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HOW TO “READ” YOUR PATTERN
The number of pellets striking the target in a 30” circle
usually determines the density of the pattern. Turkey
hunters often shoot at targets resembling a turkey’s head.
Using a roll of craft paper and a target stand, you can shoot
several prepared targets for comparison. Change the target
after each shot so that you can count the number of pellets
hitting the targeted area.
CLEANING
To clean your Optima Pro Shotgun, use a regular 12gauge brush, mop, and cleaning rod. Disassembly of the
gun is the same as described in the owner’s manual that
came with your gun. We use and recommend Barrel Blaster
products. Follow the directions on the Barrel Blaster Gel
Solvent or Barrel Blaster Foam to clean all plastic, lead, and
powder fouling from the bore and breech plug. Apply breech
plug grease to the breech plug and install snugly, but do not
over tighten.
FOLLOW ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN THE OWNER’S
MANUAL. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PERTAINING
TO THE SAFE AND EFFICIENT OPERATION OF THIS
MUZZLELOADING SHOTGUN, CALL CVA’S CUSTOMER
SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT 770-449-4687.
OPTIMA PRO 209 MAGNUM
MUZZLELOADING SHOTGUN
The Optima Pro 209 Magnum muzzleloading shotgun
is the newest member of the #1 selling family of breakaction muzzleloaders. With the addition of this new
model, and the option to purchase muzzleloading
shotgun barrels separately, the Optima frame becomes
the best choice for the multi-season muzzleloading
enthusiast. For the diehard muzzleloading shooter, the
new Optima Pro 12-gauge Muzzleloading shotgun
brings the chase for feathered quarry to a new level.
The new Optima Pro shotgun will function just like
its rifle cousins and all safety precautions for
firearms handling and loading should be observed.
It is strongly recommended that you read the
attached owners manual first, before continuing
with this supplement. If you do not have an
owner’s manual, please call or e-mail CVA’s
Customer Service Department for a free
replacement.
770-449-4687 info@cvaguns.com
To successfully load and shoot the Optima Pro Shotgun you
will need a few accessories. These simple accessories should
be available where you purchased your gun.
1) Shotgun volumetric measure (AC1412)
2) Powder flask / dispenser (AC1400A)
3) Plastic shot cups with over powder wads and over shot
cards (AC1493)
4) Small scissors or wire cutters for cutting slits into the
shot cups and over shot wads
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LOADING PROCEDURE..
A.
B.
C.
A. Flask
B. Volumetric Measure
C. Shot Cups and Wads
The shooter can control the patterns produced by a muzzle-loading
shotgun in several ways.
1. Type, brand, or amount of powder. Genuine Blackpowder in FFG
granulation, Pyrodex RS, and Triple 7 powder in FFG granulation
are the only recommended powders for this shotgun. The use of
pelletized powder manufactured for use in muzzleloading rifles
is not acceptable, due to the improper diameter of the pellet for
the shotgun bore, and may cause damage to your barrel and/or
personal injury or death.
2. Brand, size, or material make-up of shot. Experimenting with
different shot sizes and types is recommended. Each gun will show
a preference that can only be determined by shooting. In our
testing, #5 and #6 shot produced the densest and most consistent
patterns. Copper plated shot often shows a denser pattern when
used with heavy loads. While experimenting, always keep in mind
the type of game you are preparing to hunt, the average distance
you will be shooting, and applicable local game laws.
3. Shot cup preparation. The CVA AC1493 Shot Cups are
specifically designed for muzzleloading shotguns and are
recommended for use with all loads in your Optima Pro Shotgun.
Commercially available wads for conventional shot shells are
not designed for use with muzzleloaders and are NOT
recommended for use in your Optima Pro.
You can control the spread of the pattern by cutting slits into the plastic
shot cup. The deeper the slit, the faster the pattern will spread. Four
slits will also open faster than three. You will need to experiment to find
the right combination for your barrel and hunting style. Use small
scissors or wire cutters to produce the slits. (Note: use of a pocket or
razor knife is dangerous and will not give you the control needed to
consistently cut the same length slits into the shot cup)
Powder Cup Shot Card
1) Start by cutting three or four equal length longitudinal slits into the
CVA shot cup (AC1493) using small scissors or wire cutters.
2) Carefully measure your powder into the volumetric measure. You
should use the same volume of powder as you use of shot. Triple 7
powder charges should be reduced by 15%. A one-ounce load is a
good place to start. An ounce and a quarter is considered to be the
maximum load. Pour the powder into the barrel.
3) Place the plastic cushion wad into the muzzle and push it down the
barrel with the ramrod until it is firmly seated over the powder.
4) Push the prepared shot cup into the muzzle and slightly into the
bore. Measure one ounce of shot into the volumetric measure and
pour it into the cup. For best results the cup should be slightly
overfilled. With light loads it may be necessary to reduce the length
of the shot cup. Push the filled shot cup with the ramrod until it is
firmly seated on the powder charge.
5) Cut or tear the edge of the over shot wad about 1/4” inward from the
edge and push it down the barrel until it is firmly seated on top of the
shot.
6) Place a 209 shot shell primer into the breech plug and take aim at
your patterning target. Once you have fired the gun, collect the
target and inspect it for pattern density. At this time you can open or
close the pattern by either adjusting the slits in the shot cup or by
changing the powder load or shot size.
Wad