No Wolf bashing from me. I like all CVA products.
I have a Stainless CVA Optima.
I don't have any magic combos and my groups aren't all that great but I blame it on my failing eyesight.
I agree that the 240 gr. bullet is best for deer. Anything lighter may lack proper penetration at greater distances. In theory, the 1-28 twist should like the heavier bullets but don't rule out the 200 gr. Hornady XTP until you try it. I don't shoot my Smoke pole all that often but I'll share some older photos of my results.
All these targets were with the fiber optic iron sights. All were 44 cal. bullets with a sabot.
The first photo was the first shot out of the box using the 265 gr, FTX ahead of 100 gr. of 777 granular.
Photo #2 is a 3 shot group from 25 yards using the 200 XTP ahead of 100 gr. of 777 granular.
Photo #3 is a 4 shot group from 25 yards using the 265 gr. FTX ahead of 100 gr. of 777 granular.
Photo #4 & #5 are 4 shot groups at 50 yards using the 265 FTX ahead of 100 gr. of 777 granular.
All these shots were with iron sights. I would expect that would improve if I had a good scope. I have tried 80 gr. & 90 gr. loads but haven't seen much difference in the groups.
Those pink dots (actually they are orange) are 2'' dia.
I have used Pyrodex P at times just because I have some on hand. I used to use it in my side lock rifles to get better ignition. When I use it, I only use 90 gr. because it burns faster/hotter.
I know that CVA says that you can use up to 150 gr. equivalent but according to Hodgdon's, you should never use more than 100 gr. equivalent. Probably for liability reasons. 100 grs. is all you need for deer anyway. I would only consider using more if I was hunting bear or moose.
I recommend that you experiment to get the best that you can. As you say, it's not a Thompson Center or other high dollar rifle but plenty good enough for "minute of deer".
I have a Stainless CVA Optima.
I don't have any magic combos and my groups aren't all that great but I blame it on my failing eyesight.
I agree that the 240 gr. bullet is best for deer. Anything lighter may lack proper penetration at greater distances. In theory, the 1-28 twist should like the heavier bullets but don't rule out the 200 gr. Hornady XTP until you try it. I don't shoot my Smoke pole all that often but I'll share some older photos of my results.
All these targets were with the fiber optic iron sights. All were 44 cal. bullets with a sabot.
The first photo was the first shot out of the box using the 265 gr, FTX ahead of 100 gr. of 777 granular.
Photo #2 is a 3 shot group from 25 yards using the 200 XTP ahead of 100 gr. of 777 granular.
Photo #3 is a 4 shot group from 25 yards using the 265 gr. FTX ahead of 100 gr. of 777 granular.
Photo #4 & #5 are 4 shot groups at 50 yards using the 265 FTX ahead of 100 gr. of 777 granular.
All these shots were with iron sights. I would expect that would improve if I had a good scope. I have tried 80 gr. & 90 gr. loads but haven't seen much difference in the groups.
Those pink dots (actually they are orange) are 2'' dia.
I have used Pyrodex P at times just because I have some on hand. I used to use it in my side lock rifles to get better ignition. When I use it, I only use 90 gr. because it burns faster/hotter.
I know that CVA says that you can use up to 150 gr. equivalent but according to Hodgdon's, you should never use more than 100 gr. equivalent. Probably for liability reasons. 100 grs. is all you need for deer anyway. I would only consider using more if I was hunting bear or moose.
I recommend that you experiment to get the best that you can. As you say, it's not a Thompson Center or other high dollar rifle but plenty good enough for "minute of deer".
