RE: .50 cal. Optima Pro loads
 

Steve the Shockwaves are sabots,can't use them in Colorado. I checked the CVA manual and it says 400 gr. max. bullet weight.
Frontier I really do not want to use a bullet over 300 gr. because of the drop. I would rather use a lighter bullet that is still flying good than a heavy bullet that is tumbling to the earth like a fastball from my arm. Thanks to all,please keep them coming.

RE: .50 cal. Optima Pro loads
 

I am lining up bullets to test for elk in Colorado in 2008. I am starting my testing with Barnes 290g TMZ and Knight Ultimate Slam 285g, also made by Barnes. both are all copper, both have aerodynamic design. I intend to hunt inline ML in 1st rifle season, in Oct 08. Chap Gleason

RE: .50 cal. Optima Pro loads
 

You know, I just thought of it, but check out cabelas. I belive they have a 300 grain CVA Buckslayer conical. That should be enough for an elk.

Edit:

My Bad, Cabelas no longer sells them. Heres the CVA website to order some.

http://cva.com/products/access_shoot.htm

RE: .50 cal. Optima Pro loads
 

Chap,
The Barnes TMZ is a sabot which isn't legal in Colorado, and the Knight also looks to be a sabot and if it isn't how does it seal.
Thanks Dave
Or are you using the ML in place of a centerfire?

RE: .50 cal. Optima Pro loads
 

Being a CVA Optima Pro and needing to use an all lead conical, you might look at Powerbelts, Saber Tooth Concials, Maxi Ball, or Hornady Great Plains Conicals. One of them should shoot well in the rifle, but it will require some trial and error on your part. My CVA Staghorn shoots powerbelts, maxiball, and REAL conical pretty good actually. As long as I do not push them more then 90 - 100grains.

RE: .50 cal. Optima Pro loads
 

Tried shooting the 270 Platinums with 120 g of T7 and it was all over the place. Dropped down to 100 g of T7 and shot pretty good with the 270 Platinums and also shot some 245 gr hollow points with 100g of T7 and they were very good. Need to stock up again, this practicing is getting exspensive.

RE: .50 cal. Optima Pro loads
 

Not as expensive and heart breaking when you shoot an elk with a light weight 245-270 grain bullet and end up losing it. I'd give those 300 grain cva buckslayers a really good look.

RE: .50 cal. Optima Pro loads
 

BTW i forgot to mention. 120 grains Triple 7 is an overload and thats the reason the powerbelts scatter. triple 7 is 15-20% more powerful than pyrodex rs or blackpowder, Thats why thet started grouping better when you dropped them down in the 100 grain range. Im still learning with my rifle and triple7. I'd honestly switch to pyrodex RS if you're going to shoot powerbelts or conicals. Pyrodex seems to do the best with an all lead bullet like the buckslayers.

RE: .50 cal. Optima Pro loads
 

Also in case no one mentioned it.. when I used to shoot lots of powerbelts, I got better accuracy when I would, prior to loading, pull the plastic button off the bottom and put a little dab of bore butter on the lead spike. Oil or spit will also do. Then replace the button. The idea is to get that plastic button loose, so the conical will shed that faster. I have found some of them down range as far as 50 yards, which surprised me. I just seemed to shoot better groups with them. With 120 grains of Triple Se7en I am surprised you had any kind of accuracy. I get the best out of them when they are around 90-100 grains, but all rifles are different...

If you want an all lead projectile, try some of the maxiball (not the maxi hunter.. never could get them to shoot). They are 370 grain pure lead and if you were to punch that into an elk it should do a world of hurt on them. I buy mind from Black Jack Hill and then lube them myself with a home made lube. He also has REAL conicals. I just am not convinced that a REAL is a good choice for any distance over 100 yards. At least I have never proved that to myself.

http://www.blackjackhill.com/