Several years ago, I bought a little CVA in .54 from a young man who had it advertised locally real cheap. The gun looks unfired, very plain, small and light, has a synthetic stock, not a nice rifle, but seems serviceable. I haven't in a few years, but muzzle loader used to be my primary method for deer hunting, mostly with an Investarms Hawken in .50 caliber using the Lyman Plains Bullet. The three best buck I ever killed were with that combo.
I want to use this little CVA if it shoots well enough. I cast some of the Lee 380 grain REALs last night. I plan to use Pyrodex and give it a try this morning. The rifle has a 1 in 48 twist according to the markings on the barrel. I'm thinking around 70 grains, sure don't want much more than that in a rifle this light. The stand I plan to hunt won't allow a shot at more than about 40-50 yards this time of year, but it's a great spot on a through fare for deer where I almost always see quite a few come through. Will that twist work with conicals? No concerns about terminal performance, I know this will get it done if I shoot true.
Is 70 grains a good start? Could 60 work better? I thought I had a RB mold for .54, but couldn't seem to locate it. We're in the middle of our muzzle loader season and I haven't even been out yet, it's been too hot anyway. Next Saturday will be the first time I'll probably get out. Sure wish I had been ready to go this morning, went outside about an hour ago to let the dog out and it is cool and moist with an almost full moon. Waiting for the sun to come up now so I can make some smoke and sling some lead.