I have hunted all my life. Centerfire rifles, shotguns and bows. However, when I moved to Virginia I found that I was only allowed to hunt with shotguns, bows and muzzleloaders. Well it didn't take long for me to figure out "I need a muzzleloader". After finding this awesome website, and reading countless postings and opinions, I jumped. During one of Cabela's sales, I bought the CVA Acura.
Due to family commitments, the new rifle sat in the box waiting for me. Every morning I would see the box and promise myself I would take it out that evening.....nope. So this went on for two weeks. But today was different, I took the day off and played muzzleloader. These things are just too cool!!! I'm hooked!!!!!
Along with all the nice things about muzzleloading, I also found out about a few of the "bumps in the road". Yes, I'm talking about the 777 crude ring. The name says it all!! I loaded the first round; two pellets and rammed the Powerbelt 245 down until it seated, then pulled the trigger. Big cloud of smoke to go with my big smile!! However, on the second round I wasn't even able to push the next bullet down the barrel, at least not all the way down. So I took the breach plug out, put the two pellets back in the container and PUSHED the bullet on through; whew. I then put the barrel up to the sky and sure 'nuf, I could see the ol' crude ring.
Anyway, I have since learned to swab the bore prior to loading the next round.
So in conclusion, I would like to thank all of you for all the great information, advise, criticism, counter-arguments and the camaraderie that you all provided. Thank you all!!!
Your next rifle will really be fun to shoot. And the one after that even better. Have fun and be safe.
__________________
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, a total wreck, screaming Yahoo, with a big smile on your face."
great gun and that load should give at least 2" group @ 100. Ive switched to american pioneer powder and dont even ever have to think about swabbing again lol. i also own the accura. CVA has the V2 Accura coming out in may with QR BP ( quick release breech plug)
Welcome to the addiction. I don't know what it is that makes shooting these so damn much fun, I suspect the smoke, the challenge, the options, the gadgets...who knows, but it sure is fun. Good luck, shoot straight, be careful.