sova
New Member
Posts: 11
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Post by sova on Jun 15, 2024 6:01:53 GMT -5
I am brand new to Smokeless muzzle loaders, I just sent my CVA scout to Jeff to be converted and should have it back in a couple weeks. I am gathering up all the items I need and just want to make sure I am not missing anything vital.
What I have or have ordered: CVA scout with HIS conversion and ram rod EGW picatinny rail Optic Rings MTM caseguard powder scale Cleaning supplies for rifle
What I need: -Bullet sizing kit from Jeff -Universal deprimer kit from Jeff -Frankfort Arsenal hand priming tool** edit- midway has a good sale on the Lee primer and 45-70 holder for it, I think that’s what I need so I will go with that. -A press for the bullet sizer, I have been looking at the Lee 90045, this will be dedicated to the bullet sizer, will it work with the long stem sizer? - I know I need some case holders but will have to find the size again -powder, I’m looking for 4198 now -primers large rifle magnums correct? -bullets- Jeff’s email suggested fury or Parker 275, I will be using the rifle for black bear and deer.
What am I missing?
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sova
New Member
Posts: 11
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Post by sova on Jun 15, 2024 11:57:41 GMT -5
Midway had a good sale going this weekend so I went ahead and ordered the 90045 press and the Lee auto hand primer with a 45-70 case holder.
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Post by nippernut on Jun 15, 2024 12:36:30 GMT -5
I would recommend to not clean it after each shooting session unless your accuracy goes away
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Post by yoderjac on Jun 15, 2024 13:11:24 GMT -5
I don't know that you are missing anything in particular. Different guys do things differently. Here is how I do it, not right or wrong, just food for though. I bought a RBCS Partner press. I put jeff's die in it for sizing bullets. I also use it with a 45-70 shell holder to prime modules. I then use the same press with a depriming die to deprime spent modules. I mounted it to a piece of 2x6. I can use clamps to mount it to the shooting bench when I take it to the range. At home, I bolt it to a table. I bought a scale on Amazon to weigh powder, but I found Harrell's Custom 90 to be a real help. I bought vials from Pittman. I use the Harrell's to throw a charge then weigh it. Most of the time it is within my tolerance, but if not, I just dump the vial back in and throw another charge. I bought an ultrasonic cleaner as well. It is great for cleaning the modules with shell cleaner, and the break and plug with gun parts cleaner. I typically fill vials with powder charges and prime all the modules at the beginning of the season. I just run a dry patch through after each shot. I wait till the end of the season to do a good cleaning of the gun and then foul it at the beginning of the next season. I find a stock pouch lets me align with the scope and it holds a couple vials, bullets, and modules for the field. Depending on how much you need to size your bullets, bullet lube and be useful. I don't know about the CVA plug, but the Encore build I got from Jeff won't let me use a normal socket for removal. The walls are too thick. It turns out the the original TC plug wrench works great and is very portable for field use. You will want some kind of a chronograph for the range if you plan to use a ballistic calculator to determine drop. I got a LabRadar for that, but I understand there are other companies making even smaller units that work even better. I saw one in a thread on this forum but can't remember the name or company. I'm just rambling at this point. I don't know if it will help, but I started a couple years ago and this thread documents the early part of my journey: New Hankins Smokeless Encore
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sova
New Member
Posts: 11
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Post by sova on Jun 15, 2024 13:16:42 GMT -5
I would recommend to not clean it after each shooting session unless your accuracy goes away Don’t plan to, just figured if cleaning supplies wasn’t there it would be suggested to get some.
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Post by SURESHOT on Jun 15, 2024 20:04:21 GMT -5
I am sure the bullets you mrntion are great PITTMAN 275 work well on deer here and shoot very accurately You may not need the wool wads but may need to be cosidered, all items from PITTMAN BULLETS
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Post by buckeye68 on Jun 15, 2024 23:25:28 GMT -5
Funnel, cleaning tube and powder vials.
IMR 4227 powder works great.
Fury 265 bullets for any things under 150 yards.
Large or large magnum primers. Either one works for me.
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sova
New Member
Posts: 11
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Post by sova on Jun 16, 2024 4:11:48 GMT -5
yoderjac thank you for all the additional suggestions. I had not considered it for the primer modules but I already have an ultrasonic cleaner that I use for suppressors and some gun parts so that will be handy. I know folks use them for brass I just haven’t gotten into reloading yet. Your bore procedures sound like what I had in mind as well. I also already have a Caldwell chronograph so i can get some speeds from the rifle (I would like to upgrade to the garmin in the future as well). As for the priming, depriming and bullet sizing. I went ahead and bought the Lee 90045 to set up with Jeff’s sizer. My plan is to set it and not tinker with it after that so I will use the hand primer and Jeff’s punch for the other steps.
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Post by Deputy819 on Jun 17, 2024 6:40:11 GMT -5
Consider getting a Harris bipod (S-BRM) and a cheap tackle box to put all your accumulated “stuff” in.
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sova
New Member
Posts: 11
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Post by sova on Jun 17, 2024 10:09:37 GMT -5
Consider getting a Harris bipod (S-BRM) and a cheap tackle box to put all your accumulated “stuff” in. Have several Harris bipods so that’s covered. I should get a box for all the SMZ gear for sure. I have been tinkering with the idea of fitting the forend with a small piece of picatinny rail so I can clamp it into my tripod for sitting field edges like I do with my rifles.
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Post by Deputy819 on Jun 17, 2024 18:20:43 GMT -5
Consider getting a Harris bipod (S-BRM) and a cheap tackle box to put all your accumulated “stuff” in. Have several Harris bipods so that’s covered. I should get a box for all the SMZ gear for sure. I have been tinkering with the idea of fitting the forend with a small piece of picatinny rail so I can clamp it into my tripod for sitting field edges like I do with my rifles. Yep… buckeye68 fitted his with a rail. Very nicely done, too I might add. 👍
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Post by SURESHOT on Jun 17, 2024 18:29:57 GMT -5
with complete storage I purchased a flat box from Harbor Freight holds it all including ram rod has three latches about 14x10xx2 thick, holds my fired and unfired primers , sized bullets, wads, die and items, funnel, works very well around $9.00 everything in hand for the range, or to have on hand for your needs. I keep my ram rod in the corner when not in use, to keep from streching the cord, fold it down while in the field,,
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Post by yoderjac on Jun 17, 2024 20:12:25 GMT -5
yoderjac thank you for all the additional suggestions. I had not considered it for the primer modules but I already have an ultrasonic cleaner that I use for suppressors and some gun parts so that will be handy. I know folks use them for brass I just haven’t gotten into reloading yet. Your bore procedures sound like what I had in mind as well. I also already have a Caldwell chronograph so i can get some speeds from the rifle (I would like to upgrade to the garmin in the future as well). As for the priming, depriming and bullet sizing. I went ahead and bought the Lee 90045 to set up with Jeff’s sizer. My plan is to set it and not tinker with it after that so I will use the hand primer and Jeff’s punch for the other steps. Garmin...That was the brand I was talking about but couldn't remember.
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Post by yoderjac on Jun 17, 2024 20:25:37 GMT -5
with complete storage I purchased a flat bo from Harbor Freight holds it all including ram rod has three latches about 14x10xx2 thick, holds my fired and unfired primers , sized bullets, wads, die and items funnel, works very well around $9.00 I did something similar. I've got some larger items like the press attached to a 2x6. I ended up with a stackable Craftsman. I keep most stuff in the top unit that has removable bins. They are nice when when reloading a bunch of primers. After depriming, I just through them on the bench and then scrape them all into a bin and pour them into the ultrasonic cleaner. After cleaning and priming, again I just set them all on the bench and then scrape them into a bin and put it back in the case. The lower case is deep. I keep the press, torque wrench, scale, bottle of powder for the Harrell's, and bag of patches in the bottom. There is a tray on top that holds the collapsible ram rod. They clamp together, so one handle carries them both.
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sova
New Member
Posts: 11
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Post by sova on Jun 18, 2024 18:32:45 GMT -5
![](https://i.imgur.com/GQyEMeQ.jpeg) I went ahead and went for the rail so I can use my tripod. Used my drill press to knock a couple holes in it, then used a little JB weld to bed the rail to to the forend and fill the void created by the rail being flat and stock being curved, then i reinforced the inside of the handguard with some more compound to reinforce it a bit. My barrel got to Jeff yesterday and he shipped it back today, will be here Thursday. Pretty crazy turnaround time.
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sova
New Member
Posts: 11
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Post by sova on Jun 20, 2024 14:22:01 GMT -5
![](https://i.imgur.com/Ky86ZfC.jpg) br] It’s back!
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Post by Deputy819 on Jun 21, 2024 6:34:49 GMT -5
No muzzle brake?🤔
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sova
New Member
Posts: 11
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Post by sova on Jun 21, 2024 7:45:48 GMT -5
No. I prefer that, no loading tube so one less step and one less thing to keep up with and I will take the small difference in recoil over the crazy noise increase.
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Post by SURESHOT on Jun 21, 2024 8:52:30 GMT -5
Have worked with about 3 or 4 of the 25 scouts that I have helped set up, and those without the muzzle brake (BLUED ONES) to me are veryyyy punishing, In fact those that had them without the brake have now had brakes installed. your right about something else to keep up with, I just put it in my hunting jacket ot hang it around my neck.,some have a thread protector made and use it both ways,
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sova
New Member
Posts: 11
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Post by sova on Jun 21, 2024 10:22:01 GMT -5
Have worked with about 3 or 4 of the 25 scouts that I have helped set up, and those without the muzzle brake (BLUED ONES) to me are veryyyy punishing, In fact those that had them without the brake have now had brakes installed. your right about something else to keep up with, I just put it in my hunting jacket ot hang it around my neck.,some have a thread protector made and use it both ways, Well I can always have it threaded for one if I decide it’s needed, but for now I’m going with it like this.
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