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CVA Hawken pistol advice.

35 Whelen
I've got a CVA Hawken pistol, .50 cal, that I've been shooting recently. It shoots fine with standard pure lead balls, but I'd like to try conical bullets in it.

Would it be acceptable to use bullets such as the Hornady Great Plains, T/C Maxi-Hunter, and other conical bullets in this pistol? Would I be better off just using lead balls in it?

Thanks.[:)]
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4 comments

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  • blacarrow
    The pistol was intended to use round balls, but can and will fire conical, as long as you keep the powder charge consistant with those recommmended for the pistol by weight of the projectile.
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  • He Dog
    Generally twist rates for conicals and round balls differ, and accuracy may suffer using conicals. Still, as long as you keep the powder volume and bullet weight to recommeded levles it will not hurt to try.
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  • beantownshootah
    quote:Originally posted by 35WhelenClassic
    I've got a CVA Hawken pistol, .50 cal, that I've been shooting recently. It shoots fine with standard pure lead balls, but I'd like to try conical bullets in it.

    Would it be acceptable to use bullets such as the Hornady Great Plains, T/C Maxi-Hunter, and other conical bullets in this pistol? Would I be better off just using lead balls in it?

    Thanks.[:)]

    I agree with the others.

    Correct-caliber conical bullets should't hurt anything, so long as you use appropriate powder charges for the bullet weight.

    At worst you'll see a bit of decreased accuracy from a gun designed to shoot lead balls. (But hey. . .let us know. . .).

    As to "better off", I guess if trying it satisfies your curiosity, then you'd be better off!

    I can't see any real advantage to using pointy bullets here, except maybe if you have a ready cheap supply of them.

    Edit:
    quote:I've been wanting an excuse to dust off my old Lyman bottom-pour melting pot anyway.
    OK, so how about a round ball mold? [:p]
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  • 35 Whelen
    Thanks for the input, everyone. I'm going to pick up a box of conicals and give it a try. If it doesn't shoot as well with them, I won't hesitate to go back to lead balls.

    I've been wanting an excuse to dust off my old Lyman bottom-pour melting pot anyway.

    Again, thanks.[:)]
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