CVA In-Line Rifle Information Manual

							F. COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS REGARDING
MUZZLELOADERS
1.MISCONCEPTION: A MUZZLELOADER IS UNLOADED AFTER THE CAP
IS REMOVED.
• As long as the barrel is loaded with powder and projectile the firearm is
loaded and must be treated as a loaded firearm.
2.MISCONCEPTION: 
A MISFIRE WILL NOT FIRE AFTER A MINUTE OR
TWO.
• Misfire is the least understood condition and the leading cause of acci-
dents - mainly because the condition is treated casually. When a misfire
occurs keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction until the load has been
cleared from the barrel. Potentially dangerous misfires occur when the cap
or priming powder ignites, but the main powder charge fails to ignite. Pos-
sibilities are (1) a blocked or clogged vent (flash channel or touchhole), (2)
a contaminated (wet or oily) main powder charge or (3) no main powder
charge. Wait a few minutes, then recap or reprime and try again to shoot
out the load. When several attempts fail, remove the projectile by using an
approved method described in number 3.
3.MISCONCEPTION: 
PULLING A PROJECTILE IS A SAFE PRACTICE.
• Pulling a projectile is dangerous when there is a powder charge behind
the projectile. Four approved methods to remove a projectile from the bar-
rel are to: (1) Use a CO
2 discharger to blow the projectile from the barrel;
(2) Remove the percussion nipple from the breech plug and work powder
into the flash channel. Replace the nipple, recap and discharge; or (3)
Remove the nipple and place the barrels breech in eight inches of water to
soak (deactivate) the main powder charge (for about an hour) before pull-
ing the projectile; (4) With the muzzle in a safe direction, remove the bar-
reled action making sure that the percussion cap (and any excess fulmi-
nate) is removed from the nipple. Remove the bolt, nipple and breech plug
(see page 13 & 14). Empty the powder into a safe container. Using the
ramrod and cleaning jag with a solvent soaked cleaning patch, push the
bullet from the breech forward and out the muzzle of the barrel.
4.MISCONCEPTION: BLOW DOWN THE BARREL TO CLEAN OR CLEAR THE
VENT AND EXTINGUISH HOT SPARKS OR EMBERS.
• Blowing down the barrel is hazardous. Keep all parts of the body away from
the muzzle at all times. Point the muzzle only at the intended target.
G. BASIC ACCESSORIES FOR A MUZZLELOADER
1. LOADING ACCESSORIES
Propellant - Blackpowder or acceptable substitute such as Pyrodex or Pyrodex
Pellets. NEVER USE SMOKELESS POWDER.
Projectile - Balls, bullets, sabots
Ignition Source - Percussion Cap, Musket Cap, or Modern 209 Primer.
6 
						

							Flask - To transport and dispense powder
Powder Measure - To measure correct powder charge
Bullet Starter - To start bullet down the barrel
Capper - To carry and dispense percussion caps
2. CLEANING ACCESSORIES
Solvent - Cleaning solution
Patches - For cleaning inside of barrel
Nipple Wrench - For installing and removing nipple
Jag - Retains cleaning patch on end of ramrod
3. OTHER NEEDED ACCESSORIES
Bullet Puller - For removing lodged bullet.
Patch Puller - For removing lodged patches.
Preloaders - To hold premeasured powder charge and bullet for quick
  reloading.
H. BLACKPOWDER, PYRODEX AND CLEAN SHOT
WARNING: Many manufacturers, including CVA, are now promoting guns which are
designed to shoot heavier than standard powder charges. Some shooters have become
confused by advertising for these rifles and attempt to use heavier charges and/or pro-
jectiles in guns which were not designed to handle the resulting high pressures. Even
some experienced shooters have made this mistake. Some have even used what is
known as a duplex load, which is a mixture of blackpowder and smokeless powder.
Any percentage of smokeless powder in a duplex load may create pressures equal to a
pure smokeless charge and could cause a blackpowder gun to explode. THESE LOAD-
ING PRACTICES ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! All shooters need to be com-
pletely clear as to the recommended loads of each blackpowder gun that they own.
Only four types of propellant are acceptable for use in CVA muzzleloading firearms.
The first type is BLACKPOWDER. (IMPORTANT: The term blackpowder refers to
the formulation of the propellant, not the color. Many of the smokeless propel-
lants manufactured for modern cartridges or shotgun shells are also black in color,
but will create extremely dangerous pressures in the muzzleloading barrels.)
When purchasing blackpowder be certain that it is in the original manufacturer’s
container and that the granulation or type is clearly marked on the label.
Blackpowder is manufactured in four specific types or granulations. The accompa-
nying chart will help identify the types and common usage.
BLACKPOWDER CHART SHOWING APPROXIMATE USE OF THE VARIOUS
GRANULATIONS…
FG(Commonly called Single “F”) The muzzleloading enthusiast finds
little use for this very coarse blackpowder. Its use is pretty much
restricted to the large bore (10, 8, 4 gauge) shotguns of yesterday.
FFG(Commonly called Double “F”) This is a very popular powder for
the larger (.45 to .58 caliber rifles). It is also used for 12, 16 and 20
gauge muzzleloading shotguns. While it is not considered a pistol
7 
						

							powder, it is sometimes used in very large caliber single shot pis-
tols.
FFFG(Commonly called Triple “F”) It is used in all percussion revolvers,
most single shot pistols, and most of the smaller (under .45 cali-
ber) rifles.
FFFFG(Commonly called Four “F”) The finest of all currently available
blackpowders, Four “F” is best for priming flintlocks. Due to its lim-
ited use, it is sometimes difficult to obtain.
The second type of propellant acceptable for use in CVA muzzleloading
firearms is PYRODEX. Pyrodex is a propellant designed for use in percussion
rifles, pistols and shotguns found to be in good shooting condition by a compe-
tent gunsmith. Pyrodex relates closely to blackpowder on a volume to volume
basis, not the weight of the charge. In other words, a scoop type measure set to
dispense 100 grains of blackpowder will dispense roughly 72 grains of Pyrodex
(Pyrodex is bulkier). This lighter charge weight of Pyrodex will fill the measure
and provide a charge which is ballistically similar to 100 grains of blackpowder
of the appropriate granulation. Used in this manner, Pyrodex will yield approxi-
mately the same velocities and pressures as blackpowder. Pyrodex is currently
available in three granulations. These types and their uses are listed below:
PYRODEX RS (rifle & shotgun)Designed for use in all calibers of
percussion muzzleloading rifles and
shotguns. Pyrodex Select has simi-
lar loading characteristics to RS.
PYRODEX P (pistol powder)Designed for use in percussion
muzzleloading pistols and cap &
ball revolvers. Also used in small
caliber rifles.
PYRODEX CTG (cartridge powder)Designed for use in blackpowder
cartridges. This powder is not suited
for use in muzzleloading firearms.
The third type of propellant acceptable for CVA In-Line rifles is PYRODEX
PELLETS.
Pyrodex Pellets for .50 caliber come in two grain equivalents (as of this
printing 1/01) – 50 grains and 30 grains. Pellets may be combined into multiple
pellet loads to create several different grain equivalent loads. Pyrodex pellets
are available in 60 grain equivalents for .54 caliber in-line rifles. For .45 caliber
CVA In-Line rifles, .44 caliber Pyrodex Pellets are recommended. These are
available in 30 grain increments only.
Pyrodex Pellets contain a black ignitor on one end. For best ignition, this
ignitor end of the pellet should be placed into the barrel first.
When using Pyrodex Pellets in CVA In-Line rifles the Musket Cap or 209
primer ignition system is recommended. This system provides the hotter flash
necessary to ensure efficient ignition of the entire pellet charge.
Pyrodex Pellets are the only propellant which can be used to create
“magnum” loads for CVA “magnum” capable in-line rifles.  CVA “magnum”
capable rifles include all bolt action in-lines and any year 2001+ Eclipse
8 
						

							and Stag Horn models.  These “magnum” capable” guns can be easily
identified by the one-piece barrel construction, a serial number ending in
01, 02, 03, and the designation “magnum” on the barrel.  Such “magnum”
loads do require the use of a musket cap or preferably the #209 shotgun
primer ignition in order to fully ignite the charge.  Such “magnum” loads
should never be fired in a CVA conventional In-Lines that do not feature
the one-piece Monoblock barrel design.
The fourth type of propellant acceptable for CVA rifles is Clean Shot.  Clean
Shot is a propellant designed for use in percussion rifles, pistols, and shotguns
found to be in good shooting condition by a competent gunsmith.  Clean Shot
relates closely to blackpowder on a volume-to-volume basis, not the weight of
the charge.
Clean Shot FFG Black Powder ReplacementDesigned for use in all cali-
bers of percussion muzzle-
loading rifles and shotguns.
Clean Shot FFFG Black Powder ReplacementDesigned to be used in
percussion muzzleloading
pistols and cap & ball  re-
volvers.
Clean Shot Pelletized PowderDesigned for use in .50
caliber and    larger in-line
rifles with musket cap or
#209 ignition.  Available in
both 30 grain and 50 grain
equivalents.
I. PROJECTILES
The CVA catalog and warranty book list a variety of conical bullets, including
PowerBelt™ Bullets, as well as saboted bullets that are proper for use in our
firearms.  CVA’s PowerBelt™ Bullets are the recommended projectile for use in all
CVA rifles featuring a 1:48 twist or faster including all CVA in-line rifles.  CVA bore
diameters and bullet diameters have been carefully designed to provide a safe
optimum result when used with our recommended powder charges and projectiles
in the appropriate caliber.
DO NOT USE OVERSIZED CONICAL BULLETS IN YOUR CVA GUN. CVA
rifles are designed for use with bullets or sabots (not to be confused with Poly-
Patch) and most conical bullets. Some extremely large conical bullets cause
very high pressures due to poor fit to bore diameter, improper gas seal and
excessive mass. The use of any conical bullet over 400 grains or saboted bullet
over 300 grains  in a .50 caliber rifle could cause barrel damage resulting in a
non-warranty repair situation.
9
NOTE: MUZZLELOADING PROJECTILES MUST BE MADE FROM PURE LEAD. LINOTYPE OR WHEEL
WEIGHT LEADS CONTAIN ANTIMONY WHICH CREATES AN EXTREMELY HARD, OVERSIZED PRO-
JECTILE AND IS VERY DIFFICULT TO LOAD. 
						

							CVA does not recommend the use of non-CVA projectiles for CVA rifles.
This is due to the fact that CVA has no control over projectile bullet molds or
saboted bullets sold and marketed by other manufacturers.  Some projectiles
produced by other manufacturers, especially saboted bullets, can produce high
barrel pressures creating unsafe conditions.  If you have questions concerning
the correctness of a component contact the CVA customer service department
at 5988 Peachtree Corners East, Norcross, Georgia 30071; 770-449-4687 or
fax 770-242-8546, or visit us on the web at CVA.com or E-mail us at
[email protected].
  1. CVA  POWERBELT™ BULLETS -  CVA
PowerBelt™ Bullets are conical projectiles with
a plastic base.  The base or “belt” provides a
perfect gas seal, eliminating accuracy robbing
blow-by.  Like sabots, the PowerBelt™ Bullet’s
patented snap-on base creates a perfect gas
seal, providing consistent pressures and un-
surpassed accuracy.  But unlike sabots,
PowerBelt™ Bullets are easy to load and do
not require cleaning after every shot.  And they are full caliber sized, so
you get the most knock down power possible out of a muzzleloader.
PowerBelt™ Bullets are available in .45, .50, and .54 calibers, copper
coated or pure lead, with hollow points or AeroTips, and in a variety of
grain weights.  They are the #1 selling muzzleloading bullet on the market
and the only bullet recommend for CVA in-line rifles. ( Figure 1-A)
  2. CONICAL BULLETS—such as the CVA Buckslayer™ Bullet, Buffalo Bullet,
Maxi-Ball and others of this type provide superior accuracy in all CVA fire-
arms as well as increased knock down power desired by hunters. These
projectiles are best suited for use in fast twist rifling barrels which stabilize
the bullet more rapidly. They will also yield excellent accuracy in the slower
twist models. (Figure 1-B)
  3. SABOTED BULLETS—Modern sabots from various manufacturers have
been tested and provide acceptable accuracy in CVA firearms when comply-
ing with the sabot manufacturer’s recommendations for usage. Because other
manufacturers tolerances vary beyond the control of CVA, different brands
of sabots may have varying diameters. Therefore, when using sabots other
than CVA, the shooter must determine that the sabot in use is not of too
large a diameter for the CVA barrel. Saboted bullets of 300 grains weight
or less are required when using Pyrodex Pellets as a propellent. When
shooting sabots, cleaning between shots is recommended if maxi-
mum accuracy is to be maintained. (Figure 1-C)
Loads for conical bullets and sabots should not exceed the maximum load
recommended in Table 1.
J. RECOMMENDED LOADING DATA
The proper charge for any muzzleloading firearm is an efficient load which
provides consistent ignition and velocity while keeping breech pressures below
the maximum safe levels.
10
Figure 1
AB
C 
						

							The shooter should load using the minimum and maximum charge limita-
tions shown in the table below. It is recommended to begin shooting using a
charge in the middle of the recommended range, gradually increasing or de-
creasing the load to obtain the desired results. Tests have shown that heavier
loads increase breech pressures while providing only a minor increase in ve-
locity. These tests also indicate that heavier loads may be less accurate.
TABLE 1
CALIBER PROJECTILE CHARGE CHARGES IN GRAINS
FIREARM TYPE TYPE MINIMUM MAXIMUM
.50 .50 Conical Powder FFG 50 100
.54 .54 Conical Powder FFG 60 120
.50
.50 PowerBelt™/SabotPowder FFG 50 100
.54
.54 PowerBelt™/SabotPowder FFG 60 120
.50
.50 PowerBelt™/SabotPellet 50 100
.54
.54 PowerBelt™/SabotPellet 60 120
.50
.50 PowerBelt™ / SabotMagnum Pellet 100 150*
*WARNING:  This is a “Magnum” charge and can only be safely loaded in mag-
num capable rifles. Magnum capable rifles include all CVA Bolt Action in-lines
(FireBolt™, MagBolt™, and HunterBolt™) and any year 2001+ Eclipse and
Stag Horn rifles.  These “magnum capable” guns can be identified by the one-
piece barrel construction, a serial number ending in 01, 02, 03, and the desig-
nation “magnum” on the barrel. Such “magnum” loads do require the use of a
musket cap or preferably the #209 shotgun primer ignition in order to fully ignite
the charge.  Such “magnum” loads should never be fired in CVA conventional
In-Lines that do not feature the one-piece Monoblock barrel design.
K. LOADING AND SHOOTING CVA IN-LINE
MUZZLELOADERS
ATTENTION: Many manufacturers, including CVA, are now promoting guns
which are designed to shoot heavier than standard powder charges. Shooters
may become confused by advertising for these rifles and attempt to use heavier
charges and or projectiles in guns which were not designed to handle the re-
sulting high pressures. Even some experienced shooters have made this mis-
take! Some have even used what is known as a duplex load, which is a mix-
ture of blackpowder and smokeless powder. Any percentage of smokeless pow-
der in a  duplex load may create pressures equal to a pure smokeless charge
and could cause a blackpowder gun to explode.  THESE LOADING PRAC-
TICES ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! All shooters need to be completely
clear as to the recommended loads of each blackpowder gun that they own.
1. Wear shatterproof shooting glasses and ear plugs or muffs to protect your-
self from sparks, bits of fragmented caps, and hearing loss.
11 
						

							2.Verify the rifle is not loaded.
a. Place ramrod down the barrel to breech plug and mark ramrod at the
muzzle.
b. Remove ramrod and lay along outside of barrel, lining up mark at muzzle.
c. The end should be at the base of the breech plug. If rod does not line up,
assume the rifle is loaded and that it should be disarmed before proceed-
ing.
3. Check to make sure that breech plug and nipple are snugly screwed into
place. Do not overtighten.
4. Pulling the bolt to the rear with Eclipse Rifles will engage the trigger safety
(all other CVA models require the manual setting of the safety mechanism
to the safe position). Insure the trigger does not release the bolt.
5. Clean all oil and grease from barrel interior.
6.With the rifle pointed in a safe direction, place a percussion cap on the nipple or
a 209 primer into the breech plug (if rifle has been adapted for 209 usage).
7. Release the safeties and fire cap or Modern 209 Primer to insure bore and
nipple are dry of solvent or moisture. Repeat minimum of three (3) times if
using caps. NEVER DRY FIRE ANY CVA RIFLE. DOING SO WILL DAM-
AGE BOLT ASSEMBLY AND/OR NIPPLE AND WILL NOT BE COVERED
UNDER WARRANTY.
8. Pour powder from flask into a powder measure that is set for correct pow-
der charge (See Figure 2).
9.With the muzzle pointed “up” and no part of your body extended over the gun,
pour a measured charge or drop the correct number of Pyrodex Pellets
down the barrel. (See suitable charges–Table 1, Page 9)(See Figures 2 and
3).
12
CAUTION: Use a capper to place cap on the nipple as percussion caps are sensitive to pressure and
can explode under extreme finger pressure.
Figure 2Figure 3 
						

							10. If using loose powder, slap side of barrel in front of receiver. This will help
insure that powder will fully enter the breech and nipple area.
11. For Lubricated Bullets, PowerBelt™ Bullet or Saboted Bullet:
a. Make sure bullet is lubricated.  PowerBelt™ Bullets and Saboted Bul-
lets should require no additional lubrication.
 b. Start the projectile into the bore with your fingers, making sure it is
centered.
c. Use short end of bullet starter to press bullet just into muzzle. (See
Figure 5).
12. Use longer end of ball starter to move projectile about six inches down the
bore. (See Figure 6).
13. With ramrod, push projectile down on top of powder, firmly, but without crush-
ing the powder or Pyrodex Pellets. (See Figure 7).
13
CAUTION: When using the ramrod, never grab it more than 8 inches above the muzzle. To do so could
cause a side stress; break the ramrod; and possibly puncture your hand.
CAUTION: Do not pour a charge directly from horn or flask. If a smoldering ember is present, it could
ignite the powder in the container, as well as the powder charge, as it is poured into the barrel. This
excessive amount of powder could cause a dangerous explosion. Therefore, be safety minded; use a
powder measure.
Figure 5
Figure 7Figure 6 
						

							IMPORTANT: Be sure projectile is seated firmly against powder. No air space
should exist between projectile and powder.
14.WITH GUN POINTED IN SAFE DIREC-
TION and bolt locked to the rear, place a
percussion cap on nipple or 209 primer into
the breech plug (if rifle has been adapted
for 209 usage). THE GUN IS NOW
LOADED.(See Figure 8).
15. Release the safety and YOU ARE READY
TO FIRE.
16. Aim at target. Squeezing trigger will cause
the bolt to fall on cap and the gun will fire.
17. After firing, wait one minute to reload. This allows all remaining sparks in barrel
to burn out prior to reloading.
18. If a misfire or failure to fire occurs, wait at least one minute with the gun pointed
at the target.
a. Install a new percussion cap on the nipple. Be certain of the target and
fire.
b. Never attempt to shoot out a projectile which is not firmly seated against
powder charge. The ball and powder charge should be removed using a
ball puller. See Section P, Removing A Charge.
c. Go back to Step 1 and repeat, being sure bore and nipple are clean and
free of obstructions and moisture.
L. IGNITION SYSTEM OPTIONS
1. STANDARD #11 IGNITION SYSTEM – This is the original ignition source
for all CVA In-Line rifles. It is suitable with the use of blackpowder or
Pyrodex powder only.
2. MUSKET CAP IGNITION SYSTEM – The CVA musket cap nipple en-
ables the shooter to use Musket Caps in their In-Line guns. Musket Caps
deliver approximately 3 times the flash to the charge than standard #11
percussion caps. Musket caps are suitable with use of loose powder and
are recommended when using Pyrodex Pellets.
3. #209 SHOTGUN PRIMER IGNITION SYSTEM – Accepts modern #209
shotgun primers. This ignition source can be used in CVA Bolt action
rifles and in all year 2000 and beyond In-Line rifles. The shotgun primer
14
CAUTION: Wait at least one minute with gun pointed at target if misfire or failure to
fire occurs.
Figure 8 
						

							is the most reliable in foul weather and is suitable for use with loose
powder or Pyrodex Pellets.
NOTE:  All FireBolt™, HunterBolt™, MagBolt™, and Eclipse rifles manu-
factured after January 1, 2000 are equipped with a 3-Way ignition sys-
tem, allowing the use of any of the three ignition options. All 2001 model
Stag Horn rifles are equipped with the #209 ignition as the primary and
only ignition system
M. SAFETY SYSTEMS
1. All Eclipse Series rifles are equipped
with an Auto Safety. The automatic trig-
ger safety is located at the rear of the
trigger guard. This safety is designed to
automatically engage each time the bolt
falls forward. To disengage the safety,
press the safety button to the rear. Green
indicates safety-on, red is safety-off (Fig-
ure 9).
2. All Staghorn Series rifles are equipped
with a manual safety. The manual safety
is engaged by pulling the bolt to the
rear until it locks in position; then sim-
ply flip the cocking bolt upward until it
engages the breech notch. The gun will
then be on safe. To disengage the
safety, flip the locking bolt down into
the cocked or fire position (Fig. 10).
3. All Firebolt™, MagBolt™ and
HunterBolt™ Series bolt action rifles
are equipped with a trigger blocking
safety, which is located behind the trig-
ger guard. This safety should not be
confused with the automatic safety
found on Eclipse series rifles. The
safety should manually be engaged to
the forward (green) position for safe
setting (Fig. 11).
15
   WARNING: Never rely on any mechanical safety.
Manual Notch Safety Figure 10
Trigger Blocking Safety Figure  11
➔
➔
Automatic Safety Figure  9
➔