which of course affects accuracy. I guess it all depends on whose on the back end.

Jeff


Support bacteria:
It's the only culture some people have
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: archr610] #163900 10/03/2015 12:04 AM
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 228
Ramjet-SS Offline
enthusiast
Offline
enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 228
I have one and have taken a few deer already with it. I use Power Belt bullets but recently have been trying a Harvester SABOT with XTP 300 grain and it is really accurate. Triple7 powder. I have used Swiss FFF just accurate just a little more dirty.

3" groups at 75 yards is common with this gun it's really a fantastic value.

Last edited by Ramjet-SS; 10/03/2015 12:06 AM.

You can't fix stupid!
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: Ramjet-SS] #163960 10/04/2015 3:13 AM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
REDHAWK1954 Offline OP
Pooh-Bah
OP Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
Does anyone else have any experience hunting with this muzzle loading pistol?


Michael Joe Moore
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: REDHAWK1954] #164007 10/05/2015 10:57 AM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 750
bluecow Offline
old hand
Offline
old hand
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 750
just wondering has anyone tried conicals out of it.


Everything before "but" is B.S.
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: bluecow] #164022 10/05/2015 3:17 PM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
REDHAWK1954 Offline OP
Pooh-Bah
OP Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
All I have shot so far is the Hornady 240 grain XTP in a sabot.


Michael Joe Moore
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: REDHAWK1954] #164023 10/05/2015 3:53 PM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 566
mike.44 Offline
addict
Offline
addict
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 566
I have had this same pistol for going on 3 years.....when it was a new item. I too got the BH 209 breech plug. My buddy got the exact same set-up. We both use 100 gr Blackhorn 209 powder with 240 grain .44 xtp sabot. Both guns shoot 1 1/2" at 100 yds. If I was going to go with any other powder I would definitely use the stock breech plug. 100 gr of BH 209 is not unmanageable at all. I also just picked up the same gun in a rifle as well for times I have longer unsupported shots. Plan to try the same load for sighting in tomorrow as well as 250gr WFNGC Beartooth Bullets. If they shoot as accurate as the XTPs then I am going to give them a try this year. They are fantastic firearms.

Last edited by mike.44; 10/05/2015 3:58 PM. Reason: typo
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: mike.44] #164028 10/05/2015 4:43 PM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
REDHAWK1954 Offline OP
Pooh-Bah
OP Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
I 1/2 " groups at 100 yards is great! What scope do you have one yours?


Michael Joe Moore
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: mike.44] #164029 10/05/2015 5:01 PM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
REDHAWK1954 Offline OP
Pooh-Bah
OP Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
What scope do you have on your pistol? 1 1/2" groups is great!


Michael Joe Moore
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: REDHAWK1954] #164048 10/06/2015 1:28 AM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 566
mike.44 Offline
addict
Offline
addict
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 566
It is a fixed 6X Leupold I picked up pretty cheap on E-bay a couple years back. I love the Burris handgun scopes but they weigh more. This fixed is light weight and nice with fine crosshairs.
That gun rivals my Contenders in handgun cartridges. Now my Encore in 7mm-08 with a break is a whole different animal. Much better groups with Hornady Whitetail ammo.

I'll try to remember to get some pictures of the groups tomorrow from the range with both guns.

Last edited by mike.44; 10/06/2015 1:32 AM.
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: mike.44] #164050 10/06/2015 2:04 AM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
REDHAWK1954 Offline OP
Pooh-Bah
OP Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
I would love to see how it compares to your contender in handgun cartridges.


Michael Joe Moore
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: REDHAWK1954] #164069 10/07/2015 12:51 AM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 566
mike.44 Offline
addict
Offline
addict
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 566


This is my buddy's target today. I have to work on my rifle load some.


[img]http://[/img]

Last edited by mike.44; 10/07/2015 1:02 AM. Reason: fixing post
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: REDHAWK1954] #164070 10/07/2015 12:55 AM
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2
Luis Offline
stranger
Offline
stranger
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2
I have one of these with a Bushnell 2-6x scope on it using the Blackhorn plug, 100 grains of Blackhorn 209, sabots and 240 gr. XTP's, I have routinely shot under 2" at 100 yds (3shot groups). A buddy of mine saw me do this just this afternoon.

eta. See pic above. :-)

Luis

Last edited by Luis; 10/07/2015 1:05 AM.
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: mike.44] #164073 10/07/2015 1:40 AM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
REDHAWK1954 Offline OP
Pooh-Bah
OP Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
mike.44. is this with his CVA Optima V2 pistol and if so what load and at what range?

Last edited by REDHAWK1954; 10/07/2015 1:48 AM.

Michael Joe Moore
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: REDHAWK1954] #164127 10/08/2015 3:08 AM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 566
mike.44 Offline
addict
Offline
addict
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 566
Yes it is. 100 grs Blackhorn 209, with the BH 209 Breech Plug. Using the generic T/C green sabots for .44 cal bullets, and 240 gr XTP's. We are shooting at 100 yds, outdoors from a bench. Using CCI 209 primers.

We are going to try and tighten up the groups by moving to .45 cal bullets, with the black sabots, and trying Fiocchi 209 primers. From much studying it seems some are shooting these CVA's sub MOA using these primers, 110 grs BH 209, and Barnes T-EZ 250's and 290's. My Optima rifle did not shoot that great for me. About 2" groups was the best I could do.

From my studies I learned a few things:
1) Most 209 primers are too hot. They will make the load jump some before complete ignition. The Fiocchi's don't.

2) The .44's can give erratic groups because the plastic sabot is thicker and don't engage the rifling as well, or consistently.

I have my stuff on order and hopefully will get to go to the range again before Muzzleloader starts. I plan on trying the Fiocchi primers, 110 gr BH 209, 250 gr Barnes T-EZ bullets, Generic black sabots with both 255 gr XTP's and 265 gr 265 gr WFNGC Grizzly or Beartooth bullets(forget which I have.

Redhawk, I will try to copy and paste the links for you to read what I found on this if you want me to. Some of the info came from a guy who sights-in CVA muzzleloaders for clients as part of his living. Seems he has shot 1" groups at 200 yds, and almost 1/2" groups at 100 yds using stock CVA mid level rifles.

Last edited by mike.44; 10/08/2015 3:09 AM. Reason: add
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: mike.44] #164128 10/08/2015 8:23 AM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
REDHAWK1954 Offline OP
Pooh-Bah
OP Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
mike.44, please do paste the links. I would love to read what has and can be don with this gun. Thanks for all the info. I plan to hunt with my V2 tomorrow afternoon and Saturday morning so wish me luck.

My son and I will be hunting on a trophy only section of his club so it will be a nice buck or nothing.


Michael Joe Moore
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: REDHAWK1954] #164140 10/08/2015 2:17 PM
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,669
Chance Weldon Offline
Distinguished Expert
Offline
Distinguished Expert
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,669
What's the recoil like with these?


Formerly TN Lone Wolf

"We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided." - J.K. Rowling
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: Chance Weldon] #164144 10/08/2015 3:03 PM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
REDHAWK1954 Offline OP
Pooh-Bah
OP Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
About like my Redhawk in 44 mag. Really not too bad at 90 grains but I am sure it is much more at 100 or 110 grains.


Michael Joe Moore
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: REDHAWK1954] #164165 10/08/2015 9:11 PM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 566
mike.44 Offline
addict
Offline
addict
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 566
I have a scope on mine. I think the recoil with 100 gr BH209 is for of a shove than a kick. Easier to shoot than the 44 mag TO ME.


Here is some info I found on the CVA Muzzleloaders you might enjoy.

http://blog.cva.com/muzzleloader-cva-accura/

Last edited by mike.44; 10/08/2015 9:14 PM. Reason: add
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: mike.44] #164169 10/08/2015 11:29 PM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
REDHAWK1954 Offline OP
Pooh-Bah
OP Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
Thanks mike.44. I will enjoy reading this info.


Michael Joe Moore
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: REDHAWK1954] #164176 10/09/2015 2:26 AM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 566
mike.44 Offline
addict
Offline
addict
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 566
Glad to help.

Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: mike.44] #164178 10/09/2015 3:21 AM
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 228
Ramjet-SS Offline
enthusiast
Offline
enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 228
All depends on bullet weight it's more straight back than most other guns Imown but it is manageable.


You can't fix stupid!
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: Ramjet-SS] #164183 10/09/2015 4:16 AM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 566
mike.44 Offline
addict
Offline
addict
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 566
Correct. I was comparing the XTP .44 240gr in the two guns with decent charges.

Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: mike.44] #164187 10/09/2015 12:14 PM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 920
billa Offline
old hand
Offline
old hand
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 920
 Originally Posted By: mike.44
I have a scope on mine. I think the recoil with 100 gr BH209 is for of a shove than a kick. Easier to shoot than the 44 mag TO ME.


I agree. Softer and less muzzle rise than a 44 mag revolver. Very similar to a 14" Contender with comparable bullet weights.
I assume the pressure spike is a softer peak than a cartridge gun as there is no case crimp to overcome and the plastic sabot moves through the barrel much easier than a jacketed pistol bullet does.

Last edited by billa; 10/09/2015 12:21 PM.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,... "
Matthew 28:19

Handgun hunter since 1979 - haven't used a rifle since!
HHI member #992, NRA, SCI.
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: billa] #164238 10/11/2015 12:56 AM
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2
Luis Offline
stranger
Offline
stranger
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2
IMO, shooting 240 grain Saboted .429 XTP's, propelled by 100 grains of Black hawk 209 powder, it is very comparable to a good factory .44 mag load like WWB 240 gr JSP's, out of most any 4" - 7" barrelled revolver.

Stout, but hardly unmanageable.

Luis

Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: bluecow] #165407 10/31/2015 10:11 PM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
REDHAWK1954 Offline OP
Pooh-Bah
OP Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
Yesterday I took my CVA OPTIMA V2 back to the range. I wanted to try two fifty grain pellets of pyrodex with the 240 xtp and sabot.

To my great pleasure it shot one hole three shot groups at 25 yards.

The recoil is strong but not offensive. Nothing like the Raging Bull 454 I once had.

Our muzzle loading season comes in next Saturday morning. I hope to get to try it on a good buck or mature doe then.
I love this gun!


Michael Joe Moore
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: REDHAWK1954] #165705 11/08/2015 9:24 PM
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 228
Ramjet-SS Offline
enthusiast
Offline
enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 228
Worked a wide variety of loads today and the one that I am sticking with is;

Powerbelt 245 grain hollow point projectile over 90 grains by volume.

The average velocity is 1335 FPS.

Accuracy at 50 yards was 1.5" for 3 shots.

This bullet loads very easy and is lethal on game.


You can't fix stupid!
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: Ramjet-SS] #166562 11/25/2015 12:09 AM
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 13
IAhandgunner Offline
stranger
Offline
stranger
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 13
I have been shooting an optima for 4 years. I have an old redfield variable 2-6x scope on it. I shoot 2 white hot pellets under a t/c cheap shot 240 grn HP lead bullet and black sabot (those are about 5 bucks for 20 shots) the accuracy is astounding. I regularly shoot 1.5 inch groups at 100 yards. Recoil is manageable like a stout 44 mag load. i routinely practice to 150 yards with 3 inch groups with this setup and shot a deer two years ago at 120 yards. recovered the bullet under the skin on the off broken shoulder. this is the only bullet i have recovered to date. My rig doesn't like the power belts or pyrodex.

Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: bluecow] #166717 11/27/2015 3:04 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 48
eric75 Offline
newbie
Offline
newbie
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 48
This handgun will be a future purchase for me!! Don't tell my wife.


Eric j Bussert
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: eric75] #166729 11/27/2015 10:07 AM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
REDHAWK1954 Offline OP
Pooh-Bah
OP Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
You need to get it in time to get her sighted in and ready for next muzzleloader season. You will love it.


Michael Joe Moore
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: REDHAWK1954] #166733 11/27/2015 2:53 PM
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,155
Bob Roach Offline
old hand
Offline
old hand
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,155
From the reports it looks to me like they have came up with a great muzzleloader to hunt with. I would not have thought that the different shotgun primers would have made much of a difference.
I would guess we are talking 100% ignition with 209's and the in line design? I can see no reason it would not be completely reliable, just like a Contender, and maby more so. I have had my Contender snap a couple times with shells not sized completely.
I can see one in my future.

Bob R


See You At The Range
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: Bob Roach] #166741 11/27/2015 4:16 PM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
REDHAWK1954 Offline OP
Pooh-Bah
OP Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
If you get one I think you will love it.


Michael Joe Moore
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: REDHAWK1954] #166808 11/29/2015 12:28 AM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
REDHAWK1954 Offline OP
Pooh-Bah
OP Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
IAhandgunner, how do you sight your gun in to make a 120 yard shot? One inch high at 50 yards or what?


Michael Joe Moore
Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: REDHAWK1954] #166886 11/30/2015 6:51 PM
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 13
IAhandgunner Offline
stranger
Offline
stranger
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 13
1.5" high at 50 yds. I use a 3" orange dot and zero at the top of the dot. pretty much on at 100 and about 4" low at 150. definitely minute of deer. i use a high center hold on the longer shots and they drop right in.

Re: Review of CVA's OPTIMA V2 Muzzle Loader Pistol [Re: IAhandgunner] #166888 11/30/2015 7:46 PM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
REDHAWK1954 Offline OP
Pooh-Bah
OP Offline
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,209
Thanks for the info. That helps.


Michael Joe Moore
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Moderated by  Chance Weldon, Gary, Gregg Richter 

Newest Members
Redhawk41, Striker243, Sxviper, RobbieD, IRONMAN
9668 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
Who's Online Now
0 registered members (), 58 guests, and 0 spiders.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3