Back to Muzzel Loaders ! A couple of questions.

[Rbrown]

I've decided to get back into muzzle loaders after a LONG pause (think 25+years). I just picked up a CVA Optima V2 and it sure is different from
what we used to shoot. A couple of questions concerning the new rifle. The first is: On the new rifle do I need to "seat" the breech plug
or was that taken care of at the factory? It didn't come with any type of wrench that looks proper (If I actually need to do it myself). The second
question (since I have been into center-fire target shooting) : Would there be any benefit cleaning from the breech end of the barrel to avoid messing
up the barrel crown? I really hope not since this would be a real pain when cleaning between every two or so shots. Maybe I worry too much......

Just askin'

 

[michiganmuzzy]

If youre the first owner/user of it then yes you need to use the L shaped wrench to crank the BP down initially. After that its a hand tight breech plug. If youre not the first user it should have been done already but a new breech plug will need to be cranked down tight as well on its first use. Cleaning from the breech or the muzzle is up to you. There is some debate about how hard it is to actually damage the crown enough to be noticed by a typical hunter as opposed to a target shooter.

 

[Rbrown]

If youre the first owner/user of it then yes you need to use the L shaped wrench to crank the BP down initially. After that its a hand tight breech plug. If youre not the first user it should have been done already but a new breech plug will need to be cranked down tight as well on its first use. Cleaning from the breech or the muzzle is up to you. There is some debate about how hard it is to actually damage the crown enough to be noticed by a typical hunter as opposed to a target shooter.

The rifle is new and did not come with any type of "L" wrench. Any options to the factory wrench? As to cleaning,I remember reading about black powder "target" shooters who would use a false crown that was used for cleaning and loading. Of course that was in the side-lock days.. Thanks for the reply.
Bob (learning my a$$ off)

 

[michiganmuzzy]

Ive used a large screwdriver before
https://cva.com/product/breechplug-tool/

 

[MSalyards]

Does it open and close with the breech plug installed? Was it installed when you bought it ? If so you should be ok.

 

[Widude]

Before you shoot it, make sure you have a handle on disassembly for cleaning. Since you’re verse with M-L shooting, you know about care.

I always try to do a rod from the breech end of any gun where it’s possible. With a few, like a lever-action one just has to do carefully from the muzzle.

Even with a modern M-L, they require more fiddling & upkeep than the average smokeless rifle. It’s part of the process. How many M-L’s have met their demise when an owner cased & left a gun after firing it?

 

[brownisdown]

I got the same muzzleloader without the wrench,called cva customer service and got a free one that same week.

 

[michiganmuzzy]

I got the same muzzleloader without the wrench,called cva customer service and got a free one that same week.

Yeah CVA has good customer service. They would def take care of you.

 

[ronlaughlin]

Does it open and close with the breech plug installed? Was it installed when you bought it ? If so you should be ok.

Absolutely OK. If the rifle is new, and it works the way it is supposed to, the breech plug is already fitted; the wrench isn't needed.

 

[deermanok]

Good hunting with the new rifle.
Black Horn 209, is the most preferred propellant for inlines today. Pyrodex or real black powder will work too.
Good primers are key, Winchester, CCI, to name a few.

 

[Rbrown]

Thanks for the suggestions.. I know where to come if I have other questions or problems (or just need a few
suggestions.)

 

[Rbrown]

A little off-topic... Just ordered a new BP for BH powder. Says I can use it for anything..

 

[deermanok]

I have the same breech plug, right now I'm shooting Pyrodex without any issues.

 

[dirtsailor2003]

when You go to shoot you’ll want to apply anti -seize to the threads of the breech plug. I use CVA’s others use Loctite products.
I have the Northwest Edition rifle and the V2 Pistol. Love shooting both guns.