Sorry, sure its been covered well. I just decided to "go modern" and bought a CVA Kodiak .50.

realizing that pellets are more expensive, any advantage, ballistically to either(velocity, accuracy, "ignitability")

I understand that I can tweak the load more so with powder, but most likely want the best punch I can get, within reason compared to groups. Basically, 150gr with 2" group would be welcomed.

Not very many CVAs shoot 150 - 3 pellets) well. You odds at 150 gr. accuracy were better had you bought T/C or Knight. 777 FFF loose powder gives you the most velocity/energy per grain volume.

what is it with cva's then ?

on the subject of 777. Is this just easier to clean up, and less fouling than loose RS ?

I've read where many CVA Kodiaks shoot decent. I have a Renegade that has been great, but the price of the CVA was right this time.

I'm leaning towards loose powder where the laod can be tweaked more. But is there more velocity say in 2 50gr pellets, compared to 100gr lose RS ?

Also, is 777 better to use than RS ?

I've found that different grade of steels in these CVA/Traditions Spanish barrels causes it to retract & expand with varying temps. I've even experienced loose-fitting sabot on shot #4 -- then stuck sabot on loading shot #5 r-e-p-e-a-t-e-d-l-y. It creates havoc with accuracy & loading with no advanced warning... especially rapid/too often firing with hot 777 or Swiss Black. These are entry-level rifles remember?... aka... reduced quality usually comes with less money spent.



A few CVA's shoot 150 grains well, but again, there's been several forum-mentions of barrel/breechplug ruptures this fall/winter from the CVA manufacturer too. The harder American steel rifles like T/C, Knight & Savage give you "larger margin for loading error room". It only costs you $150 more to feel safer - sometimes be safer when defects occur (or) you short-start a bullet (or) you double-load (or) you accidently leave your ramrod in the barrel while firing it.



777 poiwders produce less fouling but on the downside, it's a crustier fouling that needs swabbing more often. Using 150 grains? -- then expect to 777-swab after every shot in order to properly seat the next bullet. You must be extra-careful owning a CVA & using pellets that could break as you're loading the bullet & create an air gap that produces more pressure. You must be extra-careful with CVA guns when using crusty 777 - which causes some folks to not properly seat the bullet all the way against the powder because the crust stops them for shoving the ramrod down the bore any further.



CVA also has powder grain restrictions & bullet grain restrictions in their owners manual. Alot of folks don't know that until after their purchase. At that point, instead of returning the rifle - they keep it. Just remember to follow the CVA manual closely - be very careful loading it - inspect it for stress problems often ... like after every time after visiting the range.... especially with three pellets.



Why people would 'fully trust' (and) take the "questionable" rifle to it's 'maximum limits/expectations' - letting it explode right next to your face 25 times in one afternoon with the rifle set on "Maximum" in order to save $150 is what I'm trying to express here most. Why take any increased physical risk? Why not just use moderate charges in that entry-priced, non-govermental specs rifle? ML barrels are not monitored-tested like centerfires (SAAMI). Isn't your body worth a little more money than that? Personally, I would not even set up a 150-grain load in ANY ML rifle that's not "publically-announced" tested to be of adequate strength for 150 grains.



The only ML I know that has been SAAMI-tested is the NEW smokeless Henry Ball Savage ML 10. That's because of the smokeless option on that rifle. One thing thou... that one will cost you double-the-money of a nicely dressed CVA Kodiak. But look at all the "piece-of-mind" you'll have.... literally...lol