As a new muzzleloader, I'm not having much luck getting good accuracy from a new 50 cal CVA Optima V2 with nitride barrel (not Bergara finish polished, just the standard one). Starting to think not every new inline that gets shipped out is capable of 1 MOA accuracy.
Any suggestions are welcome.
Things tried so far:
- Removed scope (Nikon P3 muzzleloader 3-9x), rings, and base; degreased screws and holes, remounted all with blue locktite
- Firing without ramrod mounted
- Using bench rest with sand bags front/rear
- Only contact with gun on firing is cheek weld, firing hand, and consistent rear pressure into shoulder
- Using BH209 powder, cleaning the CVA Blackhorn BP with a drill bit every 3-6 shots (not during a group)
- Using CCI 209 mag primers (also tried Fed 209A), and O-rings from McMillan; zero blow back around primers
- Assortment of bullets tried: XTP 44 cal 300 gr; XTP 45 cal 240 gr; XTP 45 cal 300 gr; Barnes MZ Expanders 300 gr; Barnes T-EZ 290 gr; Hornady SST-ML 300 gr; and a pack of PowerBelts
- Lightly knurling the bullets by rolling between two files; also tried without knurling
- Using spire point bullet seating tip for those kinds of bullets
- Assortment of sabots from the ones that came pre-packed with bullets plus Harvester green and black crush ribs, and MMP HPH 12 and 24 black sabots
- Indexing sabots when loading to ensure each petal rides on 2 lands
- Letting barrel cool at least 5 min before reloading; most often waiting 8-10 min
- Applying as consistent loading pressure at end as I can
- Polished barrel with JB Bore Cleaner
I've used 3 cans of BH209 so far at a variety of charges (weighed), and haven't been able to get less than 1.5" inch 100 yard 3 shot groups. I don't think it's bench technique because I get cloverleafs with a .308 and .30-06 at 100 yards, and honestly the trigger on the CVA is better than my other rifles. The action locks up tight when closed, especially with a brand new O-ring.
I feel stumped. Thoughts on what else to try? Or do I just accept this gun is going to shoot about 2" groups and keep all hunting shots to within 100 yards?