I have a CVA Optima LR and I’m trying to figure out some approximate velocity. I tried my magneto speed on it and couldn’t get a reading. I’m running a 300 power belt aerolite with 3(150 grns) pyrodex pellets. Going on a nilgai hunt soon and would like to have some parameters to put in my ballistics calculator.
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I'd see if you can borrow an optical chrono (Caldwell or other) from someone-- it will be your best bet if the magneto won't do it before of blast or mounting.
This shows roughly 1880fps from a 27" barrel with 150gr of white hots which will be pretty close (100fps +/-) what I would expect to see from your set up.
I have owned and shot a number of CVAs(Accura, V2, LR, MR, Optima) in .45 and .50cal. I have achieved my best results (accuracy and MV) from bore diameter bullets from Harvester and loose powder (BH209). I never had great luck with power belts and pellets-- but sometimes pellets and sabots (also harvester) would shoot well. The powerbelts always shot WAY different POI than any other bullet I experimented with.
If you do have a load that is accurate and consistent then proceed! If not-- in my experience the 150gr charges simply create excessive muzzle blast and recoil without an appreciable increase in downrange energy and ofte at the detriment of accuracy. I would try 2x50gr pellets or if you can find them 2x30gr and 1x50gr. See below for translation of MV to lbs and why it doesn't matter as much.
Lastly- not sure the distance you are planning to shoot but with expected MVs, even with a scope but will that combo produce the energy where you need a drop chart? Or can you just run a 100yd zero and call it good?? The largest critter I've killed with a muzzy was a large cow elk so I dunno how that stacks up to a Nilgai.
But with the numbers above you only have 1600ft/lbs energy (@ 1560fps) at 100 yards. By 200 yards you have dropped 12 inches and have 1160ft/lbs @ 1320fps.
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