CVA Sidelock Rifle Information Manual

							the ramrod with a hammer. As the puller screw bites deeper and deeper into the soft lead projec-
tile, the ramrod will become difficult to turn and it will require the use of pliers. Pad the jaws of the
pliers so that you do not mar the ramrod. Once the puller screw has embedded itself firmly into
the projectile, pull out the ramrod and extract the ball or bullet. In actuality, this process is some-
what tedious and it will require your patience. When working with a badly fouled bore, the puller
screw may pull free from the projectile several times before you can successfully extract the
projectile. If you are persistent, you will succeed!
After the projectile has been removed from the bore, clean the bore, barrel and parts as
explained in the ÒCleaningÓ section and reassemble the firearm.
If for any reason you are unable to remove the charge in the manner recommended,
soak the barrel in very hot water for one-half hour. Once the powder has been rendered inert,
take the barrel to a qualified gunsmith.
P. SIGHT ADJUSTMENTS
Most CVA rifles are equipped with adjustable style rifle sights for windage and elevation.
  1. Make sure both the front and rear sights are positioned in the center of the barrel.
  2. Aim at a target and shoot. Repeat this step three times to develop a pattern.
  3. If the gun shoots to the right adjust the rear sight to the left and shoot another
pattern. If the gun shoots to the left move the rear sight to the right.
  4. If the gun shoots low, elevate the rear sight. If the gun shoots high lower the rear
sight. Shoot a new pattern for elevation.
NOTE: WITH THE BLADE TYPE FRONT SIGHTS (WITH NO BEAD ON TOP) IT
IS POSSIBLE TO FILE DOWN THE TOP OF THE SIGHT TO SHOOT HIGHER.
The blackpowder shooter should shoot his first shots from 13 paces from the tar-
get aiming for the center of the bulls eye. Shooting from twenty-five yards the
shooter consults the table to determine the impact point on the target.  The shooters
point of aim should be the center of the bulls-eye using sight adjustment informa-
tion above. When the gun/bullet combination is zeroed into that point, back up to
50 yards. Taking aim at the center of the bulls-eye, the 50 yard point of impact
should be 2-1/2 inches above the center of the bulls eye.  The group from 100
yards should be close to the bulls eye. Shoot from the 100 yard position, making
sight adjustment until the group centers on the bulls eye. Finally, check the point
of impact at 50 yards to find what the actual high point is in the rifles 100 yard
trajectory.
Q. SCOPE MOUNTING
The factory iron sights on CVA rifles are removable. Scope mounts which make use of
existing screw holes are available from CVA. Do not drill additional holes in the barrel as this
could weaken its structure and contribute to a rupture, causing injury and/or death to your-
self and others. Many of the CVA rifles have been drilled and tapped for 8-40 UNF threads
17
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE BREECH PLUG. TO DO SO WILL VOID THE
WARRANTY. 
						

							and spaced .860 on center. Scopes should be mounted according to manufacturer Õs in-
structions.
R. INTRODUCTION TO THE BALLISTICS TABLES
HOW VELOCITY WAS MEASURED
Two Oehler 35P Proof chronographs were employed to gather velocity data. One shot
was fired to Òdress the boreÓ before testing for bullet velocity. The bore was swabbed between
test shots when blackpowder was used but not when Pyrodex was used.
WHY DATA VARIES
Two identical firearms will not produce identical velocities in spite of using exactly the
same load in each one. This is due to variables. Here are two:
1. No two bores are absolutely identical in diameter. The differences may be in minute
degrees, but bore diameters differ, thereby altering bullet drag (bore friction) ever so
slightly.
2. Rifling varies. Rate of twist, depth of groove, smoothness or  roughness of lands, and
other incidentals all affect velocity.
POWDERS DIFFER
Blackpowder of today is not the same as blackpowder of yesterday. There are even small
differences in burning characteristics from lot to lot.
POWDERS MAY CHANGE IN COMPOSITION
TodayÕs Pyrodex, for example, is the best ever. It is Òpowerful.Ó That is, it yields good
energy per mass. And it is dense. In the past, there was approximately a 20% weight-per-
volume difference between Pyrodex and blackpowder. One hundred grains VOLUME of FFg
yielded very close to 100 grains WEIGHT, while 100 grains VOLUME of Pyrodex RS yielded
about 80 grains WEIGHT. Current Pyrodex is more dense. A 100 grain VOLUMETRIC setting
yielded, in tests, a mode (most repeated number) of 71.5 grains RS by WEIGHT, with a slightly
higher velocity potential per charge than older Pyrodex.
ELEVATION AND TEMPERATURE
Both elevation and temperature may alter velocity. A very hot day may bring slightly
higher velocities, as will high altitudes. These differences are of no practical concern, but they
exist.
ROUND BALLS MAY VARY
A test rifle may show different velocities when different round balls are used, in spite of
the different round balls being almost identical in caliber. A micrometer measurement may
prove that the two different round balls are not identical. Also, cast round balls may vary in
diameter and even weight compared with swaged round balls.
CONICALS MAY VARY
Different conical designs, in spite of being the same weight and caliber, may show slightly
different velocities due to varying bore friction. A bullet with a lot of shank (more drag), for
18 
						

							19
example, may be minutely slower in velocity than a bullet with less surface contact with the
bore.
DO NOT USE OVERSIZED CONICAL BULLETS IN YOUR CVA GUN. CVA rifles are
designed for use with patched round balls, bullets with 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 projectile over 400 grains in a .50 caliber rifle could cause barrel damage
resulting in a non-warranty repair situation.
WHEN USING CONICAL BULLETS, ALWAYS USE CVA BUCKSLAYERª BULLETS.
CVA Buckslayerª Bullets have ben designed for proper fit to CVA barrels, creating a
superb gas seal for consistent accuracy with any CVA rifle. Buckslayerª Bullets are easy
to load, because of the knurled sides and pure soft lead construction. The dimensions and
weight of Buckslayerª Bullets have been disigned to deliver maximum down range en-
ergy, low recoil and the best possible accuracy. DEMAND BUCKSLAYERª BULLETS!
USEFUL DATA
In spite of small differences in test results, a shooter can place total faith in carefully
tested ballistic data because for all practical purposes, printed data reproduces quite closely
in a shooterÕs personal firearm compared with a test firearm.
PYRODEX
Pyrodex loads were not listed in this booklet; however, Pyrodex may be used VOLU-
METRICALLY to duplicate blackpowder results. For example, a 90 grain volume charge of
FFg and a 90 grain volume (not weight) charge of Pyrodex RS deliver approximately the same
velocity in a .50 caliber muzzleloading rifle.
THE POWDER CHARGE
Powder charges of 90 grains volume FFg for .50 caliber and 100 grains volume FFg for
.54 caliber muzzleloaders were selected as prudent, safe and reliable big-game loads. The
shooter may wish to use less powder or check with his rifle manufacturer for maximum allow-
able loads that may exceed these charges.
LIGHTER LOADS
The section on target/plinking loads lists a number of general light loads that work in
small-bore and large-bore muzzleloaders.
PATCH
For uniformity, all patches were .015 inches thick. The shooter is urged to match patch
thickness to his particular bore/firearm for best fit.
LUBE
For uniformity, only one lube was used for all testing: CVA Slick Load Lube.
IGNITION
For uniformity, only CVA Hot Flash
¨ No. 11 percussion caps were used for  testing. 
						

							100 YARD VELOCITY
One hundred yard velocity was derived from ballistic coefficient figures. A spot check to
verify mathematical and actual downrange bullet velocities was conducted using an Oehler
35P Proof chronograph with Skyscreens. Computed and actual downrange velocities were
quite close.
ENERGY
Energy figures were computed using the Newtonian formula, the only formula accepted
by all ammo companies.
TRAJECTORY
Trajectory figures were derived mathematically with spot checks by shooting randomly
selected loads at downrange targets. Trajectory figures are close approximations. Bullet drop
will vary with elevation at various shooting sites.
The shooter is urged to by-step all problems by sighting his big-game muzzleloader with
big-game load for 100 yards as a good short cut to success. Sighted dead on at 100 yards, the
normal big-game loads will shoot ÒflatÓ enough to allow a maximum range of about 125 yards.
While practiced and gifted marksmen may shoot much farther with muzzleloaders, the 125
yard limit remains a good one for most of us under most hunting situations ItÕs an ethical
distance to shoot at deer-sized game. Some hunters may prefer getting closer to larger-than-
deer big game, such as elk.
ACCURACY
All rifles were fired from the bench. The group shown is the smallest three-shot group for
three trials (nine shots total). Obviously, accuracy will vary from shooter to shooter, as well as
firearm to firearm, especially under varying shooting conditions such as wind and tempera-
ture.
NOTE: All conicals were introduced to the bore with the base of the projectile perpendicular to
the bore, not slanted. If any conical got started downbore Òon the bias,Ó that load was fired into
the butts, and not at the target.
S. PRACTICAL USE OF BALLISTIC DATA
THE POWDER CHARGES
All range work was accomplished with FFg blackpowder. Pyrodex RS loaded to the
same volume will produce similar results. The loads included on the following tables will serve
as a reference point when working up a hunting load for the shooterÕs particular rifle. Vary
charges at five grain increments to find the load that produces the best accuracy in a given
gun. Be careful not to exceed the manufacturer Õs maximum recommended powder charge.
Consult the warranty book or call the manufacturer to verify maximum charge.
MUZZLE VELOCITY
Measured in feet per second, this number gives the speed of the projectile (bullet or
round ball) as it leaves the barrel.
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							100 YARD VELOCITY
Measured in feet per second, this number gives the speed of the projectile at 100 yards.
An interesting comparison between projectiles can be noted by figuring the percentage of
velocity each projectile retained at 100 yards.
Example: CVA St. Louis Hawken
%
Muzzle 100 Yard Velocity Velocity
ProjectileVelocityVelocityLostLost
300 GR Buckslayerª Bullet 1515 1212 303 20%
177 GR Round Ball 1712 959 753 44%
It is easily noted that the Buckslayerª Bullet loses only 20 percent of its velocity in the
first 100 yards while the round ball loses more than double that percentage.
MUZZLE ENERGY
Measured in foot pounds, is a measure of force carried by the bullet or projectile at the
moment it leaves the barrel. Energy retention is a relationship between muzzle energy and
energy at a given distance.
100 YARD ENERGY
Also measured in foot pounds. This number is important to big-game hunters. A rule
many big-game hunters live by is that deer-size game requires at least 500 foot pounds of
energy delivered by the bullet (or projectile) for an efficient harvest. Referring to the data on
the .50 caliber St. Louis Hawken; the patched round ball has 959 foot pounds of energy at the
muzzle, but only 362 foot pounds of energy at 100 yards. From this data, most hunters would
properly assume that the maximum effective range of a patched round ball with 90 gr FFg
blackpowder fired from a St. Louis Hawken .50 caliber rifle to be somewhat less than 100
yards, probably in the 65-75 yard range.
For elk size game, the rule is 1,000 foot pounds of energy for effective harvest. Referring
to the table for the St. Louis Hawken .50 caliber rifle, using the 300 grain CVA Buckslayerª
Bullet, 90 grain FFg Blackpowder, we find 979 foot pounds of energy at 100 yards. From this
table we can surmise that the maximum effective range is slightly less than 100 yards. Refer-
ring to the .54 caliber St. Louis Hawken, firing a 375 grain Buckslayerª Bullet, with 100 grains
FFg blackpowder on the following page we can see the 100 yard energy to be 1168 foot
pounds, plenty for elk.
50 YARD AVERAGE GROUP
This number shows the center to center measurements for the best three shot group
fired from a given gun with a specific powder/projectile combination. Three sequences of three
shot groups were fired with each combination. The best reproducible group is listed. For ex-
ample, if the three test groups yielded results of 1.5 inch, 1.7 inch and 1.8 inch, the 1.5 inch
group would be recorded. However, if the three test groups yield results of 1.5 inch, 3.0 inch
and 2.5 inch, the groups would be re-shot. Our testing allowed for only half-inch variation
between Òbest groupÓ and Òaverage groupÓ.
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							22
When checking the data you will note that many blackpowder guns are capable of out-
standing accuracy. Many of the groups registered are in the one-inch class measuring 1.0 to
1.25 with some guns even yielding groups under an inch.  Outstanding! Also note: All shooting
in this manual was done with open sights. Scoped rifle tests that were conducted lead to the
conclusion that the average group at 50 yards shown on the following tables could be dupli-
cated at 100 yards by mounting a scope on the test gun.
TRAJECTORY SIGHT-IN INFORMATION
The blackpowder shooter should shoot his first shots from 13 paces from the target
aiming for the center of the bulls-eye. Shooting from twenty-five yards the shooter consults
the table to determine the impact point, on the target. In the case of the .50 caliber CVA St.
Louis Hawken / 300 grain CVA Buckslayerª bullet combination, the table shows +1 in the 25
yard column under trajectory sight in information. The shooter Õs point of aim should be the
center of the bulls-eye using sight adjustment information in the preceding chapter. When the
gun/bullet combination is zeroed into that point, back up to 50 yards,  consult the 50 yard
column. Taking aim at the center of the bulls-eye, the 50 yard point of impact should be 2-1/2
inches above the center of the bulls-eye. The group from 100 yards should be close to the
bulls eye. Shoot from the 100 yard position, making sight adjustment until the group centers
on the bulls-eye.
Finally, check the point of impact at 50 yards to find what the actual high point is in the
rifleÕs 100-yard trajectory. Remember, these tables serve only as a point of reference. There is
no substitute for actual range work. The benefits of actual sight in will include practical under-
standing of the rifle, the satisfaction of knowing what the rifle can do with you behind it and
pure enjoyment of target shooting.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FOULING SHOT FOR CONICAL BULLETS
What is the fouling shot? Why is it so important to accurate blackpowder shooting?
How do I easily produce a fouling shot? These are some of the most often asked ques-
tions regarding the fouling shot. Knowing the answers can make the difference between
mediocre performance and tack driving accuracy when shooting pure lead conical bullets
(not sabots!).
The fouling shot is the first shot fired from a clean barrel - and the least accurate! The
accuracy potential of a barrel is actually improved by the presence of some powder resi-
due called fouling. On subsequent shots, this residue will create a tighter seal between
the barrel and the projectile, thereby improving accuracy. Therefore, whether shooting
conical bullets on the range or in the field, you should never use your first shot. Instead,
count on your second, third and fourth shots to be the most accurate. After the fourth shot,
clean the barrel with a clean patch and light solvent and then continue your shooting.
Following this procedure will assure that you are always using the most accurate shots
that your rifle can deliver.
There is also an easy way to foul the barrel without actually firing a bullet. Just load
your gun with 80 grains of powder followed only by a cleaning patch. Point the gun in a
safe direction, place a percussion cap on the nipple and fire the gun. Your barrel will now
be fouled and youll be ready to make your best shot at that trophy.
Give the fouling shot a try the next time you are out on the range. Youll see tighter
groups and learn to appreciate what a fouled barrel can do to improve your shooting! 
						

							23
LOADING DATA FOR BLACKPOWDER RIFLES
Manufacturer:  Connecticut Valley Arms
Name of Gun:  St. Louis Hawken
Caliber:  .50
Rate of Twist:  1 in 48ÓBarrel Length:  28Ó
Percussion Cap:  CVA Hot FlashLube:  CVA Slick Load Lube
PowderMuzzle Muzzle 100 Yard 100 Yard 50 Yard
Charge Velocity Energy Velocity Energy Average
Projectile FFG FPS FP FPS FP Group
177 Grain .490
Patched Roundball 90 GR 1712 1152 959 362 1.75
Trajectory
Sight in 25 50 100 125
Information (in inches) Yards Yards Yards Yards
0 +2.5 0 -5
PowderMuzzle Muzzle 100 Yard 100 Yard 50 Yard
Charge Velocity Energy Velocity Energy Average
Projectile FFG FPS FP FPS FP Group
385 Grain
Buffalo Bullet 90 GR 1379 1626 1075 990 2.0
Trajectory
Sight in 25 50 100 125
Information (in inches) Yards Yards Yards Yards
+1.75 +3.0 0 -5.5
PowderMuzzle Muzzle 100 Yard 100 Yard 50 Yard
Charge Velocity Energy Velocity Energy Average
Projectile FFG FPS FP FPS FP Group
225 Grain CVA
Elite Sabot 90 GR 1726 1489 1381 953 1.5
Trajectory
Sight in 25 50 100 125
Information (in inches) Yards Yards Yards Yards
+1.0 +2.5 0 -3
PowderMuzzle Muzzle 100 Yard 100 Yard 50 Yard
Charge Velocity Energy Velocity Energy Average
Projectile FFG FPS FP FPS FP Group
300 Grain CVA
Buckslayer Bullet 90  GR 1515 1529 1212 979 1.0
Trajectory
Sight in 25 50 100 125
Information (in inches) Yards Yards Yards Yards
+1 +2.5 0 -5 
						

							PowderMuzzle Muzzle 100 Yard 100 Yard 50 Yard
Charge Velocity Energy Velocity Energy Average
Projectile FFG FPS FP FPS FP Group
225 Grain .530
Patched Roundball 100 GR 1673 1399 1004 504 2.0
Trajectory
Sight in 25 50 100 125
Information (in inches) Yards Yards Yards Yards
+2.0 +2.75 0 -5
Manufacturer:  Connecticut Valley Arms
Name of Gun:  St. Louis Hawken
Caliber:  .54
Rate of Twist:  1 in 48ÓBarrel Length:  28Ó
Percussion Cap:  CVA Hot FlashLube:  CVA Slick Load Lube
PowderMuzzle Muzzle 100 Yard 100 Yard 50 Yard
Charge Velocity Energy Velocity Energy Average
Projectile FFG FPS FP FPS FP Group
375 Grain CVA
Buckslayer Bullet 100  GR 1444 1737 1184 1168 1.5
Trajectory
Sight in 25 50 100 125
Information (in inches) Yards Yards Yards Yards
+1.5 +2.5 0 -5
PowderMuzzle Muzzle 100 Yard 100 Yard 50 Yard
Charge Velocity Energy Velocity Energy Average
Projectile FFG FPS FP FPS FP Group
225 Grain CVA
Elite Sabot 100 GR 1727 1490 1382 954 1.5
Trajectory
Sight in 25 50 100 125
Information (in inches) Yards Yards Yards Yards
+1.0 +1.5 0 -3
PowderMuzzle Muzzle 100 Yard 100 Yard 50 Yard
Charge Velocity Energy Velocity Energy Average
Projectile FFG FPS FP FPS FP Group
425 Grain
Buffalo Bullet 100 GR 1466 2029 1202 1364 2.0
Trajectory
Sight in 25 50 100 125
Information (in inches) Yards Yards Yards Yards
+2.0 +2.5 0 -5
24 
						

							PowderMuzzle Muzzle 100 Yard 100 Yard 50 Yard
Charge Velocity Energy Velocity Energy Average
Projectile FFG FPS FP FPS FP Group
177 Grain .490
Patched Roundball 90 GR 1777 1291 995 389 2.5
Trajectory
Sight in 25 50 100 125
Information (in inches) Yards Yards Yards Yards
0 +2.5 0 -5
Manufacturer:  Connecticut Valley Arms
Name of Gun:  Colorado MusketMagª
Caliber:  .50
Rate of Twist:  1 in 32ÓBarrel Length:  26Ó
Percussion Cap:  CVA Hot FlashLube:  CVA Slick Load Lube
PowderMuzzle Muzzle 100 Yard 100 Yard 50 Yard
Charge Velocity Energy Velocity Energy Average
Projectile FFG FPS FP FPS FP Group
225 Grain CVA
Elite Sabot 90 GR 1613 1300 1290 832 1.5
Trajectory
Sight in 25 50 100 125
Information (in inches) Yards Yards Yards Yards
+1 +1.5 0 -3
PowderMuzzle Muzzle 100 Yard 100 Yard 50 Yard
Charge Velocity Energy Velocity Energy Average
Projectile FFG FPS FP FPS FP Group
385 Grain
Buffalo Bullet 90 GR 1381 1631 1077 992 1.25
Trajectory
Sight in 25 50 100 125
Information (in inches) Yards Yards Yards Yards
+1.75 +3 0 -5.5
PowderMuzzle Muzzle 100 Yard 100 Yard 50 Yard
Charge Velocity Energy Velocity Energy Average
Projectile FFG FPS FP FPS FP Group
300 Grain CVA
Buckslayer Bullet 90  GR 1483 1465 1187 939 1.0
Trajectory
Sight in 25 50 100 125
Information (in inches) Yards Yards Yards Yards
+1 +2.5 0 -5
25 
						

							26
PowderMuzzle Muzzle 100 Yard 100 Yard 50 Yard
Charge Velocity Energy Velocity Energy Average
Projectile FFG FPS FP FPS FP Group
225 Grain .530
Patched Roundball 100 GR 1632 1331 979 479 2.75
Trajectory
Sight in 25 50 100 125
Information (in inches) Yards Yards Yards Yards
+2.0 +2.75 0 -5
Manufacturer:  Connecticut Valley Arms
Name of Gun:  Colorado MusketMagª
Caliber:  .54
Rate of Twist:  1 in 32ÓBarrel Length:  26Ó
Percussion Cap:  CVA Hot FlashLube:  CVA Slick Load Lube
PowderMuzzle Muzzle 100 Yard 100 Yard 50 Yard
Charge Velocity Energy Velocity Energy Average
Projectile FFG FPS FP FPS FP Group
225 Grain CVA
Elite Sabot 100 GR 1671 1395 1367 934 1.25
Trajectory
Sight in 25 50 100 125
Information (in inches) Yards Yards Yards Yards
+1.0 +1.5 0 -3
PowderMuzzle Muzzle 100 Yard 100 Yard 50 Yard
Charge Velocity Energy Velocity Energy Average
Projectile FFG FPS FP FPS FP Group
425 Grain
Buffalo Bullet 100 GR 1431 1933 1173 1299 1.0
Trajectory
Sight in 25 50 100 125
Information (in inches) Yards Yards Yards Yards
+2.0 +2.5 0 -5
PowderMuzzle Muzzle 100 Yard 100 Yard 50 Yard
Charge Velocity Energy Velocity Energy Average
Projectile FFG FPS FP FPS FP Group
375 Grain CVA
Buckslayer Bullet 100  GR 1396 1623 1145 1092 .5
Trajectory
Sight in 25 50 100 125
Information (in inches) Yards Yards Yards Yards
+1.5 +2.5 0 -5