I finally bought one
 

I just blew some coin on my first m/l - a Winchester Apex. Anyone have any pet loads for one of these beasts? Any complaints or praises?
I can't wait to light it up!

RE: I finally bought one
 

Always ask about complaints or praises BEFORE you buy the ML.... not after! Try some 240 gr. T/C Mag Express sabots and300 gr. T/C Shockwaves with 80 gr. to start. Move up slowly with powder until shot groups spread. Do not exceed 100 gr. loose powder or 120 grains in pellets with that dressed-up CVA. Always make sure you never short-start that bullet with that soft-steel Spanish barrel & examine your breechplug often for enlarged holes or hairline cracks.

RE: I finally bought one
 

I've read post of people having good luck shooting powerbelts out of them also.. good luck with your new rifle.

RE: I finally bought one
 

Congrats on the new ML, I don't personally know anything good or bad about your purchase. I'm a T/C man myself. By the way you didn't get that from "Old English Outfitters" did you? I used to leave in Huber Heights until about a year ago now I'm in the SE part of the state, otherwise known as God's Country. LOL:).

RE: I finally bought one
 

With all due respect to Triple Se7en,

1- I have never heard of any properly cared for and loaded CVA/ Winchester muzzleloader failing because of "soft steel".

2- I have read many post from satisfied customers who own them. I infact own two CVA rifles both are percusion one is new the other has been through hell and back and still shoots fine after almost 30 years of use/abuse.

3- The proof marks on the barrel tell you that they met a minimum gov standard for the pressures rated.


The way some people talk about these rifles we would have hunters dropping like flies all over the shooting ranges and in the woods. Yeh they ain't a Thomson Center or Knight at all in so far as how well they are made or how heavy a charge they can shoot but they do shoot well enough to take any animal in the lower 48 with the possible exception of the great bears out west.

240-250g sabots or 300g powerbelts would be a good starting point with an 80g charge of FFF blackpowder or Triple Seven. I would not even bother trying the max loads recomended in your manual until you build up a load that is accurate and consistant. If like my CVA's sweet spot will be around 90g of powder.

Good Luck!! Your new rifle should give you years of great shooting.

RE: I finally bought one
 

what cal?

RE: I finally bought one
 

Settlement agreement! And the company refuses to furnish any test data or even where they are tested. Stay below the factory load suggestions.