CVA Optima. How manys shots before swabbing barrel?
 

I have a CVA Optima 209 and I love it other than having to swab my barrel after every shot. When I sighted her in, I swabbed after every shot to ensure accuracy. I have tried to reload without swabbing the barrel several times and the round gets stuck about an half inch from seating everytime. I use .50 cal 240 grain shock waves and I have also tried 200 grain with the same results. Is it gun or should I try a differnt round? Help please.

RE: CVA Optima. How manys shots before swabbing barrel?
 

If you're getting good accuracy, you might just be forced to swab. I will guess that you are shooting Triple Se7en 2f. You could try a cleaner burning powder like APP, or go to a different projectile. Are you using a witness mark to make sure that perhaps you only think they are short loading?

Some people use one bullet for their first shot and something totally different for the second shot. It seems strange that a Shockwave is giving you that much trouble, but things like this happen. It could be the rifle, but I suspect it is the powder really....

RE: CVA Optima. How manys shots before swabbing barrel?
 

Thanks for the reply. I am using triple 7, I may try using a power belt which my buddy is using, he can shoot 3 x before a swab. I have a witness mark on my rod to make sure the round seats, but it always gets stuck around 1/2 in. before it seats if I dont swab.

RE: CVA Optima. How manys shots before swabbing barrel?
 

While Powerbelts are another alternative, if you intend on hunting with them, read the different reviews on their performance. Some people love them, some will never hunt with them again. If you shoot Powerbelts, keep the powder charge 100 grain or lower. If you speed them up, there are reports that they fragment on impact with the animal. Have you ever shot a Saber Tooth? Same kind of projectile, $9.00 for 15 of them, and they are copper coated so they are supposed to hold together better. I have not shot a deer with them either. (Although I watched three deer in the yard this morning eating the lawn :D).

Triple Se7en 2f is a good powder. Its problem is.. it does produce some crud rings in some rifles. If you think of your shooting as a one shot deal, then swabbing should be a good thing. Each load is consistant, and it five you and the rifle time to cool down between shots. Never be in a hurry to throw lead down range. Personally I would stick with the Triple Se7en powder. Get a projectile that plants then deer good. Work up a good load, even if you have to swab between shots. And then when the time comes to get it all done, make sure that shot counts. While you place that first shot, there will be no need or plenty of time anyway for a second. Look into some Nosler, Speer, Barnes, Hornady, in the different styles. Depending on the kind of shots you encounter, pick the bullet for the job.

What you might want to consider if you do believe there is a need for a fast second shot.. find a good first shot projectile and then load a powerbelt as your second back up shot. Or if you can believe in the ability of the powerbelts, then use them.

Good luck with your rifle. I am sure there are some Optima shooters on here that can help you out with good loads.