I have a CVA Optima that I have had for a year and shot probably about 300 shots through it. Always been happy with its accuracy, especially with the 300g Barnes Expanders and loose 777. Swabbing between shots with windex, I get all the expected deviation between different loads, sabots, bullets etc. The last 3 sessions at the range have bewildered me. After 10 shots or so, groups become erratic and bullets even begin tumbling, even the trusty Barnes, something that never happened before. If I hadn't been using a piece of posterboard to back my target, I wouldnt have even been able to find where they hit at 50 yds. The first time this happened was with my 1st can of BH209, and then only after 30 or so shots, and I just chalked it up to fouling of the BP or such. The next time out I used 777 and had similer problems after a dozen or so shots, but I cleaned it real good w/ Hoppes #9 and got 3 excellent 3 shot groups w 300 gr XTPs before it opened up dramatically and I quit. Cleaned the gun real good with windex, then followed up with another cleaning with Hoppes and another with TC foaming cleaner in case there was plastic residue. Back to the range w/ BH, double swabbing with Hoppes and had excellent accuracy with the XTPs, but only fair accuracy with the Barnes.
Even with this swabbing and an occasional brushing, after 15 shots or so the groups opened way up .I even pulled and cleaned the BP. Switched to 777 with same inconsistant results. Last shot with a XTP missed the poster board at 50 yds. What the hell is going on? The bore is mirror brite and the is no pitting or visible fouling.
Even with this swabbing and an occasional brushing, after 15 shots or so the groups opened way up .I even pulled and cleaned the BP. Switched to 777 with same inconsistant results. Last shot with a XTP missed the poster board at 50 yds. What the hell is going on? The bore is mirror brite and the is no pitting or visible fouling.