Hey all

I shoot a CVA Kodiak and would like find a less expensive hunting load. It shoots 295gr PB pretty well but you all know they aren't the cheapest set-up in the world. I've heard lots of good things about the XTP. CVA doesn't recommend anything over 300gr so I bought some 240gr which I have yet to shoot. Should I stick with the 240s or give the 300s a try too? I actually bought the TC brand... are they the same diameter as the regular Hornady bullets, .452? I couldn't find any info on TC's website. I picked-up some of the Harvester (50 cal)45 cal Crushed Rib sabots as as anything else I've tried load a bit too snug. Thanks for your help!

I'm pretty sure those are .430 and by all means try the 300's. I'm surprised at the 300gr limit from CVA. What rifle is it?

By all means try the 300's. They shoot much beter in my gun. You made a good choice in those bullets. They're my favorites. They will perform great on deer with 110 grains Pyrodex. Give 'em a try!

I prefer the TC's over the Hornady's because of the price. I've shot the Hornady's lots though and can only say good things for them.

The Thompson Center Mag Express 240 XTP's should work fine. They have a black sabot with them and I believe they are a .452 diameter. If they load hard then try the crushed rib sabots. The crushed rib should help a lot. Be sure to swab between shots, and start your rifle with 80 grains. If it is like my rifle, I think you will be pleased with the accuracy. If they shoot well, then try some 300 grain XTPs in the future. Good luck, and keep us posted.

Big Ol Gobbler

The 240 XTP has probably killed more deer from a ML than any other bullet, but I would recommend to you to get ahold of a box of Speer Gold Dot .452 - 300 grain HP's... they are great....

The key to any bullet will be finding a sabot that will load in your barrel, that is one of the reasons that BPI/CVA recommends the Powerbelt, saves a lot of time trying to explain the tight bore. Harvester makes a bullet like the Powerbelt, called a SaberTooth and they are less expensive than the PB's..

http://www.harvesterbullets.com/

It is/was my understanding - originally the 240 grain was a 44 cal bullet (.430) but I know think Hornady makes both a 44 cal and a 45 cal (.452)

Check your box it should tell you which one you have...

I think it depends in if he gets the Mag Express or just the XTP's. As to what caliber they are.I like the Mag Express.

300 grain limit? Where did you pull that out of? A randy wakeman review? im using a 385 grain bullet right now. Dont let others tell you different, call CVA and ask them what is safe to use. This is how accidents happen, listening to others who dont know jack about the other brand.

My CVA manual for my CVA Staghorn Magnum states on page 8 " Saboted Bullets- Modern Sabots from various manufacturers have been tested and provide acceptable accuracy in CVA firearms when complying with manufacturers recommendations for usage. Caution: Do not use a saboted bullet weighing more then 300 grains (figure 1-c) "

thats an older cva. Im going to see if cva has a new manual. I believe Phil was shooting 375 grain buffalo sabots out of his apex.

Okay i found the info we all wanted to know.

When using pelletized powder, Sabots should not exceed 300grains "150 grain pellet loads im thinking"

My bad, when shooting loose powder andconicals, bullet weight should not exceed 400 grains.
I also found in print that you can shoot up to 110 grains loose powder and they state, anything over that in most cases will not burn completely.

http://cva.com/warranty/CVA%20OptimaKoiak%20Warr%20Book.pdf