My CVA Kodiak came yesterday and I can't wait to get out and shoot it. This is my first ML and was wondering if anyone can suggest a good load/powder to start with. I will be shooting a 295 gr Powerbelt. I will try both pellets and loose powder to see which shoots better but any info to get me started would shorten the process.

I would use 777 loose powder and start with about 85 grains. Shoot 3-4 times, go to 90 grains and shoot 3-4 times, go to 95 grains............ up to about 110 grains. Use whatever load is most accurate. Remember that loose 777 is 15% more powerful by volume than pyrodex, so an 100 grain load is equivalent to about 115 grains pyrodex.

I would start with either 85gr of pyrodex, or 80gr of 777. I find the powerbelts require a low power load for no blowby. Then work your way up. I doubt, you will find the most accurate past 90gr of either.

I suggest a different projectile. I have tried almost all of them, and find I always go back to the 240gr .45" XTP mag. Second choice is 250gr barnes Expander.

Been working with 220gr PRbullets, with great luck with a mag subbase and 3-777 pellets. But still working out the details.

I agree start off with loose it not only saves you money but saves time while allowing you to find the right load combo. I agree with BC, I don't know how many times I think a bullet or combo will work only to be turned aside at the range! Always a good idea to buy more than one bullet style in smaller quantities IMHO. Equally like BC I always find myself with the 240 XTP as my back up load in front of 100 gr Pyrodex.

I am trying to work out some SST 250gr with T7 and also have some TC 300 gr shockwaves to try before I settle on a hunting load. T&E is part of all hunting equipment so a front stuffer is no different. Any excuse to go blow smoke is AOK in my books.

Best of luck and have fun...I know you will.

Of course, every gun is different. Example, 3 of us in our hunting group have T/C Omegas. All of us shoot 777 and powerbelts. Mine will shoot 348s powerbelts best at 90 gr and 405 grains PBs at 95 gr. My brother shoots 110 grains 777 with a 348 and they touch at 50 yards. The 3rd guy uses 295's and 110 grains 777. All of us shoot 3" or better groups at 100 yards.

All the same model of gun, but each has its own likes and dislikes. I will say that I didn't see that much increase in velocity going from 100 to 110 grains powder, so I would just use the most accurate load. Takes some money to shoot that many powerbelts too but it is fun and worth it!

Good luck in finding out what your particular gun likes

If you're set on shooting Powerbelts, 80gr of loose 777 is all you will need with the 295gr model, but play with it from 80 to 90gr to get the most accurate load.

However the odds of greater accuracy go up if you try the 348gr PowerBelts with 90gr of 777 - then experiment up to 100gr to verify the most accurate load.

You might also consider trying the Hornady 300gr SSTs with 80gr of 777 - that's an AWESOMELY accurate load out of my Knight.

BTW.....................when shooting PowerBelts, make sure your using the 2fg 777 powder - 3fg 777 doesn't play well with PowerBelts.