[Guest Post] Range Test of the CVA Accura V2
[ Many thanks to Dr. Jim and Mary Clary for this guest post. ]
![rifle tfb [Guest Post] Range Test of the CVA Accura V2 photo](http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/rifle-tfb.jpg "rifle tfb [Guest Post] Range Test of the CVA Accura V2 photo")
A lot of ink has been spilled over the past few years by writers praising or slamming the CVA muzzleloaders. The majority of the negative comments refer to the Apollo rifle manufactured in 1995 and 1996. Those rifles were subject to a voluntary recall by CVA (which is still going on). The new generation of CVA muzzleloaders bears little resemblance to those of the past. All CVA barrels used today are drilled from bar stock and button rifled in the Bergara factory in Spain. The Apex and Accura V2 are equipped with the Bergara branded barrel which is manufactured out of 416 stainless steel. All Bergara barrels have been through a special honing process that simulates hand lapping, except that it is more precise. This process removes any deviation in bore diameter; i.e., no tight or loose spots. The front half of the Accura barrel is fluted to reduce weight and aid in cooling and is very well finished, including the crown. The Rockwell hardness is Rc 17 for the stainless Bergara and Rc 25 for the blued Bergara. The term “soft Spanish steel” does not apply to Bergara barrels or these guns.Our interest in CVA was sparked by the fact that Ed Shilen collaborated on the design and manufacture of the Begara barrels used by CVA. For those who are not familiar with Ed Shilen, he has been making top-of-the-line target rifles (Benchrest and F-Class) since 1967. Ed himself has set 13 world records with his rifles and long range target shooters who are fortunate enough to own one of his guns have won more medals and set more records than we can count. Given those facts, we felt that if Shilen put his stamp of approval on the Bergara barrels used by CVA, they had to be good.
Here are the features and specifications for the CVA Accura V2 rifle:
- 416 Stainless Steel 27” Fluted Bergara Barrel™ with 1:28” Twist Rifling
- Bullet Guiding Muzzle™
- QRBP - Quick Release Breech Plug
- DuraSight® All Metal Fiber Optic Sights or DuraSight® One-Piece Rail Base/Ring System
- Ambidextrous Solid Composite Stock in Standard or Thumbhole
- CrushZone® Recoil Pad
- Quake® Claw® Sling
- Aluminum Extendable Loading Rod
- Cocking Spur
- Drilled and Tapped for Scope Mounts
- 42” Overall Length
- 7.3 lbs. Total Weight
- 14.5” Length of Pull
- Lifetime Warranty
- 2011 MSRP for Accura V2 models vary from $469.95 to $549.95
We decided to order our gun in the summer, so we would have time to test it on the range and then take it on our fall deer hunts. It didn’t work out quite as planned, as the Accura with the Realtree stock is very popular. When it finally arrived in early September, and we opened the box, Mary remarked that she liked her new rifle. However, she would allow me to borrow it for my muzzleloader hunt, if I was careful.
As everyone knows, there is no standard 50 caliber size for muzzleloaders. Over the years, bore diameters have varied from 0.498” – 0.505”. That is one of the primary reasons for such a wide range of accuracy (or lack thereof), given the projectiles which were on the market. The Accura Bergara land-to-land dimension comes in at 0.498” (+/- 0.003” - 0). With tolerances such as these, we expected this gun to be very accurate.
The Realtree stock has a fit that is as good as most rifles with a wood stock. The stock is durable, light and stable in the field, excellent qualities if you venture into the Rockies as we do. The upgraded SoftTouch coating on the stock and rubber grip panels are such that this gun will not slip out of your hands, even in the foulest weather. The 7/8” recoil pad is more than adequate for field or range use. My only complaint is that my Harris bipod will not fit on the Accura’s forestock which has a recessed sling stud. None of the other CVA models have this recessed front stud, so it is not a problem with them.
The Accura is easily taken apart for maintenance and cleaning with the removal of the single screw on the forestock… that is a very nice feature. Couple that with the Quick-Release Breech plug, and you have a muzzleloader that can be easily cleaned just about anywhere. Speaking of the breech plug: It has a full ¾“ threads, compared to 5/8” on most brands of muzzle loaders. Being able to remove the breech plug with your fingers, rather than a tool is a major plus. The 209 primer fits comfortably into the ignition hole and is easily removed after firing, rarely requiring the tool which is included with the rifle.
![range test of cva accura v2 1doc compatibility mode tfb [Guest Post] Range Test of the CVA Accura V2 photo](http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/range_test_of_cva_accura_v2_1doc_compatibility_mode-tfb.jpg "range test of cva accura v2 1doc compatibility mode tfb [Guest Post] Range Test of the CVA Accura V2 photo")
The small brushes available at most hobby shops for cleaning airbrush sprayers along with 22 gauge copper wire and Q-Tips are ideal for cleaning the breech plug. We soak the breech plug in a mixture of soapy water and solvent for five minutes and use a small drill bit (size 0.10”) at low speed to core out the carbon after a day on the range. Then finish up with the Q-Tips, brushes and wire. Apply a bit of bore grease to the threads and screw it back into the breech.
We ordered our Accura with the DuraSight Dead-On one piece mount and the Quake Claw Sling. The mount is stable and makes mounting a scope quick and easy. The Quake Claw sling is excellent with the padding molded right onto the nylon strap. The Claw Sling is well named, as it does not slide off your shoulder when climbing a hill. However, we didn’t like the Hush Stalker II swivels that you have to unscrew in order to remove the sling. While they are quiet in the field, as well as very secure, they are a real pain if you wish to remove the sling in a hurry. This is a minor irritant.
![range test of cva accura v2 1doc compatibility mode 1 tfb [Guest Post] Range Test of the CVA Accura V2 photo](http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/range_test_of_cva_accura_v2_1doc_compatibility_mode_1-tfb.jpg "range test of cva accura v2 1doc compatibility mode 1 tfb [Guest Post] Range Test of the CVA Accura V2 photo")
We tested the Accura with the 250 grain and 300 grain Powerbelt AeroLite bullets and the 260 grain and 300 grain Harvester Scorpion PT Gold bullets with their black Crushed Rib Sabots. Given the various game department regulations across the country (as well as hunter preference), we felt that hunters needed to know if this rifle would shoot gas checked as well as saboted bullets.
![microsoft word tfb [Guest Post] Range Test of the CVA Accura V2 photo](http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/microsoft_word-tfb.jpg "microsoft word tfb [Guest Post] Range Test of the CVA Accura V2 photo")
The cavity on the loading tip of the ramrod was perfect for loading the Aerolite bullets. However, the threads at the base of the loading tip cavity tended to “snag” the polymer tip of our saboted bullets and deform or pull them out when we removed the ramrod. This was easily rectified by using our case chamfering tool to open up and deepen the cavity a bit more. Our ramrod now loads Powerbelts and multiple brands of polymer tipped saboted bullets without a problem. We have had the same problem with the ramrods of other muzzleloaders, so CVA was not alone. They have since changed the design of the loading tips on all 2012 CVA models, so this should no longer an issue.
The trigger pull on the Accura V2 was 2 ½ lbs out-of-the-box, very crisp with no creep. CVA is to be commended for not installing a “lawyer’s trigger” on their rifle. With a target rifles’ trigger pull, it was easy to shoot for accurate groups on the range.
We fired three 3-shot groups at 100 yards with each bullet, letting the barrel cool between shoots. Our first series of tests used 100 grains (by volume) of Blackhorn 209 and Winchester 209 primers. We used a Sinclair tripod front rest and rear bag for stability (standard F-Class Open gear) to get the greatest possible accuracy out of our tests. As expected, no swabbing was required between shots with the Blackhorn 209. However, we cleaned the breech plug and barrel between each 3-shot group.
Powerbelt AeroLite 300 grain - smallest group 3/4"; largest group 1 1/4"; MV = 1,825 fps (+/- 18 fps)
Powerbelt AeroLite 250 grain – smallest group 7/8"; largest group 1 1/8"; MV = 2,025 fps (+/- 23 fps)
Harvester Scorpion PT Gold 300 grain - smallest group 7/8"; largest group 1.0"; MV = 1,800 fps (+/- 21 fps)
Harvester Scorpion PT Gold 260 grain - smallest group 3/4"; largest group 1 1/4"; MV = 1,975 fps (+/- 24 fps)
Muzzle velocities will vary depending on the condition of your barrel; how you compress the load, etc. These, taken from our Chrony, are posted to give the reader an idea of the approximate velocities to expect. However, as with any inline muzzleloader, you are throwing a heavy projectile downrange and as long as the velocity is sufficient to produce enough energy to take out your game… your primary concern should be the accuracy of the load/bullet combination, rather than the velocity. As such, if you have to back off or increase the above load to improve your accuracy, so be it! Accuracy and bullet placement are more important than a few feet per second of velocity.
We repeated our tests with two IMR White Hots pellets and Winchester 209 primers. The results were very similar; however, with the pellets, we swabbed the barrel after each shot. Once again, we cleaned the breech plug and barrel after each 3-shot group. Having to swab the barrel between shots does not detract from our preference for IMR White Hots or Hodgdon Triple Seven pellets when hunting. Most muzzle loaders require only one shot, and if a second shot is needed, you can quickly drop in the pellets. Loose powder is susceptible to “buck fever” spilling.
Powerbelt AeroLite 300 grain - smallest group 7/8"; largest group 1 3/8"; MV = 1,625 fps (+/- 20 fps)
Powerbelt AeroLite 250 grain - smallest group 1.0"; largest group 1 1/8"; MV = 1,750 fps (+/- 25 fps)
Harvester Scorpion PT Gold 300 grain - smallest group 1.0", largest group 1 1/4"; MV = 1,600 fps (+/- 24 fps)
Harvester Scorpion PT Gold 260 grain - smallest group 7/8"; largest group 1 1/8"; MV = 1,700 fps (+/- 28 fps)
Our comparison of the Aerolite gas check bullets to the Scorpion PT saboted bullets would not be considered fair by a lot of folks. Most hunters will tell you that a saboted bullet will outshoot a gas checked bullet every day of the week. Well, on this day of the week, it didn’t happen; both bullets produced superb results. Regular Guns and Shooting Online readers know we have previously reviewed the Scorpions and used them on a successful Ibex hunt. As such, they would expect some prejudice on our part in their favor and we would be lying if we denied it. However, we were amazed and pleasantly surprised at the performance of the Aerolite bullet. You absolutely cannot argue with success.
Jim got carried away after our tests and decided to shoot the last five 300 grain Aerolites. He put all five into a group that measured under ¾”. That was a “bragging” target for Jim, so he hung it up in his reloading room. For those of you who live in states that do not allow saboted bullets or if you prefer to shoot gas check bullets, the Aerolite is an excellent choice, not only for accuracy but also for cost.
The only question that remains is: How does the Accura V2 perform in the field on a hunt? The following picture of Chris Hodgdon answers that question. Chris harvested this mule deer with his Accura taking it down at 180 yards with a 300 grain Aerolite bullet… and of course, White Hots pellets.
![microsoft word 1 tfb [Guest Post] Range Test of the CVA Accura V2 photo](http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/microsoft_word_1-tfb.jpg "microsoft word 1 tfb [Guest Post] Range Test of the CVA Accura V2 photo")
The CVA Accura V2 is an excellent muzzleloader, well worth the money and destined to be a best-seller for CVA.
Author’s Note: We would like to thank B.P.I. and Harvester Muzzleloading for providing us with the bullets for our tests. We burned a lot of powder/pellets and “threw” a lot of bullets downrange; as such, their contributions significantly reduced our expenses.
[ Many thanks to Dr. Jim and Mary for the comprehensive review ]
Hello, help me better understand the difference between saboted bullets and gas checked bullets….thanks!
The Scorpion PT Gold bullet has a diameter of 0.451″ and the plastic sabot is a sleeve which seals the gas at the bottom and expands into the lands and grooves of the barrel to provide a tight fit with superb accuracy.
The Aerolite bullet has a diameter of 0.499 and fits tightly into the barrel… the plastic gas check at the bottom seals the gases for proper ignition.
Some states in the US do not allow sabots, and only allow conicals (powerbelt type bullets). Some hunters prefer shooting saboted bullets, while others like the powerbelt or gaschecked bullets.
For me, it is a matter of personal preference, as both shoot very well and are equally accurate from a statistical viewpoint. Both will take down your game when properly placed.
If you use 777 powder with #209 , it is impossible of reloading the second shot….
Francis .. Whether one can easily load a second shot depends upon not only the powder (777, White Hots, Pyrodex, Blackhorn)… but also on the size sabot and bullet used. Given the assortment of sabots and bullets on the market … one has to experiment with what works best in your gun.. with the propellant of your choice.
In my Savage 10ML, I can fire up to ten rounds with a Harvester Scorpion and black CR sabots using IMR White Hots, but only three if I use Pyrodex… and if I use the red CRS, I can only fire once and must swab the barrel. I can fire five rounds with Blackhorn without swabbing … however, I got the occasional “fizzle” due to poor ignition. As such, I stick with WH pellets in my Savage (they always fire), but have multiple options of propellants in my wife’s CVA Accura.
On my ibex hunt, there were four of us hunting: One used a TC, one had a CVA and the third carried a custom muzzleloader, while I carried the Savage 10ML … none of us had problems with firing a second time, when needed. (we sighted them in before the hunt). All four of us had worked up the ideal load/bullet/sabot combination for our particular gun PRIOR to coming to NM for the Ibex. One chap used 777, one used Blackhorn, another loaded Pyrodex, while I fired White Hots: We all got very nice Persian Ibex. Experiment to find out what works best in YOUR gun… it takes time and costs a little bit, but it is well worth it.
Thanks , I’ll use different set-up !
Only thing I dislike on Black powder is the mess of cleaning it and fast after shooting it to prevent corrosion.
Hence the use of black powder substitutes that clean up more readily. There aren’t many non-gaseous substances that you can burn up in a metal cylinder without having to do some cleaning afterwards.
I think the author may be a bit confused. He says “All CVA barrels used today are drilled from bar stock and button rifled in the Bergara factory in Spain.” but then goes on to say that the Apex and Accura barrels are made by Bergara. The latter statement is true, but the former is not. CVA’s budget muzzleloaders such as the Wolf and Optima do not use Bergara barrels.
Sheep.. all CVA barrels are made in the Bergara factory in spain… drilled out of bar stock…. THEN, those barrels with the additional “lapping” process are actually Branded with the Bergara name…. but, they are all Bergara barrels…. Sorry, if the article wasn’t clear on that point.
nice article. next season I am going to buy a blackpowder gun for hunting.
What sized game are these blackpowder rifles good for? And what range can they be used at?
Newbie — I can say how large an animal they can take down, but the gun throws a 50 caliber bullet, weighing 300 grains……. and you can use up to 3 white hots pellets for extra punch…. I know of some chaps that have taken down moose with them, and elk go down like being hit with a sledge…. I would not use any single shot rifle on dangerous game like a large brown bear or grizzly… but, I go black bear hunting every year with my muzzle loader.