in the market for a new ML (2024)

in the market for a new ML

#1325421311/03/18

Arizona

I'm in the market for a new ML. I last one was a CVA Optima Elite. After speaking with a CVA tech, he recommended getting a newer model as there is no replacement parts for that model. Fair enough.

Looking at a CVA Accura V2 Nitrite
or Traditions
or T/C

Can you tell me which of the Traditions and T/Cs I should be looking at please?

Also

Can anyone tell me about their experience with the Federal Premium B.O.R Bullets.

Thank you

HaYen

Re: in the market for a new ML

HaYen#1325437911/04/18

East Texas

I assumer you're wanting an in-line. I shoot the CVA Accura and love it. Great shooter and I really like the thumbhole stock. My friend shoots the Wolf, which is much cheaper but shoots just as well.

It all comes down to which one "feels" right when you pick it up. All 3 of the makers you list make a nice rifle.

Re: in the market for a new ML

HaYen#1325447311/04/18

The Green Mountain State

Re: in the market for a new ML

HaYen#1325971011/06/18

Arizona

Thanks for the replies folks.

@RememberBaker no part that I can tell needs to be replaced but recently when I cleaned my Optimal Elite I could not / can not separate the barrel from the stock. When I called CVA they said that it sounds like an issue. I could send it to then but that there are no parts for it and it may be a better option to just replace it. I try to take care of the things I own but replacing my 1 and only muzzle loader once every 10 years is not that big a deal to me.

So another question for both of you. My Optima Elite's barrel is cut to exactly 0.5". I found early on that most projectiles come in at anywhere from .50" to .506". I love the fact it has such tight tolerances but it does make it harder to find a projectile that fits. There are a few like Power Belts or Thor (I think was the brand) with a custom range. I did find a guy out of CO that custom swags for .50".

Are your CVAs all set to .50? What is your favorite projectile? Have you tried the Federal B.O.R locks? How do they fit? How well do they kill?

Thank you again in advance.

HaYen

Re: in the market for a new ML

HaYen#1325991011/06/18

Re: in the market for a new ML

HaYen#1326236111/07/18

SUFFOLK COUNTY NY

Re: in the market for a new ML

HaYen#1327276211/11/18

We have multiple brands of muzzleloaders. Right now our group carries. Two optimas, 2 vortex striker fires and 5 encores.

We only shoot Black horn.

Optimas need different breech plug

Strikerfire we drilled the flash hole just a bit bigger.

Encores shoot well just heavy.

Re: in the market for a new ML

HaYen#1330031711/23/18

Texas

Re: in the market for a new ML

HaYen#1331656511/29/18

***
Hi, just giving you my opinion. If I had to choose between JUST the muzzleloaders you listed, some may not agree, but i would get a Traditions Vortek LDR(long distance rifle)with 30" barrel, or any Traditions Vortek where it says it has a 4140 chrome moly barrel.
I'll tell you why:4140 steel is modern rifle steel and that matters, to me anyway. I'll tell you why later.
I HAVE a Traditions Vortek magnum with 209 primers. It is light, has a 1:28 twist, 28" strong fluted barrel that's ported and reamed on the end to start bullets easier. The barrel is very strong. Rated to 150grs BP sub, I use 120-150grs BH209 with 300 grain sabots or 300 to 600 grain cast fullbore flatnose bullets just as accurate. No matter whether I use light sabots with 150grs of powder or heavy bullets with 120grs powder, it will dial in. It wears the scope real well.Mine has the barrel all one piece with the older style breechplug that doesn't have a lot of pressure bearing surface area. They also make a newer "accelerator" type plug that removes easier. For its weight and what loads we use,it's recoil is mild enough for my 120-130 lb petite wife to get good 100-200 yard groups and me even tighter. I sighted it in with 300g MMP sabots/140grs BH209 and I'm also able to use a 540 grain lead fullbores/110grs pwdr with a holdover. The barrel does have good features and Traditions makes some 300-350 grain full copper jacket Spitzer polymer tipped bullets that are great in it too.

Just for info:
That being said you may want to check into a stainless steel Knight muzzleloader, if you're buying new check out the Knight Mountaineer.Its strong. I have an older Knight Revolution and it has a .503 Green Mountain 1137 steel barrel, which is .503 all the way and super accurate. If the Traditions is 6.8 lbs, the Knight is 8lbs all day. Heavier thicker barrel adds weight and it has 209 ignition, direct or with a plastic weather proof jacket used around it. I use the direct and when you cap it the plug swages down the 209 primer for a positive seal. It is great with 209 up to 150grs and is great with .503 fullbores.
The Rem700ML or the newer REM 700UML are both good stainless guns easily converted to smokeless muzzleloaders.I won't convert my 700UML,it already holds 200grs powder.

****
Opinions are all different but from your selection i recommend a TRADITIONS VORTEK ULTRALIGHT MAGNUM or a TRADITIONS VORTEK STRIKERFIRE MAGNUM. One has hammer,one not. Go to Traditions website,find the one you like,make sure it has the 4140 chrome moly barrel,then I'd go to Buds Gun shop online and order it there, it'll be way less expensive. I can vouch for the barrel because I tested a Tradition Vortek with a real hot and heavy load,past anything near safe. It was discharged while in a sled, and it flew back several feet & penetrated wayyy more than usual, but did not fail,come open,bind the breech plug or nipple,or exhibit any damage more than a poofed out 209 primer. That Traditions Vortek chromoly is STRONG. With your choice load,you can have a 250 yard deer,elk,moose load or even great bears as long as there's backup. I'm hunting in the South now so am sighted in to 100 and 200 yards now and use .50/.458 caliber,MMP sabot with 300gr Ballistic silvertip 45-70 component bullets.Ger about 2000+ fps.according to the powder bottles.Traditions will send you a catalogue if you call, and their customer svc was good to me, sent me free fiber optic pipe replacement.Traditions Vortek.

Re: in the market for a new ML

HaYen#1331700811/29/18

Please post a link where it states Traditions now uses 4140 steel although thats nothing new. All ive seen is a generic chromoly reference on the Traditions website.

Knights have been made from Green Mountain 4140 and 416 for a really long time. I have no idea where you are getting the 1137 from. Ive called GM about this and was told its 4140. The old Knight manual that covers the Revolution only states rifle grade steel.

Currently the only 2 non stainless offerings even state its 4140
https://www.muzzleloaders.com/product-category/muzzleloaders/tk2000-shotgun-muzzleloader/
https://www.muzzleloaders.com/product/vision-max-1-break-action-muzzleloader/

Re: in the market for a new ML

HaYen#1331715511/29/18

If you want too consider an import look at the CVAs with nitride over 416 stainless. They will run you slightly more than a comparable Traditions. The top of the line Accura MRs and PRs can be found in the $420-440 range at Buds. Very nice rifle for that kind of money including a adjustable trigger.

A Knight Ultra Lite in nitride over stainless will set you back over $900 but its a super nice rifle too. Muzzle-loaders.com has them for the cheapest ive seen. MSRP is over $1100

T/C offers nothing in stainless but they do offer the Strike in nitride for as low as $500ish.

Re: in the market for a new ML

HaYen#1332102111/30/18

West of the Blue Ridge

I have had a Knight Ultra Lite since they came out and it's a fine shooter and very well made. It is kind of a pain to clean, however, due to the long action you have to go through to get the plug out. It and the Mountaineer share action parts. Just gave it to my son after he whacked four deer in about two weeks with it. Seems to be his "lucky gun".

My new one is a TC Strike. Last year, my other son bought one and I sighted it in for him and was very impressed with it, so when I saw them on sale at CDNN, I jumped. I especially like the striker co*cking and the outside-threaded breech collar. Only downside is that it needs a long eye-relief scope, extension rings, or a special Warne mount. I went with a scout scope on mine, which keeps access to the breech open. Not stainless, but nitrided inside and out.

Re: in the market for a new ML

HaYen#1332107711/30/18

Southwest VA

I'll second the idea of checking out a Knight UL.

I love mine. Used a TC Omega for several years and it was a good shooter, but not near the rifle that a Knight is IMO.

Easily the best shooting ML I've personally seen or shot.

Not sure what to think about hearing how they are harder to clean, because you remove the bolt and unscrew the BP...20 second process????

Good luck finding what you want, just would strongly recommend checking the Knight out as well.

2 shots to check my zero before season, very typical of this rifle: (right target, obviously)

Re: in the market for a new ML

Holston#1332225012/01/18

West of the Blue Ridge

Re: in the market for a new ML

HaYen#1332231912/01/18

TAX HELL Allenton Wisconsin

Re: in the market for a new ML

HaYen#1332259812/01/18

You can get the Knight UL for $900 with shipping Add another $40 in nitride when they are in stock.
https://www.muzzle-loaders.com/brands/knight-rifles/knight-ultra-lite-muzzleloader-rifles

Knight has the Extremes on sale atm too for $499 plus shipping. They will need an upgrade if you want bare primer. Not a fan of the plastic jackets.
https://www.muzzleloaders.com/product-category/muzzleloaders/disc-extreme-muzzleloader/

Bare primer for another $100
https://www.muzzleloaders.com/product/209-bare-primer-conversion-kit/

Re: in the market for a new ML

HaYen#1332272812/01/18

TAX HELL Allenton Wisconsin

Re: in the market for a new ML

HaYen#1332284812/01/18

Missouri

Good buy here, https://cva.com/product/accura-v2-lr-nitride-with-camo-stocks-and-scope-mount/

Re: in the market for a new ML

HaYen#1332285112/01/18

Missouri

Another bunch of good buys, https://www.traditionsfirearms.com/category/Special-Offers-Rifle

Re: in the market for a new ML

ihookem#1332335712/01/18

West of the Blue Ridge

I paid $700 for mine from Sportsman's Guide. I also bought the percussion conversion, but never used it. Not my problem now! IIRC, my sons and I have taken 9 deer with it, including a very nice 172 pound (dressed) 12-point.