I have an in-line on my X-mas list. A 50 cal. CVA with 26" barrel to be exact. What kind of velocity/energy numbers will this rifle acheive using 250gr sabot bullets, 3 pyrodex pellets and a #209 shotgun primer? I'll be trying Barnes X-pander bullets.

Scott Meier
White Oak Lodge

Any idea about in-line velocity ranges? I guess I'll have to wait until Christmas and see if loads and velocities are in the manual.

Scott Meier
White Oak Lodge

Just from what I've read elsewhere & a little guesswork, I'd say that that you could probably expect close to 2000fps with that load. However, you'll probably also find that it is not very accurate. Typically, the 150gr of powder does not burn completely in the barrel and ends up throwing the bullet off some as it leaves the barrel. 100gr of powder is more that enough for that light of a bullet - and it will be more accurate to boot!


"Every moving thing that liveth, I give unto you as meat" (Gen 9:3)

Trust God..........but keep your powder dry!

Thanks for the reply. I'll have to try 100 and 150 to see what shoots better in my rifle. How much velocity will you use when you drop down to 100 grains?

Scott Meier
White Oak Lodge

Scott,

Without a Chrony, I really can't tell you the exact fps drop you're looking at, but let me give you a funtional example:

I'll shoot 350gr sabot rounds on the "X" at 100yds with 110gr of Pyro RS and then dropping back to 300gr XTP Mags at 90gr of Pyro I can shoot the exact same "X"s without adjusting the sights at all. And I've never had an animal yet that walked away after being hit by either load. That tells me that they both are traveling at near the same speed & hitting with the same amount of force. Based on Precision Rifle's numbers and a little seat-of-the-pants feel.......I'd say the load is probably running around 1600fps out of the muzzle.


"Every moving thing that liveth, I give unto you as meat" (Gen 9:3)

Trust God..........but keep your powder dry!

So it sounds like the in-line muzzle loader will perform similarly to a .45-70 using factory ammo. Nobody ever complained about the performance of a .45-70. Long range is not a big consideration as I will be using this set-up in the October season. Distances are much shorter and cover is still thick. Thanks for the input.

Scott Meier
White Oak Lodge

From my Whitetail with a 24" barrell and 100 grains of Pyrodex P I'm getting 1585 FPS with Mag Sabots and 300 grain XTPs.

It sounds like I'll have plenty of juice from this muzzle loader. It's flintlock only now in PA so I'll have several months to work up a load. It's going to be fun, though. Next I have to scope it.

Scott Meier
White Oak Lodge