I posted this on the TN Muzzleloading forum, but since it is regarding the .270 Bergara barrel, I thought I would post it here as well.
I hooked up with a CVA Optima Elite combo .50 caliber muzzleloader with the .270 barrel and stock included. Both of the barrels are made by Bergara barrels of Spain with consult by Ed Shilen. I took the .270 to the range yesterday and went through the break-in process with 130 grain Hornady SST factory loads. Optics are a 3x9 Nikon Prostaff with Durasight bases and rings. I cleaned with a Boresnake between each shot for the first ten shots, then cleaned between the last two groups of five. I did not get a group better than 2 inches, but I was in a time crunch and wasn't letting the barrel cool longer than five minutes.
Went back today with a box of Hornady 140 grain SST; Fusion 130 grain, and Federal Vital Shok 130 grain Nosler ballistic tip. The barrel finally started to punch some good groups after the fourth group of three shots. I was able to let the barrel cool between shots and I ran a Boresnake through twice between each group.
Results: two 1" groups at 100 yards, one 1.5" group with the Federal Vital Shok 130 grain Nosler ballistic tip. I am sighted in at 1.5" high at 100. I haven't shot the .50 caliber yet, but will probably hold off till next year since rifle season is all that is left and I really don't want to clean up anymore Triple Seven! lol
I recommend the Optima Elite for anyone in the market for a muzzleloader/rifle combo. This combo cost $599.00 at Academy. It is the Mossy Oak thumbhole stock with stainless stock and barrels in the .50 caliber and .270. I am very glad of my purchase.
I hooked up with a CVA Optima Elite combo .50 caliber muzzleloader with the .270 barrel and stock included. Both of the barrels are made by Bergara barrels of Spain with consult by Ed Shilen. I took the .270 to the range yesterday and went through the break-in process with 130 grain Hornady SST factory loads. Optics are a 3x9 Nikon Prostaff with Durasight bases and rings. I cleaned with a Boresnake between each shot for the first ten shots, then cleaned between the last two groups of five. I did not get a group better than 2 inches, but I was in a time crunch and wasn't letting the barrel cool longer than five minutes.
Went back today with a box of Hornady 140 grain SST; Fusion 130 grain, and Federal Vital Shok 130 grain Nosler ballistic tip. The barrel finally started to punch some good groups after the fourth group of three shots. I was able to let the barrel cool between shots and I ran a Boresnake through twice between each group.
Results: two 1" groups at 100 yards, one 1.5" group with the Federal Vital Shok 130 grain Nosler ballistic tip. I am sighted in at 1.5" high at 100. I haven't shot the .50 caliber yet, but will probably hold off till next year since rifle season is all that is left and I really don't want to clean up anymore Triple Seven! lol
I recommend the Optima Elite for anyone in the market for a muzzleloader/rifle combo. This combo cost $599.00 at Academy. It is the Mossy Oak thumbhole stock with stainless stock and barrels in the .50 caliber and .270. I am very glad of my purchase.
