I did extensive group testing with several different CVA Accuras. I tested dozens of types of bullets, but one always did just slightly better than the rest, and that was the T/C 200 grain Shockwave with the blue sabot. The results weren't dramatic. It barely edged out the others, but when it came to down rage trajectory, it was hands down the best at long range. I also shoot blackhorn by weight. Thanks for putting your test results out there for everyone to see.
I also have done Lots of testing with black powder and Black Powder works best of the powders with a 209 shotgun primers. I use federal bullets in my 50. 120g. I have a 458 cal 33" I use 451 buffalo bullets 385g and a veggie wad at 150g of fff. Also high end red bearing grease for barrel coat. Gives less of a 1-2 groups
I have to mention Leroy Miller. A Perl Harbor veteran. Leroy had a 58 caliber Springfield reproduction. He could hit rams on the High Power Silhouette range just about every time from the bench. He new his weapon.
Well done. Very good demonstration & data. Good shooting & groups. Thank you so much for taking it for the team on the shoulder & on the powder reserves.
You proved one thing. Every one of those bullets are more accurate than I can shoot. 😅 I’d go out with all the conference in the world with any one of those bullets. Great video.
@@ILoveMuzzleloading I have developed a new cartridge for muzzleloading rifles which is loaded from the muzzle but ejects itself from the barrel after use and is non-corrosive. This product sets a new standard in safety and reliability for muzzleloader ammunition in the same way shotgun shells are standardized for use in shotguns. Shotshells have a load of shot and powder which produce a safe pressure in shotguns manufactured by many different companies. The pressure produced by this cartridge can be designed to work safely in the muzzleloaders produced by the various manufacturers. It would also greatly help new muzzleloader shooters with safety, and it would also give them a product which will not destroy the barrel of their muzzleloader due to corrosive residue. Those who say smokeless powder cannot be used in a muzzleloader may not know “Blackhorn 209” is 83% smokeless powder, based on the MSD sheet for the product. Therefore, the claim that smokeless powder cannot be used safely in a muzzleloader falls apart very quickly. (blackhorn209.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2022-Blackhorn-209-SDS.pdf) I am now looking for a company willing to mass produce this new cartridge for the market. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pass this information along to those you know who may be interested in this new product. A link is found below which demonstrates this new product. RUclips video link: ruclips.net/video/CH5KVOgPRUo/видео.html Joe Teeter Teeter's Gunsmithing
Brand new to blackpowder after my Armslist purchase of an unfired Wolf. I'd say that's outstanding accuracy and ridiculous consistency. Thanks for another great video. I've learned a ton from watching your content.
Every year I see the ads and promos for new muzzleloaders.... And I say "Why? What's wrong with my Optima? Nothing!".. The trigger is absolutely first rate. No creep and probably 3lbs to break. I just sighted in with 2 Triple 7 pellets and a Hornady 240 grain hollow point... I was blown away by the accuracy!! I always shot the 250 grain SSTs and liked them, but these were even better. Hoping to see the on game performance soon. Great video!
I don't blame ya, I like the "Buy once, cry once" mentality. This rifle will last me for years. Maybe someday I'll upgrade but I'm pretty happy here. Thanks for watching!
I'm having opposite effect I can't get my traditions g4 pursuit to dial in. Currently using 100 grains powerdex pellets and scorpion pt golds. Gonna switch to the bh 209 loose powder next year.
Great video Ethan. I really dig your practical tests. Plus now your feeding the squirrels banana peals to go with all that peanut butter from the other test!
Based on the accuracy alone, i would gladly hunt with any of these bullets. Recently, i switched to the T/C .50cal Cheap Shot sabots and have been very pleased with its accuracy and performance on game.
Fun fact-- Thor bullets are made by Barnes Bullets. That being said, I'd try one of the Barnes muzzleloader bullets. My buddy got the 250 grain Magnum MZ (green sabot) to shoot a 0.9" in his Accura at 100 yards.
my 50 cal accura loves imr whitehot pellets with 150 grains pushing a 285ngrain accutip bullet ,at 100 yds all 5 holes touch each other and at 2oo yds its 1.2 inch spread.over 5 shots. i have had clean passthru shots at 200 yds.on whitetail deer thru the shoulder.
For years I have used 777 ff and mostly 777 fff...I have a 26" a 22" and a 20" encore barrel..I clean after every shot with 4 to six patches and I only used water on the patch..I have a stainless 15" encore pistol barrel and a 15" blue steel encore pistol barrel...777 was the first non corrosive black powder
In my Traditions .50 caliber, I use 75 grains of Pyrodex for practice, and 90 grains for hunting. I use a TC molded bullet, 225 grains. I've used this for the past 30 years. I'll stick with what works best for me.
If I was the vice president of cva I would sponsor this video with a elite muzzle loader...a elite muzzle loader is a 1 in 5000 best of the lot..its possible that's what were seeing...if he never mentioned cleaning.. shooting 18 then 3 more rounds with good accuracy I would have claimed fraud and then asked for verification of that muzzle loader..at least he cleaned it after 3 rounds..encore and myself cleans between every shot with water...if he's legit and I was there with him I know I could slightly improve his group by me cleaning every shot and going up two grains and down 2 grain and so on..we would find the best group for each load..I also have other secret ways if necessary to improve groups by changing primers and lubrication of the barrel after each shot with Thompson bore butter..every rifle is different every powder is different every bullet is different ..but they all have a sweet spot..you just got to find it
I've got the Accura V2 LR with a Leupold VX Freedom and I'm shooting 90grn by volume of Blackhorn with a 240grn Hornady XTP .44 bullet with the black mmp sabot. I'm getting 1in groups at 100yds. At 50yds the holes are touching!
No need for 5 shot groups, great accuracy, the variates in muzzle velocity affects accuracy. Pushing down the charge is never the same with muzzleloaders but can affect accuracy. Plus by the end of your test you were flintching a little from all that recoil and well deserved. Muzzleloaders kick like hell. Great show man.
Thanks Chris! My loading pressure is definitely something I Need to work on being consistent with. I'm learning a lot from some competition guys but have a long way to go. Thanks for watching!
@@ILoveMuzzleloading its a devise that screws on your ramrod that makes a pop when you push down your bullet to seat the charge so every charge is loaded the same. I don't know who makes it but competition shooters use it. Your gun is so accurate with multiple loads its unbelievable as it is.
Would love to see an older style rifle(your Hawken for example) with time period style ammo as an accuracy test as well, this video definitely helps for modern muzzleloaders though
Can you do the same test using a 50cal Hawken? I will be hunting deer and elk with my 50 cal hawken this year in Colorado. Would love to hear what you think I should use.
I've taken a dozen whitails, CVA Wolf,150 gr whitehots,250 gr Hornady SST, and 100 gr whitehots,150 gr tips em over,100 gr They all run before falling, I stick with 150 gr whitehots for 0 tracking ☺️
Most modern muzzleloaders can be very accurate. Problem seems to be that many shooters lack the patience to work out the bugs in their muzzleloader. I have a CVA Optima that shoots extremely well. I also have a Thompson Center Encore Prohunter. The prohunter is my first line rifle because it can be used as a muzzleloader, shotgun or centerfire rifle but while the CVA shot well right out the box the TC did not give me the same accuracy. I took it apart adjusted the trigger by filing the sear, changed out all the springs, increased the size of the hinge pin and put a Leupold BDC scope on it. It is sub moa. A little patience and experimentation is all that is needed. Really enjoy this guys videos as he is very down to earth.
Respectfully I have a traditions buckstalker that I use the hornady FTX 290 GR with 100 Gr of 777 and it for a lower end rifle groups inside of a quarter at 100 yrds, I'm really impressed.
That’s some pretty damn respectable shooting. Most people don’t have custom muzzleloaders and match ammo. I’ll take any of those groups any day hunting.
As long as your charges are CONSISTENT, AND do not exceed the working tolerance of the firearm, you’re good. The charge by volume was industry established in relation to the original REAL black powder propellant. It seeks to provide an easily implemented standard that safeguards against individual negligence. Pyrodex is an excellent example, and still my propellant of choice in most of my smoke poles, measured by volume (easy peasy). If the a propellant, by weight, does not exceed a safe volumetric equivalent in power, then it’s no sweat. The problem arises when someone, in ignorance, weighs out a load of a given propellant which exceeds the black powder equivalent. Then bad things happen. This was all before we had so many recently developed muzzleloading propellants. If you are knowledgeable, and do your homework, instead of willynilly dropping a load in a gun, you can work up a safe load by weight using the SAME propellant in the SAME firearm. It’s all about keeping the liability parasites off of the industry’s back.
Wow! Had no idea black powder could be so accurate. Thanks for the info. I'm looking into getting one because I want to get back into hunting and as a felon, my only options are muzzleloaders and bows. Looks like I'll be going the muzzleloader route
I would love to see you shoot the 250gr Thor. With how fast the 300gr shot, you might get over 2200 fps, on average which would be nuts in a muzzleloader not shooting “super magnum” loads.
Your variance in fps is due to not putting the same pressure on your bullets when you seat them. I use two marks on my ramrod. One for just touching the powder. One for pressure seating the bullet on the powder. I used a file to remove enough material on my brass ramrod in a ring around it to paint one ring black and the other red. You will see your consistency improve.
I agree that seating depth and pressure MUST be consistent for more consistent velocities. BUT also, not cleaning/swabbing the barrel between every shot. I have found that with my CVA rifles and Blackhorn 209 that they like at least a one shot "fouling" shot to hit point of aim. I use a Labradar chronograph and get extreme spreads of less than 30 fps and single digit standard deviations - amazing numbers rivaling smokeless powders in a match rifle.
I can vouch for federal premiums trophy copper. They are accurate and easy to load. I have a CVA Acura v2 long range. It is amazing a muzzleloader can shoot this good at 200 yards. I have one of the old Nikon buckmasters 3-12x scope for those 200 yard shots. Those coppers and especially 50 cal will drop them every time. I don’t see how they could make a better muzzleloader than that CVA. I’m convinced the longer barrel helps with my accuracy at distance. Wal Mart has the federals way cheaper than anywhere else if anyone is stocking up. Im buying them up when I see them. The 8 point I shot dropped, not even a step
Nice video! Impressive accuracy for a production rifle! I own one of CVA’s 50 cal pistols set up for BP Hunting in Texas; however, after moving 4 years ago discovered that the county in which I now live had no BP season…so the poor thing has been dormant. I’m going to have to fix that! Your shooting bench is interesting! Did you build that?
Thank you Greg. I hope you get back to hunting with your muzzleloader. Many enjoy hunting with them in the regular rifle season! My grandfather did actually. Been using it for a long time now. Added a fresh coat of paint last year.
@@ILoveMuzzleloading I most likely will, at least that’s the plan for 2023. I’ve been a handgun hunter only for a number of years now and the idea of putting my 50 CVA Pistol to work is very attractive! What power belt bullet did you say was recommended by CVA?
Shockwave 250 and 300 grain with yellow super glide sabots...my favorite is hornady XTP 44 caliber 300 grain with the long sabot...Thompson/Smith and Wesson has sighted in all there muzzle loaders for many years at the factory with 250 grain shockwaves and yellow super glide sabots..shockwaves also come bonded..the best test I know if a barrel is a want a be or world class is the 300 grain 44 caliber long sabot at 100 to 200 yards...Swif A frame also has a 44 caliber 300 grain bullet with sabot....if I wanted to drop a very big white tail in its tracks and or destroy as much tissue as possible I would go hornady XTP magnum 300 grain 45 caliber with heavy duty sabot...that bullet is what hornady puts into its 454 casull...
Blackhorn is by far the best I've ever used. Unfortunately can never find it and if I do its has got WAY to expensive. Went from 49.00 to the highest I've seen is 80.00
That was the best video you have done so far Ethan it was awesome it amazing that the powerbelts ELR bullet looks like bob parkers bullets maybe you can add those to your list and Hornady SST I'll bet your arms is a pinch sore but you make some great videos so thank you for that
Great videos bud I just bought a pursuit XT and I was just wondering if you did any shooting with that gun and what is the best bullets I was looking at borla cuz that's what I used to use in my h&r and in my 50 caliber Hawkins
Nice comparison. I could tell after a couple different shots you made a little noise, like it was kicking pretty hard but all in all good video. Thanks. Keep ye powder dry!
@@ILoveMuzzleloading I could Mail u about 15 of them if you'd like I actually live right by there headquarters and get bulk for pretty cheap pack of 50 for 35 dollars
Blackhorn is awesome, also awesomely expensive. 80 bucks for 10 ounces. 80 gr. Weighed, is a lot. I have a cva accurra that shoots best with about a 90 gr equivalent.
Accuracy wise all groups could be improved by tweaking. However it is clear all would work well for hunting (not interested in match). How about a video on terminal performance?
Great video glad to see someone shooting for groups and not using a lead sled... I personally use a TC Encore 50 cal, two triple 7 50 grain pellets w saboted Hornady 250 HP grain pistol bullets. Mainly because of the ease of finding it all locally and the ability to maintain integrity while hunting long seasons. No loose powder to be found anywhere unfortunately. Either way not to brag but I shoot under an inch at 100, 1.5 at 200... So anyone who can't find loose powder I'd say try the pellets don't shy away from them. I'd love to try loose powder if could find it. I'm really surprised all your bullets grouped so close to the same w the huge variation in speeds and weights.
Thanks Joseph. I hear the lead sleds can affect groups in a negative way. I've always shot like this so it's second nature for me anymore. I'm saving up for some pellets and hope to try them soon.Thanks for writing!
Black Horn 209 is the way to go for in-lines, but at 80.00/can it is expensive now. On another subject, I'm going to try Swiss black powder in the flintlocks this year and see how it performs. Ethan, did you do any tests on Swiss powder? Thanks.
Try 200gr.dead centers with 3 777 pellets swab between shots three shots one hole 100yrds.with your very very accurate rifle you have just try it you'll be amazed leadsled as well you won't ever change then you really have a 300 yrd. gun.
Ethan, thanks for the work that you do in testing powder and bullet types. I have a Thor question. I purchased the Thor sizing kit and used it on my Optima V2 LR. The results was .500 push VERY easily down the bore, with some rifling marks. The .501’s would not ever push down the bore. So I ordered the 250 gr blue tips. Accuracy was dismal ( 3 inch range ) at 100 yds off front and rear bags with weighted Blackhorn 209 charges. This same rille will put 3 ELR’s touching each other at 100 yards. So why not stick with ELR, because New York has restricted lead based bullets in certain hunting areas. Was the effort to load the .501 diameter Thor’s the same as the other bullets in your Accura?
Hey Charles, thanks for writing. I had similar results with my THORs, the .500 pushed down very easily. In fact, the first video I published shooting them, I was shooting the .500s (ruclips.net/video/lQ45sMtFjag/видео.html). I saw similar accuracy, some shots were close, others were flyers. After that I jumped to the .501, but it is very stiff to load, but very accurate. I'd say it's about the same pressure as the Hornady FTX or Federal Bore Lock. I have no trouble loading it on the range. Using Blackhorn 209, the follow up shots aren't any harder to load in my experience. The.501 is tougher to load than the ELR in my experience. Disclaimer: THOR sponsors my podcast and sends me bullets to shoot, but doesn't regulate my commentary on them.
I did extensive group testing with several different CVA Accuras. I tested dozens of types of bullets, but one always did just slightly better than the rest, and that was the T/C 200 grain Shockwave with the blue sabot. The results weren't dramatic. It barely edged out the others, but when it came to down rage trajectory, it was hands down the best at long range. I also shoot blackhorn by weight. Thanks for putting your test results out there for everyone to see.
I also have done Lots of testing with black powder and Black Powder works best of the powders with a 209 shotgun primers. I use federal bullets in my 50. 120g. I have a 458 cal 33" I use 451 buffalo bullets 385g and a veggie wad at 150g of fff. Also high end red bearing grease for barrel coat. Gives less of a 1-2 groups
I have to mention Leroy Miller. A Perl Harbor veteran.
Leroy had a 58 caliber Springfield reproduction. He could hit rams on the High Power Silhouette range just about every time from the bench.
He new his weapon.
I like how there was no eye contact during your consumption of the nana.
Sighting in my Wolf tomorrow and bought some FTX a month ago and your video answered what I'll be hunting with this season. Thanks!
Hope you have a great time this year!
Well done. Very good demonstration & data. Good shooting & groups. Thank you so much for taking it for the team on the shoulder & on the powder reserves.
Thank you. I was a little bruised but it was a fun day at the range.
Very well done. You sir, are very humble, that was some great shooting with all the bullets!
Thanks Jim! You are too kind.
I have the same rifle. Extremely accurate. I am shooting 120 gr of blackthorn with borelocks. Gives 2150 fps and 1” groups. 👍👍
You proved one thing. Every one of those bullets are more accurate than I can shoot. 😅 I’d go out with all the conference in the world with any one of those bullets. Great video.
Thanks so much Trent!
Great video Ethan! Thanks for putting out this awesome content!
Thanks Pal!
@@ILoveMuzzleloading I have developed a new cartridge for muzzleloading rifles which is loaded from the muzzle but ejects itself from the barrel after use and is non-corrosive. This product sets a new standard in safety and reliability for muzzleloader ammunition in the same way shotgun shells are standardized for use in shotguns. Shotshells have a load of shot and powder which produce a safe pressure in shotguns manufactured by many different companies. The pressure produced by this cartridge can be designed to work safely in the muzzleloaders produced by the various manufacturers. It would also greatly help new muzzleloader shooters with safety, and it would also give them a product which will not destroy the barrel of their muzzleloader due to corrosive residue.
Those who say smokeless powder cannot be used in a muzzleloader may not know “Blackhorn 209” is 83% smokeless powder, based on the MSD sheet for the product. Therefore, the claim that smokeless powder cannot be used safely in a muzzleloader falls apart very quickly.
(blackhorn209.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2022-Blackhorn-209-SDS.pdf)
I am now looking for a company willing to mass produce this new cartridge for the market. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pass this information along to those you know who may be interested in this new product.
A link is found below which demonstrates this new product.
RUclips video link: ruclips.net/video/CH5KVOgPRUo/видео.html
Joe Teeter
Teeter's Gunsmithing
Awesome shorts, get a tan
Luv ur video, i'd like to see video of 50.54.58. ball/Minnie/maxi comparison.
The Hornady FTX shoots very good in my TC Encore.
Great video. Great shooting. All groups are way more than enough for hunting.
Thanks Phil!
For my rifle the Thor and 84 grs by weight of Blackthorn 209 was minty
Brand new to blackpowder after my Armslist purchase of an unfired Wolf. I'd say that's outstanding accuracy and ridiculous consistency.
Thanks for another great video. I've learned a ton from watching your content.
Great information , I get my best groups with the FTX also .Thanks for sharing .
Thanks for watching!
👍👍 very impressive. I do love my Accura too. After your demo I'm thinking about those Hornady. Keep them coming, good info.
Thanks! Will do!
Every year I see the ads and promos for new muzzleloaders.... And I say "Why? What's wrong with my Optima? Nothing!"..
The trigger is absolutely first rate. No creep and probably 3lbs to break.
I just sighted in with 2 Triple 7 pellets and a Hornady 240 grain hollow point... I was blown away by the accuracy!! I always shot the 250 grain SSTs and liked them, but these were even better. Hoping to see the on game performance soon.
Great video!
I don't blame ya, I like the "Buy once, cry once" mentality. This rifle will last me for years. Maybe someday I'll upgrade but I'm pretty happy here.
Thanks for watching!
All of my CVA’s love the hornady xtp’s!
great video and groups. i started muzzleloading with lighter bullets but settled into shooting the heavier stuff because they give me better accuracy
I hear many folks say similar things.
Just found the channel. Good stuff. I've had 3 different 50 cal. Muzzleloaders and they all seem to be inherently accurate.
Thanks for watching! Glad you are enjoying your muzzleloaders.
I'm having opposite effect I can't get my traditions g4 pursuit to dial in. Currently using 100 grains powerdex pellets and scorpion pt golds. Gonna switch to the bh 209 loose powder next year.
Great video Ethan. I really dig your practical tests. Plus now your feeding the squirrels banana peals to go with all that peanut butter from the other test!
Thanks Russ!
I like to treat the squirrels, they have planted many investment trees for me over the years.
Based on the accuracy alone, i would gladly hunt with any of these bullets.
Recently, i switched to the T/C .50cal Cheap Shot sabots and have been very pleased with its accuracy and performance on game.
Fun fact-- Thor bullets are made by Barnes Bullets. That being said, I'd try one of the Barnes muzzleloader bullets. My buddy got the 250 grain Magnum MZ (green sabot) to shoot a 0.9" in his Accura at 100 yards.
Thanks for the fun fact!!
my 50 cal accura loves imr whitehot pellets with 150 grains pushing a 285ngrain accutip bullet ,at 100 yds all 5 holes touch each other and at 2oo yds its 1.2 inch spread.over 5 shots. i have had clean passthru shots at 200 yds.on whitetail deer thru the shoulder.
Thanks for the video. Excited to see how triple 7 does!
You and me both! Working on that one now. Thanks for watching
For years I have used 777 ff and mostly 777 fff...I have a 26" a 22" and a 20" encore barrel..I clean after every shot with 4 to six patches and I only used water on the patch..I have a stainless 15" encore pistol barrel and a 15" blue steel encore pistol barrel...777 was the first non corrosive black powder
Nice testing, when the worst is good 👍
Excellent video. As you said, You really cannot complain about any of those groups, especially from a of the shelf rifle. Great shooting!
Thank you kindly!
In my Traditions .50 caliber, I use 75 grains of Pyrodex for practice, and 90 grains for hunting. I use a TC molded bullet, 225 grains. I've used this for the past 30 years. I'll stick with what works best for me.
That's great!
Seriously good info. Thanks for the effort you put forth to share! Much appreciated.
Awesome video. Thanks for taking the time to shoot & compare 🤙🏼
So glad I caught this,I’m using the blackhorn 209 this year,this helped a lot.
Thanks Ron! Glad it was informative.
My wife and use to shoot a 54 TC use round balls out two 200 yards.
It's definitely doable!
Solid content. Those Thor bullets are impressive.
Thanks Joseph!
Excellent vid Ethan! This was very helpful and informative! Thank you!
Thanks! Happy hunting!
I love the Muzzleloading videos!
Thanks Conner!
WOW.....all in the black? That's some fine shooting in my book! Thanks for organizing this cool test.
Thanks Mark!!
If I was the vice president of cva I would sponsor this video with a elite muzzle loader...a elite muzzle loader is a 1 in 5000 best of the lot..its possible that's what were seeing...if he never mentioned cleaning.. shooting 18 then 3 more rounds with good accuracy I would have claimed fraud and then asked for verification of that muzzle loader..at least he cleaned it after 3 rounds..encore and myself cleans between every shot with water...if he's legit and I was there with him I know I could slightly improve his group by me cleaning every shot and going up two grains and down 2 grain and so on..we would find the best group for each load..I also have other secret ways if necessary to improve groups by changing primers and lubrication of the barrel after each shot with Thompson bore butter..every rifle is different every powder is different every bullet is different ..but they all have a sweet spot..you just got to find it
I've got the Accura V2 LR with a Leupold VX Freedom and I'm shooting 90grn by volume of Blackhorn with a 240grn Hornady XTP .44 bullet with the black mmp sabot. I'm getting 1in groups at 100yds. At 50yds the holes are touching!
That's wonderful Jim! Great combination and thank you for sharing!
Jim that's what I'm shooting just 777 and a Optima. 1.5 to 2 moa at 100
I prefer the old school muzzleloaders how do you think those bullets would be? But a great video
Thanks Jeffrey. Planning to do a similar video with the old school bullets very soon.
@@ILoveMuzzleloading awesome can't wait for that video your video's have shown me my love for muzzleloading a lot more .
No need for 5 shot groups, great accuracy, the variates in muzzle velocity affects accuracy. Pushing down the charge is never the same with muzzleloaders but can affect accuracy. Plus by the end of your test you were flintching a little from all that recoil and well deserved. Muzzleloaders kick like hell. Great show man.
Thanks Chris! My loading pressure is definitely something I Need to work on being consistent with. I'm learning a lot from some competition guys but have a long way to go. Thanks for watching!
@@ILoveMuzzleloading its a devise that screws on your ramrod that makes a pop when you push down your bullet to seat the charge so every charge is loaded the same. I don't know who makes it but competition shooters use it. Your gun is so accurate with multiple loads its unbelievable as it is.
If you have never been, take a trip to The Log Cabin Shop in Lodi, Ohio you'll flippen love it
We use to get a bag of Sabots and use pistol bullets. I use to buy a .54 cal sabot that holds a .44 mag. pistol bullet for my Hawkin.
I'd like to see a gel test too. Accuracy is only half the battle. Good work.
Thank you! I'm saving up for some gel.
Well done !
Thanks!
So far with my Cva wolf v2, I am very pleased with the Hornady bore driver FTX 290gr and 120gr of hogdon triple 7 magnum pellets
My wolf same thing with the ftx I hit the bullseye every shot
Would love to see an older style rifle(your Hawken for example) with time period style ammo as an accuracy test as well, this video definitely helps for modern muzzleloaders though
Definitely in the works! Thanks for watching
Weight is by far more accurate that volume. There are no worries when you are shooting under the max ranges
I like the federal bor lock I've been using them since they first came out
Can you do the same test using a 50cal Hawken? I will be hunting deer and elk with my 50 cal hawken this year in Colorado. Would love to hear what you think I should use.
Have you tried the power belt Aerolites? I am and have been for a couple years and the groups at 100 yards with BH are amazing.
I've taken a dozen whitails, CVA Wolf,150 gr whitehots,250 gr Hornady SST, and 100 gr whitehots,150 gr tips em over,100 gr They all run before falling, I stick with 150 gr whitehots for 0 tracking ☺️
nice!!
Sir, I wonder where you got the muzzleloader tan bag.
Congratulations, you're my Muzzleguru now.
I am amazed at the accuracy of this rifle... Great video !
Thanks so much!
Most modern muzzleloaders can be very accurate. Problem seems to be that many shooters lack the patience to work out the bugs in their muzzleloader. I have a CVA Optima that shoots extremely well. I also have a Thompson Center Encore Prohunter. The prohunter is my first line rifle because it can be used as a muzzleloader, shotgun or centerfire rifle but while the CVA shot well right out the box the TC did not give me the same accuracy.
I took it apart adjusted the trigger by filing the sear, changed out all the springs, increased the size of the hinge pin and put a Leupold BDC scope on it. It is sub moa. A little patience and experimentation is all that is needed. Really enjoy this guys videos as he is very down to earth.
Nice shooting!
Copper are devastating to vitals and almost always pass through leaving a spray painted blood trail!
Thanks for the kind words Wayne!
Respectfully I have a traditions buckstalker that I use the hornady FTX 290 GR with 100 Gr of 777 and it for a lower end rifle groups inside of a quarter at 100 yrds, I'm really impressed.
Excellent video, Ethan. The more, the better.
Thanks TOD! Appreciate it.
That’s some pretty damn respectable shooting. Most people don’t have custom muzzleloaders and match ammo. I’ll take any of those groups any day hunting.
Thanks Greg!
As long as your charges are CONSISTENT, AND do not exceed the working tolerance of the firearm, you’re good. The charge by volume was industry established in relation to the original REAL black powder propellant. It seeks to provide an easily implemented standard that safeguards against individual negligence. Pyrodex is an excellent example, and still my propellant of choice in most of my smoke poles, measured by volume (easy peasy). If the a propellant, by weight, does not exceed a safe volumetric equivalent in power, then it’s no sweat. The problem arises when someone, in ignorance, weighs out a load of a given propellant which exceeds the black powder equivalent. Then bad things happen. This was all before we had so many recently developed muzzleloading propellants. If you are knowledgeable, and do your homework, instead of willynilly dropping a load in a gun, you can work up a safe load by weight using the SAME propellant in the SAME firearm. It’s all about keeping the liability parasites off of the industry’s back.
Wow! Had no idea black powder could be so accurate.
Thanks for the info. I'm looking into getting one because I want to get back into hunting and as a felon, my only options are muzzleloaders and bows.
Looks like I'll be going the muzzleloader route
What state you in?
@@vandelayindustries6128 texas
Really good video, a lot of good data. Great groups. A+ , review
Thanks so much!
Great video on muzzleloader I shoot the 270 gr federal bore lock with 150 gr triple 7 powder enjoyed the video thanks !
Sounds like a good combo Carl!
Farthest I have killed a deer with that combo is 162 yards
I would love to see you shoot the 250gr Thor. With how fast the 300gr shot, you might get over 2200 fps, on average which would be nuts in a muzzleloader not shooting “super magnum” loads.
I'll see what I can find!
You and your gun is a dang good shot 👍👍
Your variance in fps is due to not putting the same pressure on your bullets when you seat them. I use two marks on my ramrod. One for just touching the powder. One for pressure seating the bullet on the powder. I used a file to remove enough material on my brass ramrod in a ring around it to paint one ring black and the other red. You will see your consistency improve.
Thank you Brian! I think focusing on my loading pressure is the next step for me and this rifle.
I agree that seating depth and pressure MUST be consistent for more consistent velocities. BUT also, not cleaning/swabbing the barrel between every shot. I have found that with my CVA rifles and Blackhorn 209 that they like at least a one shot "fouling" shot to hit point of aim. I use a Labradar chronograph and get extreme spreads of less than 30 fps and single digit standard deviations - amazing numbers rivaling smokeless powders in a match rifle.
I can vouch for federal premiums trophy copper. They are accurate and easy to load. I have a CVA Acura v2 long range. It is amazing a muzzleloader can shoot this good at 200 yards. I have one of the old Nikon buckmasters 3-12x scope for those 200 yard shots. Those coppers and especially 50 cal will drop them every time. I don’t see how they could make a better muzzleloader than that CVA. I’m convinced the longer barrel helps with my accuracy at distance. Wal Mart has the federals way cheaper than anywhere else if anyone is stocking up. Im buying them up when I see them. The 8 point I shot dropped, not even a step
Ethan. With all the new inlines that you have shot what seems to be the most accurate? And bullet sabot combination
Looks like that rifle likes to kick pretty good
That's some good shooting...... my shoulder hurts just watching.
Thanks Jim! I needed a break after this.
Nice video! Impressive accuracy for a production rifle! I own one of CVA’s 50 cal pistols set up for BP Hunting in Texas; however, after moving 4 years ago discovered that the county in which I now live had no BP season…so the poor thing has been dormant. I’m going to have to fix that!
Your shooting bench is interesting! Did you build that?
Thank you Greg. I hope you get back to hunting with your muzzleloader. Many enjoy hunting with them in the regular rifle season!
My grandfather did actually. Been using it for a long time now. Added a fresh coat of paint last year.
@@ILoveMuzzleloading I most likely will, at least that’s the plan for 2023. I’ve been a handgun hunter only for a number of years now and the idea of putting my 50 CVA Pistol to work is very attractive! What power belt bullet did you say was recommended by CVA?
Awesome vid! thank you for posting.
Thanks man!
Awesome video man. Feel bad for your shoulder 😂
Tell me about it, LOL
Shockwave 250 and 300 grain with yellow super glide sabots...my favorite is hornady XTP 44 caliber 300 grain with the long sabot...Thompson/Smith and Wesson has sighted in all there muzzle loaders for many years at the factory with 250 grain shockwaves and yellow super glide sabots..shockwaves also come bonded..the best test I know if a barrel is a want a be or world class is the 300 grain 44 caliber long sabot at 100 to 200 yards...Swif A frame also has a 44 caliber 300 grain bullet with sabot....if I wanted to drop a very big white tail in its tracks and or destroy as much tissue as possible I would go hornady XTP magnum 300 grain 45 caliber with heavy duty sabot...that bullet is what hornady puts into its 454 casull...
Thanks for the insight!
You need a lead sled. It will help reduce recoil, increase accuracy and it stays put so no messing with the rest after every shot.
Interesting, I've heard that lead sleds can negativly affect muzzleloading accuracy.
Blackhorn is by far the best I've ever used. Unfortunately can never find it and if I do its has got WAY to expensive. Went from 49.00 to the highest I've seen is 80.00
That was the best video you have done so far Ethan it was awesome it amazing that the powerbelts ELR bullet looks like bob parkers bullets maybe you can add those to your list and Hornady SST I'll bet your arms is a pinch sore but you make some great videos so thank you for that
Thank you Jeff! Will add them to my list!
Black horn is the best for accuracy. My Thompson was never great till I went to that great powder.
Great components make a big difference.
Should test all QT precision bullet. I been using them for 12 yrs and shot deer dead on track upto 330yds
That muzzleloader accurate AF
Great videos bud I just bought a pursuit XT and I was just wondering if you did any shooting with that gun and what is the best bullets I was looking at borla cuz that's what I used to use in my h&r and in my 50 caliber Hawkins
I’ve not used either personally, but I’ve heard great things about the smack down MZ in the traditions guns
Nice comparison. I could tell after a couple different shots you made a little noise, like it was kicking pretty hard but all in all good video. Thanks. Keep ye powder dry!
Thanks Terry!
Thanks for doing this Ethan. Curios have you ever tried the Harvester sabot with PT gold scorpion bullet?
I've not but I see them now and then at local shops. I'll try to pick some up.
@@ILoveMuzzleloading I could Mail u about 15 of them if you'd like I actually live right by there headquarters and get bulk for pretty cheap pack of 50 for 35 dollars
Blackhorn is awesome, also awesomely expensive. 80 bucks for 10 ounces. 80 gr. Weighed, is a lot. I have a cva accurra that shoots best with about a 90 gr equivalent.
Azle tx? That where I'm at. Wanna check out the accura LR-X when it arrives
Accuracy wise all groups could be improved by tweaking. However it is clear all would work well for hunting (not interested in match). How about a video on terminal performance?
Great video glad to see someone shooting for groups and not using a lead sled... I personally use a TC Encore 50 cal, two triple 7 50 grain pellets w saboted Hornady 250 HP grain pistol bullets. Mainly because of the ease of finding it all locally and the ability to maintain integrity while hunting long seasons. No loose powder to be found anywhere unfortunately. Either way not to brag but I shoot under an inch at 100, 1.5 at 200... So anyone who can't find loose powder I'd say try the pellets don't shy away from them. I'd love to try loose powder if could find it. I'm really surprised all your bullets grouped so close to the same w the huge variation in speeds and weights.
Thanks Joseph. I hear the lead sleds can affect groups in a negative way. I've always shot like this so it's second nature for me anymore.
I'm saving up for some pellets and hope to try them soon.Thanks for writing!
Black Horn 209 is the way to go for in-lines, but at 80.00/can it is expensive now. On another subject, I'm going to try Swiss black powder in the flintlocks this year and see how it performs. Ethan, did you do any tests on Swiss powder? Thanks.
Had no luck with the bore lock in my CVA.
Ethan Great Stuff Mr. Great test 🇺🇸🗽🇺🇸👍👍🦌 🐻
The Vermonter
Glad you enjoyed it!
Measuring all my powder by weight. It is the most accurate and consistent. Blackpowder included. I guess im a sinner too.
No judgement from me Brian, thanks for watching
Ah, now let's see a patched round ball outta that thing!
Ask and ye shall recieve
Good test
Thanks
Great job enjoy very much
Thank you!
would like to see the triple 7 comparison as blackhorn 209 is rare and very expensive in Canada
That exact test is coming very soon!
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it
What if you can do test with ramrod installed ,its not a free-floating barrel and out in field ramrod will be installed, will that change accuracy?
I could try down the road, but I think the difference would be hard to notice.
Every now and then I still get scope punched when I put a heavier than normal load in my muzzleloader 😂
That rifle really kicks! Have you thought about adding a muzzle brake?
Try 200gr.dead centers with 3 777 pellets swab between shots three shots one hole 100yrds.with your very very accurate rifle you have just try it you'll be amazed leadsled as well you won't ever change then you really have a 300 yrd. gun.
Awesome awesome thanks
How do you figure out which bullet and how many grains of power your setup likes? Start with bullet or grains of powder?
Ethan, thanks for the work that you do in testing powder and bullet types. I have a Thor question. I purchased the Thor sizing kit and used it on my Optima V2 LR. The results was .500 push VERY easily down the bore, with some rifling marks. The .501’s would not ever push down the bore. So I ordered the 250 gr blue tips. Accuracy was dismal ( 3 inch range ) at 100 yds off front and rear bags with weighted Blackhorn 209 charges. This same rille will put 3 ELR’s touching each other at 100 yards. So why not stick with ELR, because New York has restricted lead based bullets in certain hunting areas. Was the effort to load the .501 diameter Thor’s the same as the other bullets in your Accura?
Hey Charles, thanks for writing.
I had similar results with my THORs, the .500 pushed down very easily. In fact, the first video I published shooting them, I was shooting the .500s (ruclips.net/video/lQ45sMtFjag/видео.html). I saw similar accuracy, some shots were close, others were flyers.
After that I jumped to the .501, but it is very stiff to load, but very accurate. I'd say it's about the same pressure as the Hornady FTX or Federal Bore Lock. I have no trouble loading it on the range. Using Blackhorn 209, the follow up shots aren't any harder to load in my experience.
The.501 is tougher to load than the ELR in my experience.
Disclaimer: THOR sponsors my podcast and sends me bullets to shoot, but doesn't regulate my commentary on them.
I like your range bag
Thank you. I do too.
Having trouble finding the Hornady bore driver. And recommendations