Kodiak Magnum Loads

Ken Gunning · 10-25-2011, 09:33 AM

I have a CVA Kodiak magnum and have killed a lot of deer with it over the years. My problem is I have yet to find a load that will give great accuracy at 100 yards or further. I currently shoot 300 grain jacketed bullets with crush rib sabots and push it with 70 grains of FF black powder. I know most people like to shoot heavier loads, but I have never had a bullet that stayed in a deer, so I figured I had enough oomph.

I want to hunt with it in Western Kansas next year where shot of 150 yards can be expected.

Anyway, any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks
Ken

cayugad · 10-25-2011, 10:26 AM

The Black Powder IMO is a great choice of powder. I know you're going to hear a lot of people recommend BlackHorn 209, but that black powder will do anything that Blackhorn can do for you in the field. Now for the load, remember you have a magnum capable rifle. And while I agree smaller loads work fine. because of the distance you want to shoot, try boosting that powder charge up. Move up to 90 grains of 2f and see if the accuracy is not better. In fact if the accuracy improves, move it up to a little more .. say 100-110 and see if the accuracy is still there. While you might not like the idea of the stronger charges... if the accuracy is there and you have to shoot longer distances, the stronger powder charge will not hurt..

smokey92 · 10-25-2011, 01:09 PM

In my Kodiak the recipe is:
95-100 gr of Blackhorn 209
.250 gr Speer Deep Curls (AKA Gold Dot)
MMP Sabots (Black HPH 24)
CCI Magnum 209 Primers

1.5" high @ 100 yards.

oldsmellhound · 10-25-2011, 02:21 PM

I would first try heavier powder charges- start at 80 grains and move up in 5 grain increments until you find the "sweet" spot. If that fails, try a different sabot- the crush ribs can be fairly loose in some guns. I've tried crush ribs in my CVA Wolf and in a Knight and so far have not had good accuracy with either rifle. A tighter-fitting sabot often provides better accuracy.

lemoyne · 10-25-2011, 05:12 PM

people often use the crush rib sabots because they load real easy, problem is if they load to easy they don't shoot good. Have you ever tried a bit thicker sabot?