I also have a CVA mine is the Beartooth Mag. in
45cal. Mine will shoot the 195gr. aero-tip power-
belts really well, with 100gr. of Pyrodex or 777 in
pellet form. Cva has a very distinct and deep cut
to the lands & grooves or rifling. Powerbelts should
load very easily, in other words you should not
need much pressure on the ramrod to load. You may
have some bad powder, but my 45 just doesn't
like loose powder. You may find some left-over
pellets at the local WallyWorld, cheap & give them
a try. Good luck.............Danny