CVA Optima V2

[Hugger-4641]

So, I've been hunting with a Traditions inline for the last few years and it has served me well and put some meat in the freezer.
A co-worker asked me to sight in his brand new CVA Optima V2 with Kronus 3x9x40. I'm not done fine tuning the charge, but so far I'm impressed. I think a new CVA is in my future.

12" target, 100yds, 100gr of Buckhorn 209, 250gr Power Belt. Rem 209 primer.
Took me about 10 shots to get here cause it started out shooting a foot high and the scope turrets are not true 1/4moa , but just a little more playing with the charge I think I can tighten this up to 1moa or close.

 

[Dirty Bob]

Dang! That's good shooting with a rifle you're just getting to know!

I've been looking at an Optima, as well. Looks like a solid design, and I've heard good things. Don't tell CVA, but I think the prices on the Wolf and Optima sound like a bargain.

Dirty Bob

 

[Hugger-4641]

After fussing with the plug tool and removing the bolt on my Traditions, this CVA has me ruined
Cleaning is a breeze, no tools needed. Removing or loading the primer is a breeze, even for paws like mine. Removing the one piece breech plug / primer nipple is a breeze. No bolt to take apart and re-assemble, no bolt at all actually, just a hammer and firing pin assembly. There may be other brands I've not been exposed to yet, but this is the most user friendly muzzle loader I've ever seen.

 

[Dirty Bob]

There may be other brands I've not been exposed to yet, but this is the most user friendly muzzle loader I've ever seen.

That's what attracts me, in addition to overall reports of build quality and accuracy. I want the Northwest Legal version, so I can make caps for it and shoot homemade powder. I even want to try to 3D print sabots!

Given what you get for the price, the CVA Wolf and Optima rifles may be one of the best firearm deals on the market today.

Dirty Bob

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I have a wolf. It's very accurate. I also bought one one of their 44 mag rifles last year. It's shoots great too.

 

[noelf2]

I have an Optima V2 pistol with a Nikon pistol scope. It's dead on accurate at 50 yards. I don't get many 100 yd shots in my part of the Blue Ridge, but I have no doubt I could take a deer at that range. I use two 50gr T7 pellets and a 250gr shockwave bullet.

 

[kyron4]

I got a cva Optima with the same scope given to me for doing some work this spring. I had the same issue with the scope. At 100 yards it seemed to move more like 1/2" per click and not the 1/4" per click it says. Was that your issue also ? Don't care for that scope, rather have a regular multi-plex reticle than the drop comp that has to thin of cross hairs.

I get 1 1/2" to 2" groups at 100 yds with two 777 pellets (100 grs.) and 240 gr. XTP hollow points.

Do I need the BH209 plug to shoot Pyrodex RS power (loose) ? -Thanks

 

[Hugger-4641]

I got a cva Optima with the same scope given to me for doing some work this spring. I had the same issue with the scope. At 100 yards it seemed to move more like 1/2" per click and not the 1/4" per click it says. Was that your issue also ? Don't care for that scope, rather have a regular multi-plex reticle than the drop comp that has to thin of cross hairs.

I get 1 1/2" to 2" groups at 100 yds with two 777 pellets (100 grs.) and 240 gr. XTP hollow points.

Do I need the BH209 plug to shoot Pyrodex RS power (loose) ? -Thanks

Yep, scope stayed zeroed once set, but each click of the turret was 1/2" at 100yds.
I used Pyrodex RS and Blackhorn while sighting in and it shot both just fine with the stock plug. If it was mine I would probably buy the BH plug and see what the difference was.

 

[Hugger-4641]

I have a wolf. It's very accurate. I also bought one one of their 44 mag rifles last year. It's shoots great too.

Ok, so my BIL made me a deal I couldn't refuse on his Wolf Magnum. Literally 2 days ago. So I may put off the Optima for a bit. I sighted the Wolf in yesterday and it is every bit as accurate as the Optima was, but doesn't have the SS nitride barrel . Took it hunting today and took out a cull 4pt .

 

[PapaG]

Just sighted mine in today. Used Blackhorn209, Fed 245 grain bore riding bullets. Totally pleased plus cleanup took five minutes.

 

[Hugger-4641]

This one has the breech plug that takes a hex wrench to remove, but still a lot quicker and easier than my Traditions.
The more I look at it, I really think I could mill off the breech and convert it to the tool less plug without any compromise to strength. I haven't measured yet but it looks like the recess needed for the hex tool is deeper than I would have to mill off for the hand plug.

 

[Dirty Bob]

Pulled the trigger on an Optima yesterday! I set up a notification on Midway, and on Friday, I got the word. By the time I managed to buy it, I got the last one. It's an Optima V2 with fluted, 26-inch barrel and Northwest-legal (musket cap) ignition. At E. Arthur Brown (eabco.net), I ordered the peep rear/rail, so I'll have a workable sight while I save up for an optic and mount. I'm considering my options!

I purchased a Lee REAL .50 bullet mould as a starting-out point. Regardless of what I use, I want to cast my own, so I'm able to afford more practice.

Dirty Bob

 

[brewer12345]

Pulled the trigger on an Optima yesterday! I set up a notification on Midway, and on Friday, I got the word. By the time I managed to buy it, I got the last one. It's an Optima V2 with fluted, 26-inch barrel and Northwest-legal (musket cap) ignition. At E. Arthur Brown (eabco.net), I ordered the peep rear/rail, so I'll have a workable sight while I save up for an optic and mount. I'm considering my options!

I purchased a Lee REAL .50 bullet mould as a starting-out point. Regardless of what I use, I want to cast my own, so I'm able to afford more practice.

Dirty Bob

If the REAL doesn't work, try a maxi ball. Molds aren't tough to come by.

 

[Dirty Bob]

If the REAL doesn't work, try a maxi ball. Molds aren't tough to come by.

I'll keep my eye out for one. I'm hoping the REAL does it for me, but I know it's a process, and a Maxi may be the ticket to accuracy.

RE: the Maxi, I'm guessing it needs to be cast in pure (or close to pure) lead. How easily does it load? Does it compress to grip the rifling, or does it engrave at the muzzle and ride the rifling down to the breech?

Thanks,
Bob

 

[brewer12345]

I'll keep my eye out for one. I'm hoping the REAL does it for me, but I know it's a process, and a Maxi may be the ticket to accuracy.

RE: the Maxi, I'm guessing it needs to be cast in pure (or close to pure) lead. How easily does it load? Does it compress to grip the rifling, or does it engrave at the muzzle and ride the rifling down to the breech?

Thanks,
Bob

You should cast it with very soft lead, just like the REAL. Ram it home and it is likely to engrave. I find that the REAL and the Maxi do best with an over powder wad (I use prelubed wonder wads), and in my guns they seem to like 80 grains and up. When you cast the REALs be careful to get good fill out. If the bands aren't fully filled out accuracy tends to be poor. I find that casting at 800 degrees with a well preheated mold is a good way to get fill out.

 

[Dirty Bob]

You should cast it with very soft lead, just like the REAL. Ram it home and it is likely to engrave. I find that the REAL and the Maxi do best with an over powder wad (I use prelubed wonder wads), and in my guns they seem to like 80 grains and up. When you cast the REALs be careful to get good fill out. If the bands aren't fully filled out accuracy tends to be poor. I find that casting at 800 degrees with a well preheated mold is a good way to get fill out.

Thank you so much! That sounds like a real recipe for success. I'll bet a dry, card wad between the powder and bullet might also work, or a layer or two of greased paper towel in between two thin wads.

I made up some Gatofeo #1 recipe for my lube, and I need to get casting when I get the chance. The rifle's supposed to arrive this week (Midway is QUICK!) with the bullet mould. I've got some homemade BP, some Pyrodex RS, and some musket caps. I'm looking forward to this!

Dirty Bob

 

[brewer12345]

Thank you so much! That sounds like a real recipe for success. I'll bet a dry, card wad between the powder and bullet might also work, or a layer or two of greased paper towel in between two thin wads.

I made up some Gatofeo #1 recipe for my lube, and I need to get casting when I get the chance. The rifle's supposed to arrive this week (Midway is QUICK!) with the bullet mould. I've got some homemade BP, some Pyrodex RS, and some musket caps. I'm looking forward to this!

Dirty Bob

I've always used wonder wads or wool wads I make myself, but from what I have read it doesn't matter much what you use as long as it seals the bore and keeps the hot combustion gasses from sneaking past the base of the bullet. Beyond that, I'd probably start at 70 grains and work up with either the REALs or the Maxis. Start them as straight as you can.

 

[Lnf Crzr]

I have a CVA Electra with the Bergera barrel. Very accurate. I took off the 2-7 Leupold that was sighted Dead on at 80yards… and I’ll get A little Red Dot. Want a nice easy carry rifle. My Double gets heavy and my Encore wears a 3-9 with a 28” barrel…. So a smaller nimble rifle is needed.
That CVA was my first “Nicer” Muzzleloader when I was younger. Cleaned every three shots, 100grs of 777 pellets and a Federal Bor Lock was very accurate.

I’ll cast some 250s of pure and make sure the bands fill in…. After I use up my stash, or before?

CVA makes some nice muzzleloader’s