So I need to pickup an inexpensive ML...

[HairyScandinavian]

We drew a weird hunt in Texas in January that requires a ML. Before I haul off and buy a CVA Wolf V2 stainless I figured I should check and be sure there's no pitfalls. I'd like the Accura MR-X but money is tight and this is probably a one time use thing most likely... It would appear I'll want to use Blackhorn 209 so the breech plug purchase is on the radar. Scopes are allowed for this hunt and it appears they're drilled/tapped for irons as well so could become CO legal by removing the scope and can get a set of the Williams irons for it. Are there any reasons NOT to buy the Wolf V2 or anything I'm missing? I need simple to use, and simple to clean and maintain.

 

[ElDiablito]

If I were gonna buy a CVA, I’d get the cheapest one they sell and then upgrade later to a nice rifle.

If you want a recommendation on a nice affordable rifle - find a used TC Omega.

 

[HairyScandinavian]

Thanks, that's the most likely route. Rifle is roughly $240 after shipping plus another $70 for the breech plug which I'll shop around more. I was reading somewhere the Accura may come with two breech plugs and that's $480 so puts it at $410 if it does in fact come with the BH 209 breech plug and that cost is factored in. I just need this thing to work once, but it needs to work well and get the job done.

 

[ElDiablito]

You can grab a used Omega on GB for 300 ish bucks and no need for a second plug.

 

[iamthenick]

Depending on your hunt you might want a ML capable of Magnum loads, I have rhe optima v2 LR and shoot 150 grains of powder. I can shoot pretty good at 100 yds, im sure you can do it with less powder but the 150 makes it shoot flatter.

I wouldn't get hung up on the Blackhorn 209, i shoot pellets and they are plenty accurate.

From my readings on here the people who shoot loose powder tailor the load to the bullet and do all kinda testing... if I were you id splurge a little more on the gun and save on the powder by getting pellets.

I shoot a 250 grn all copper sabot from hornady and everything ive hit with it I watch fall.

Good luck buddy

 

[HairyScandinavian]

The loose powder thing was to stay legal in other states, seem to recall reading one of them didn't allow pellets. That's not a necessity for this though, was just trying to make this more than a 1-time use item. I can always switch that up later though, spread out the funds over time and do that later.

You can grab a used Omega on GB for 300 ish bucks and no need for a second plug.

That works out to be less expensive, will check it out thank you.

Depending on your hunt you might want a ML capable of Magnum loads, I have rhe optima v2 LR and shoot 150 grains of powder. I can shoot pretty good at 100 yds, im sure you can do it with less powder but the 150 makes it shoot flatter.

I wouldn't get hung up on the Blackhorn 209, i shoot pellets and they are plenty accurate.

From my readings on here the people who shoot loose powder tailor the load to the bullet and do all kinda testing... if I were you id splurge a little more on the gun and save on the powder by getting pellets.

I shoot a 250 grn all copper sabot from hornady and everything ive hit with it I watch fall.

Good luck buddy

I wasn't aware there was a magnum class, that could very well influence things. I've got some research to do, thank you.

 

[iamthenick]

The loose powder thing was to stay legal in other states, seem to recall reading one of them didn't allow pellets. That's not a necessity for this though, was just trying to make this more than a 1-time use item.


That works out to be less expensive, will check it out thank you.


I wasn't aware there was a magnum class, that could very well influence things. I've got some research to do, thank you.

Pretty sure CVA uses the LR for long range to label their guns, not sure on other brands. But the nice thing is you can always shoot less powder if you don't need the full load.

 

[ElDiablito]

“Magnum” is an antiquated term. All modern inlines are rated for 150 grV powder (120 grV max BH209), as far as I know. But, the best combination of speed and dispersion is rarely max load.

If you’re not shooting BH209, pellets are way more expensive per shot than loose powder.

 

[CorbLand]

I had a wolf that I could not get to shoot worth a damn. Spent more money trying to get it to shoot than I did on the gun.

 

[KnightExtreme]

Good Luck finding an Omega. Some auction sites as of late can go well over 400.00 with S&H and maybe Credit Fee. Not saying you can't find one but been watching and yet to find a decent one with a good bore (not pitted stained or corroded ) Add the cost of an 8 oz of BH209 that is now near 90.00 plus some 209 primers (local otherwise hazmat fees come into play unless they have a special with no hazmat) and some decent Sabot Bullets plus range time getting one dialed in... (Would not get your hopes up buying a T/C Omega)
Good Luck........

 

[HairyScandinavian]

I think for the time being I'm going to go with pellets for simplicity and quick setup and consistency (by me) since I'm new. In the future if I were to draw anything out West I can circle back and make things legal for the local. Powders and sights are easy as long as the rifle itself is compatible. This seems to be a good plan for quicker startup and less startup expense.

I had a wolf that I could not get to shoot worth a damn. Spent more money trying to get it to shoot than I did on the gun.

That's concerning because I need this thing to work out of the box. I do have time with the hunt being back half of January but I don't have time to waste because I'll have a learning curve myself so can't afford to play with a lemon. Appreciate the input.

 

[ElDiablito]

I'll have a learning curve myself so can't afford to play with a lemon

You’re much more likely to get a “lemon” buying anything CVA. Do a quick search for problems with muzzleloaders and you’ll see that it’s nearly always a CVA….

 

[NRA4LIFE]

Optima

 

[Rich M]

Yup. Get an optima. 200 yd gun anyway.

 

[CorbLand]

If you’re going to go CVA, I wouldn’t get anything less than an Optima. I know people that have wolfs that flat shoot though.

 

[LCguy]

CVA Wolf v2 has worked fine for me. Will probably upgrade next year but I can't really complain. Just smoked an elk at 127 yards with iron sights. Also, use Barnes bullets.

 

[Bugger]

I’m very happy with my TC Triumph. It goes to CO just about every year and was a backup to the slug gun on one of those south TX hunts in ‘23.