Optima V2 accuracy challenge

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When you guys said CVA takes care of their customers, you weren't kidding. Not only are they replacing the gun under warranty, they're replacing it with an Accura V2 Nitride, their top of the line gun.
. You deserve it, all you’ve been through, expense and frustration. Good luck with the new one.
 
Did CVA say what they found wrong with the Optima V2 that was not shooting correctly?

No, I didn't speak with a gunsmith, just the customer service rep who didn't have details.

I suspect the issue was inconsistent bore diameter. The first 5 inches or so of the barrel I had was really tight almost like a super-full shotgun choke, then the barrel significantly opened up. This may have affected how well the sabots engaged the rifling or stayed aligned in the lower 3/4 of the barrel.
 
Not only are they replacing the gun under warranty, they're replacing it with an Accura V2 Nitride, their top of the line gun.
I'm happy they took care of you right. You should find that the Accura V2 is not too load picky and will shoot almost any good bullet well when matched with the right, snug fitting, sabot and 100-110 gr BH-209. If you want a staring point, the photo is 4 different 100 yd targets shot with my Accura V2 & Accura MR using the Hornady 265 FTX, Harvester smooth green sabot & 110 gr BH209.22048057_1996542717257697_4663466653701072647_o.jpg
 
I’m overseas right now, but family says gun arrived. Depending on flights and family plans with Easter I might be able to try it this weekend. :)

I can’t wait!
 
Ok, range report:

Short version... I'm a happy camper.

Longer version... was in quite a rush to the range and back, it was crowded, I was rushed by fellow shooters, benches were less than ideal, it was off/on gusty, and around 70F, and despite all this the gun already shoots better than the returned one.

Best 3 shot group so far is 0.75" at 100 yards, with 70 gr by weight of BH209 and 44 cal 300 gr XTPs.

Only a dozen shots so far, but had to be quick today... so didn't give the barrel much time to cool (5 min) between shots. Loading this barrel also feels a lot more consistent than the previous. Before it felt like pushing a wad past a full choke in a shotgun, then easy the rest of he way; this gun takes an even amount of pressure to push a bullet and sabot from the muzzle all the way to seated.

I suspect I'll find this barrel to be more accurate overall than what I had.

Thanks for all the tips provided so far, they'll likely help me tune some good loads with this one.
 
I've found that using 70 gr of 777 with 240 gr Nosler 44 JHP shoot the best in both of my Whiteligthings. Why not the Nosler 44's always shoot good out of my Ruger Redhawk.
 
I've just read through this whole thread and it sounds like some of the same issues I have encountered with some of my ML's. It can be more frustrating than golf. Congratulations you found a gun that will shoot. You might try the Remington bullets that's what I found to be the best out of my Optima V2 30" Nitride. I tried every other thing out there that I could find in Southern Utah. With 100 gns BH209 they shoot great. Tight to load at the muzzle but once you get all the petals into the bore, they push right down. I do not clean between shots, only between groups.
As for 250 grain 200 yard performance on elk, shot placement is key to pass-through. The cow I shot this year was at 170 yards, hit her a touch high behind the front shoulder, missed the heart but absolutely obliterated the top of both lungs, she went 50 yards and dropped. I prefer a heart shot but if you miss, I would rather miss high than low, reason being, the lungs fill with blood a lot quicker since gravity is on your side. An elk with half a lung still getting air can travel a long way. BTW the shot was a clean pass spraying blood for 10' on the offside. Not a real heavy blood trail but it didn't matter.
 
Are you talking about the Bor Lock bullets? My friend shot his elk with one last year with great results, but the BC is low because the plastic stays on. I'm always looking for heavier bullets with higher BC, since it seems most of my shots are at 200 meters or more.
 
Are you talking about the Bor Lock bullets? My friend shot his elk with one last year with great results, but the BC is low because the plastic stays on. I'm always looking for heavier bullets with higher BC, since it seems most of my shots are at 200 meters or more.
not the bor locks I tried them, didn't shoot good for me. Still have a full pack I believe, I bought two. Randy Wakeman sold me on them, but they just wouldnt group
 
these right here
 

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Follow up:

Every version of the XTP I have groups 0.75-0.80 inches at 100 yards (44 cal 300 gr, 45 cal 240 gr, 45 cal 300 gr), so I'm a happy camper.

I'd been hoping the Banes MZ would do well but so far I haven't been able to get it to group better than 2.5 inches. Haven't tried it at 84 gr BH209 yet, but if that doesn't work I may just call the XTPs good enough.
 
Follow up:

Every version of the XTP I have groups 0.75-0.80 inches at 100 yards (44 cal 300 gr, 45 cal 240 gr, 45 cal 300 gr), so I'm a happy camper.

I'd been hoping the Banes MZ would do well but so far I haven't been able to get it to group better than 2.5 inches. Haven't tried it at 84 gr BH209 yet, but if that doesn't work I may just call the XTPs good enough.
Congrats!
 
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