Setting up Idaho long range muzzleloader with potential for conversion to 209 ignition/scope use for short range or out of state hunts.

[Chuckybmd]

Hi, I am looking for specific advice regarding a dual long range muzzleloader set up that I can use with Idaho regulations for standard muzzy seasons but convert for use in short range units and out of state units that allow 209 primers/scope use. I’m hoping for the ability to shoot in the 200-300 yard range accurately.

Right now I have a northwest legal CVA Optima V2 with Williams peep site that is OK up to 100 yards but I wanted to increase my shooting distance.

I see that you can order a CVA Accura LRX and get a conversion kit for Northwest legal ignition. Has anyone here had experience with this that can weigh in on changes with accuracy or effectiveness of using the conversion kit? I really like the gun, but I hate that they took the ramrod off of it and have substitute of a collapsible carbon fiber ramrod.

I am also considering a Knight mountaineer or ultralight which I like quite a bit except I’m looking at about 1600 bucks nearly twice the cost it was in 2020. I like that they still have the Ram rod attached to the gun.

I imagine I’m not the only one that has posed this question. Has anyone converted their LRX to western ignition and been happy with it? Any other guns that someone could recommend to me?

 

[coacht84]

My first question would be, why is your current setup limiting you to 100 yards? I think with the Optima and proper load development, especially with sabotted bullets if you want, you could double or triple your range. I've been shooting a Wolf out to 150 pretty accurately. I just ordered an Optima and I expect to get to 250 yard accuracy with 2 more inches of barrel length and lots of time spent developing my load.

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[Matt5266]

My first question would be, why is your current setup limiting you to 100 yards? I think with the Optima and proper load development, especially with sabotted bullets if you want, you could double or triple your range. I've been shooting a Wolf out to 150 pretty accurately. I just ordered an Optima and I expect to get to 250 yard accuracy with 2 more inches of barrel length and lots of time spent developing my load.

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Is your Wolf the northwest legal version? Idaho just legalized sabots so I'm looking for a new bullet for a upcoming elk hunt.

Mind sharing your load, in pretty new to MLs

 

[coacht84]

Is your Wolf the northwest legal version? Idaho just legalized sabots so I'm looking for a new bullet for a upcoming elk hunt.

Mind sharing your load, in pretty new to MLs

Yes, mine is NW legal. I'm in Idaho and have used it a lot the last few years. I wanted to shoot heavy full lead bullets, but could never get them to shoot well over 100 yards out of my Wolf. Last year I used the Hornady Bore Driver ELDX and they shot well out to 150 with about 90 grains by volume of Triple 7 with RWS musket caps.

BTW every Powerbelt I ever tried shot very accurately, but prior to last year Idaho required full lead bullets and the full lead Powerbelt options are not adequate for elk. I haven't revisited any of the jacketed Powerbelts now that they are legal in Idaho, but you could try they. Just make sure they will provide the terminal performance you need.

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[Chuckybmd]

My first question would be, why is your current setup limiting you to 100 yards? I think with the Optima and proper load development, especially with sabotted bullets if you want, you could double or triple your range. I've been shooting a Wolf out to 150 pretty accurately. I just ordered an Optima and I expect to get to 250 yard accuracy with 2 more inches of barrel length and lots of time spent developing my load.

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it’s a decent gun, but I don’t think you can get 250 yard groups, though I will be impressed if you do. It definitely has its limitations. The other problem I will run into as I cannot put a scope on it, which I would like to do for out-of-state hunts and short range weapon units.

 

[coacht84]

it’s a decent gun, but I don’t think you can get 250 yard groups, though I will be impressed if you do. It definitely has its limitations. The other problem I will run into as I cannot put a scope on it, which I would like to do for out-of-state hunts and short range weapon units.

Why can't you mount a scope?
I've got this rail sight on my Wolf https://muzzle-loaders.com/products...ght-cva-accura-optima-wolf-apex-rifles-679010

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[Chuckybmd]

Why can't you mount a scope?
I've got this rail sight on my Wolf https://muzzle-loaders.com/products...ght-cva-accura-optima-wolf-apex-rifles-679010

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Mine isnt tapped for one

 

[Chuckybmd]

Mine isnt tapped for one

Oh I see, what’s your showing me I guess I could get a scope with that setup. yeah I just don’t have a lot of confidence in the gun. It’s OK it’s good for short ranges but mine is erratic and I can’t get it to group better. And honestly, I just don’t trust it at longer ranges. I just see the groups opening up a lot at that distance. I want something nicer and more effective which is why I’m asking the question in the op. I hope your experience is different with yours.

 

[ElDiablito]

Why try to make one rifle work everywhere? I’d buy a couple.

Powerbelts are all garbage. They don’t make a “jacketed bullet” only lead and copper plated. None are adequate for elk.

 

[coacht84]

Why try to make one rifle work everywhere? I’d buy a couple.

Powerbelts are all garbage. They don’t make a “jacketed bullet” only lead and copper plated. None are adequate for elk.

Good point for the OP. Compared to rifles and bows, MLs are pretty cheap. Start filling the safe.

I knew you would say that about Powerbelts... and I know you are right, I just wish you weren't because they shoot so well out of my Wolf. I wish they would make some kind of mono copper or partition type of Powerbelt.

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[Fmuguira]

I believe ID still prohibits scopes for muzzleloader seasons thus 1x if you can find one or peepsight so that’s the biggest limiting factor in my opinion.

Now in short range season you can use a scope and effectively shoot to 200-250 yds if you ve gotten a good bullet, powder charge worked up. No figure the logic of those 2 scenarios for using a muzzleloader in ID.

IMO the archery hunters have extended their effective range much more than muzzleloader shave in the past couple decades due to better equipment, State allowing bigger leftoff on bows now days, etc. Seems kind of obvious that the archery coilition is much stronger/political with F&G than the muzzleloader one!!

 

[Chuckybmd]

I believe ID still prohibits scopes for muzzleloader seasons thus 1x if you can find one or peepsight so that’s the biggest limiting factor in my opinion.

Now in short range season you can use a scope and effectively shoot to 200-250 yds if you ve gotten a good bullet, powder charge worked up. No figure the logic of those 2 scenarios for using a muzzleloader in ID.

IMO the archery hunters have extended their effective range much more than muzzleloader shave in the past couple decades due to better equipment, State allowing bigger leftoff on bows now days, etc. Seems kind of obvious that the archery coilition is much stronger/political with F&G than the muzzleloader one!!

Yeah, I would have to use the peep sites for Muzzy season and I could use a scope for short range.