I recently acquired a CVA Express double barrel side by side .50 cal percussion muzzle loader. It has been many years since i hunted with a front stuffer. Will this gun handle the newer powders? In percussions have you guys had better luck with 777 or pyrodex? Also, i would like to possibly switch to a different nipple style, should i go go with musket siza?

That gun will handle black powder and any of the black powder substitutes - except Blackhorn209 - with no problem.

There's little to be gained by switching to musket nipples. Musket caps are a bit easier to handle but more difficult to find on the shelf. Few stores carry them.

Whether you go with Pyrodex RS or Triple 7 is pretty much of a toss up. Both are good powders. Personally, I prefer Pyrodex. It seems to be more forgiving in my view.

I don't know the rate of twist on those guns, so can't make any suggestion with respect to good loads. I've seen claims that they are 1:32, 1:48 and 1:60. I suggest you start out by determining the actual twist rate of your barrels, and work from there.

I believe its 1:48 twist. I've had success with PowerBelt bullets in the past so I was going to start there.

As far as caps go i'd just like something that throws more fire down the hole. If i had my way id use 209's line my inline did.

Wolf #11 caps will reliable ignite black powder, pyrodex or Triple 7 without any problem. As I recall that is a pretty hefty rifle. Who's going to be your gun bearer?

Yeah, its right around 9 lbs of rifle. That's ok, my regular meat getter is a 1917 P14, its right around 9 lbs as well.

9 pounds heavy? Sounds like you need to eat you some more taters Bronko That's a lightweight

In a percussion rifle, personally I'd use RWS #11 caps (they are the hottest) and either Real Black or Pyrodex.
9lb aint too bad, heck many ML's weight that much or more. Good luck with your new toy!

I had that rifle confused with a Pedersoli .72 cal double rifle. That thing I would guess was pushing about 11 lbs.
And no I don't need more taters. I have my belly just the right size now so I can rest my elbow on it for steady off hand shots! .

HA! I gotta remember that one! Yet another reason I can tell mammy to shup when she is crackin on me to do me sit-ups! 70 dang years old and she still busts on me to have a firm gut! I keep tellin her I've EARNED a damn gut woman! Dang wimmin, caint live witum, caint shootum ( legally )