CVA Shotgun Information Manual

NOTE:The shot sizes in Table 1 include sizes ranging from #10, #9, #8,
#7 1/2, #7, #6, #5, #4, #2 and #BB. Do not confuse the size #BB
with the term used to describe air rifle steel shot. Air rifle shot
should never be used in a muzzleloading shotgun. TABLE 1
Suitable Charges
Light LoadField Load
Heavy Load
1 ounce of shot
1 1/8  ounce of shot1 1/4  ounce of shot
plus measuring device
filled with same
volume ofplus measuring device
filled with same
volume ofplus measuring device
filled with same
volume...

F.    SHOT
1. There are three basic types of shot available in the various shot pellet sizes.
a. Soft Shot: The most common type and the least expensive. These almost
pure lead pellets are very soft and are easily deformed during passage
up the barrel bore. Therefore, they spread quite rapidly after exiting
the bore. Soft shot is primarily used for skeet and close range targets.
b. Chilled Shot: Individual shot pellets containing a slight percentage of
the hardening agent, antimony. Consequently, the...

G. BUCKSHOT
1. Although the shot size numbers are the same as some buckshot num-
bers, do not confuse the two. Buckshot pellets are larger in diameter.
Buckshot hardness is about the same as that of chilled shot pellets. TABLE 2
Approximate Shot Characteristics Per Given Charge
Number of Pellets Per:                 Size Per: Pellet
Shot Size 1 oz. 1 1/8 oz. 1 1/4 oz. Diameter Weight
#2 90 102 113 .15” 4.86 grs.
#4 135 152 169 .13” 3.24 grs.
#5 170 192 213 .12” 2.57 grs.
#6 225 253 281 .11” 1.94 grs.
#7...

TABLE 3
Approximate Buckshot Characteristics Per Given Charge
Count Per: Size Per:
Buckshot Size 1 1/8 oz. Diameter Weight
#4 23 .24” 20.70 gr.
#3 20 .25” 23.55 gr.
#2 16 .27” 29.70 gr.
#1 12 .30” 40.50 gr.
#0 10 .32” 49.00 gr.
#00 8 .34” 59.00 gr.
#000 7 .36” 70.00 gr.
1. When loading buckshot, the correct procedure is to count the number of
pellets before inserting them into the bore. (See Table 3.)
a. The buckshot load for the 12 gauge CVA Shotgun should not exceed a
total weight of 490 grains.
2....

H. SINGLE PROJECTILE
1. There is one and only one single projectile for the 12 gauge CVA Shot-
gun. It is a .690 diameter round lead ball, weighing approximately 495
grains. This ball must be suitably patched. (See Page 17.)
2. The powder charge is the same as the volumetric load for l 1/8 ounce of
roundballs. (See page 9 for Table l.)
3. The above projectile, when suitably loaded, will give approximately 1,000
feet per second velocity and 1,100 foot pounds of energy. Velocity at 100
yards is...

2. Buffering agents or components consist of small round balls made from
plastic or other materials, such as flour, etc.
J. WADS
1. The wads, more than any other single shooting accessory used in a  muzzle-
loading shotgun, determine the efficiency of the load.
2. Wads must be inserted into the shotgun barrel in correct sequence without
deviation.
3. There are two basic categories of wads. (See Figure 5.)
a. Traditional, independent wads.
b. Modern, one-piece plastic wad.
WARNING: Under no circumstances...

4. Characteristics of independent wads.
a The over-powder wad consists of a disk of firm cardboard, approxi-
mately 1/4-inch thick. Its purpose is to fit the bore in order to seal the
gas released by the burning of black powder. When the gas pressure
builds, the over-powder wad expands slightly to form a gasket and
utilizes the full energy of the gas pressure to push the charge out the
barrel. Do not lubricate the edges of the wad. To do so will prevent a
good seal.
b. The filler wad consists of a disk...

5. Characteristics of one-piece plastic wad. (See Figure 5.)
a. The one-piece plastic wad is an adaptation of a modern shotshell and
can be used with the muzzleloading shotgun with one minor addition:
the over-shot wad. The cup shaped portion of the plastic wad replaces
the need for an over-powder wad in the traditional method. Its purpose
is the same. It fits the bore in order to seal the gas released by the
burning blackpowder. As the gas pressure builds, the edges of the cup
expand outward and seal...

3. Chosen volumetric shot pellet charge
4. One over-shot wad
6. Buckshot wads
a. There are two types of wads which can be used with buckshot.
1. Independent wads with larger size buckshot, such as #0, #00 and
    #000 will give generally better pattern performance.
2. One-piece plastic wad with smaller buckshot size pellets, such as
    #1, #2, #3 and #4. Do not use a one-piece plastic wad with #0,
    #00, or #000 buckshot. To do so will result in poor pattern
    performance.
7. Single Projectile Wad...

K. LOADING AND SHOOTING OF PERCUSSION SHOTGUN
1. Wear shatterproof shooting glasses since percussion caps may shower
sparks or bits of the cap when fired.
2. If your CVA Shotgun has two barrels: To prevent loading the same
barrel twice, partially insert a wad (or cloth patch) just into the muzzle
of the bore NOT to be loaded first. Position the wad so that it can be
removed by hand later. Its purpose is to serve only as a safety ‘re-
minder.’
3. Be sure the shotgun is unloaded.
a.Place ramrod down barrel...