CVA Optima - Need help with load and groups

[cervidchasers]

I have tried to get this gun to group at 100yards with different bullets and powders.

Even got the BH209 with its breech plug but it has been very inconsistent. Used by weight for BH209 to be consistent and different bullets. By weight tried 76 to 80 grains of powder.

Shot from a rest the hornady , TC and powerbelts all at best gave me 6" plus groups. I am not best target shooter but with my rifle on a rest I can shoot 200yrd and group under 2" all day long.

Wondering what I am doing wrong with the muzzleloader and any tips to help me out.

[Robhuntandfish]

Are you cleaning the gun after a couple of shots?  

[cervidchasers]

Just now, Robhuntandfish said:

Are you cleaning the gun after a couple of shots?  

I was doing that for Hogdens 777 but with BH209 I was not doing it as I read its not needed for 10+ shots

[Robhuntandfish]

Just now, cervidchasers said:

I was doing that for Hogdens 777 but with BH209 I was not doing it as I read its not needed for 10+ shots

I use 777 and after two shots mine drops 3-4 inches.  

Maybe a scope issue?  Had one of those too that was all over the place.  Took me several boxes of shells to figure it out and a scope change. 

[cervidchasers]

1 minute ago, Robhuntandfish said:

I use 777 and after two shots mine drops 3-4 inches.  

Maybe a scope issue?  Had one of those too that was all over the place.  Took me several boxes of shells to figure it out and a scope change. 

This has the factory konex scope, maybe I will swap it out and see if it helps.

[Buckmaster7600]

38 minutes ago, cervidchasers said:

This has the factory konex scope, maybe I will swap it out and see if it helps.

Usually a bad scope doesn’t result in 5” groups, I would take the scope off the mount and check every screw then remount and try again. A consistent 5” group makes me think it’s a loose mount.

[cervidchasers]

6 minutes ago, Buckmaster7600 said:

Usually a bad scope doesn’t result in 5” groups, I would take the scope off the mount and check every screw then remount and try again. A consistent 5” group makes me think it’s a loose mount.

Good tip. It was the last purchase from DSG, so yeh partly my fault for not rechecking their installation.

[mowin]

1 hour ago, cervidchasers said:

Good tip. It was the last purchase from DSG, so yeh partly my fault for not rechecking their installation.

Blue loctite everything. @phade recommended me to remove and use loctite.  

[JJJWNY]

1 minute ago, mowin said:

Blue loctite everything. @phade recommended me to remove and use loctite.  

Agree... Factory mounted scoped in my experience are never loctited and always seem to come loose.

[cervidchasers]

Now if we can just make this rain go away, I could go have some range time again

[Moho81]

I’m with the general consensus here. Clean the barrel after 3 shots max AND make sure the scope is mounted properly with all screws tight and sealed with lock tight. 

[phade]

You need to remove the scope from rings and base from gun. The most likely cause is the base and the oil used for shipping purposes. CVA is notorious for it - I’ve seen CVA reps recommend it directly.

If you are in Rochester area, Stop down at my shop and grab a much better scope for $80. I have a few left on clearance. That Konus is hot trash. 

[cervidchasers]

2 hours ago, phade said:

You need to remove the scope from rings and base from gun. The most likely cause is the base and the oil used for shipping purposes. CVA is notorious for it - I’ve seen CVA reps recommend it directly.

If you are in Rochester area, Stop down at my shop and grab a much better scope for $80. I have a few left on clearance. That Konus is hot trash. 

I am very close to Rochester, where is your shop located?

[Lawdwaz]

For what it’s worth, I’ve never used loctite on a bases or rings.  Mounted more than a few too.    
 

I have nothing against it just never have……

A buddy gave me red & blue Ford issued loctite tubes that are still just about full.     

[Rob-c]

Agree with others check the scope mounting. A inch pound torque wrench should be used on all scope screws . I know not every one will buy one just to do one scope though . As for the loctite , i ordered and use purple , I've found blue can be a little to much for small screws. 
https://eezee.sg/blog/whats-the-difference-between-colors-of-loctite-threadlockers/amp/

Edited December 3, 2023 by Rob-c