I decided that it's time to get out my old CVA Kentucky Pistol. I purchased it in the mid 1970's and only shot it a few times. I do not have a manual for it. I have the 440 balls, but no caps. Does it take #11 or #10 caps. I have a small container of fffg powder. The powder has been stored for 30 years in a tight tupperware container and has always been kept at moderate temperatures. It is still OK? Finally, are 440 balls the best "ammunition" for this pistol? Thanks
Need some advice -- CVA Kentucky Pistol
- Thread starter tguil
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junkman_01
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If the gun is a .45, then .440 balls with about a .015 lubed patch is right. The powder will be good. The cap size will be determined by the nipple, but generally a #11 fits these guns. Have fun and make lots of smoke! 
Skinny 1950
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I have a CVA Kentucky rifle .45 cal made around the same time which uses the same lock and it will take #10 or #11 caps,I switched from CCI to Remington caps and the Remington #10 caps are a bit longer than the #11.
I use 36 grains of Goex FFFG a bit of lube on a patch,force the ball and patch into the bore, trim the excess patch with a razor knife then ram it down onto the powder.
You could test the powder outside by making a thin line of it and igniting it,should go poof. It is probably still good given the storage conditions.
Welcome back.
I use 36 grains of Goex FFFG a bit of lube on a patch,force the ball and patch into the bore, trim the excess patch with a razor knife then ram it down onto the powder.
You could test the powder outside by making a thin line of it and igniting it,should go poof. It is probably still good given the storage conditions.
Welcome back.
Ghost Tracker
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I LOVE the acrid smell of rotten eggs in the morning (and ducking below the smoke to see if my target was effected). What a great shootin' iron to re-discover!
junkman_01
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The rule of thumb for starting charges on BP guns is to use the caliber for rifles and half the caliber for pistols. That would be 45 grains of powder for a .45 caliber rifle and 22.5 grains for a .45 caliber pistol.
One more question...a simple powder measure. A friend of mine made me a measure out of a .38 or .357 centerfire case. I can't find it and I'm not sure if he trimmed the case. Will one of these cases measure approximately 30 grains of powder. Yeah, I know...just buy a measure.
junkman_01
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Here is an excellent post with all the cartridge equivelants....
http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=7538181&postcount=6
http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=7538181&postcount=6
Ghost Tracker
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Old school way to determine best black powder load, A BED SHEET on the ground it front of the muzzle. Start with small charge & inch up until small flecks of un-burned powder start showing-up on the sheet. Back off a bit & there you are, your perfect load. Then just trim down a brass handgun caliber shell 'till it only holds THAT much black powder. There's your measure. Good luck on that doe!
junkman_01
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A perfect load for what? All that does is determine that all the powder is being burned inside the barrel. Accuracy will probably be obtained before that 'perfect load' you speak of is reached. Go with performance on the target.
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Black Powder does not burn. It explodes. The black stuff that would be on the bed sheet is not un-burned powder. It's residue.
junkman_01
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That's not correct Phil. Black powder does indeed burn, rapidly. TNT explodes.
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Well, yea, but on the cans, it says "Explosive" It's a very fast burn, like over 1300 fps. Anyway the so-called black un-burned
powder on a bed sheet is just a myth. Load 20-30 grs in your 45 CVA and be happy. Don't worry about barrel length, un-burned powder,
and such. Worry more about hitting your target.
powder on a bed sheet is just a myth. Load 20-30 grs in your 45 CVA and be happy. Don't worry about barrel length, un-burned powder,
and such. Worry more about hitting your target.
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To give a example of the un-burned powder thing, take the little 45 cal.
Deringer. The barrel is about a 2 inches. You put 20 grs in it and shoot it
over a chronograph, Then put 35-40 grs in it and shoot it. You would think
with a short barrel of 2 inches or shorter that the increase in the powder
charge would just be blown out. Not the case at all. I choose to believe the
chronograph and not old wives tales.
Deringer. The barrel is about a 2 inches. You put 20 grs in it and shoot it
over a chronograph, Then put 35-40 grs in it and shoot it. You would think
with a short barrel of 2 inches or shorter that the increase in the powder
charge would just be blown out. Not the case at all. I choose to believe the
chronograph and not old wives tales.
Curator
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I have the same gun, 10 inch barrel, made in Spain in the early 70s. The twist rate is 1 in 48" so don't expect target accuracy. The bore/groove diameter on mine is .450/.470. I have found the .445 round ball and a .018 pillow ticking patch gives best accuracy and velocity. A charge of 50 grains of Goex FFFg achieves about 1150-1180 fps. You could probably use it to harvest a White Tail deer from 25 yards or so If you can hit them in a vital area. It wouldn't be my first choice but some guys hunt them with bow and arrow.
So 50 grains of Goex FFFg is not too much for this gun (or me)? Oh.....I'm dusting off this old gun because I messed up one of the fingers I use to draw my bow otherwise I'd be bowhunting. I don't feel like hurrying to buy a blackpowder rifle this late in the season. I want to take the time to buy the right gun for me.
I don't feel like hurrying to buy a blackpowder rifle this late in the season. I want to take the time to buy the right gun for me.junkman_01
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This what can happen with a couple of 40 grain charges. All that holds the barrel in the stock with these guns is a little sliver of wood. 25-30 grains is the best load for your Kentucky pistol (and you).
BullRunBear
Member
I have the same gun. Haven't shot it in a while but my notes say .440 ball, .015 patch lubed with bore butter (or saliva) and 25 grs. Goex FFFG. Decent accuracy at 25 yards. Actually, it is pretty good considering I'm the shooter.
Jeff
Jeff
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