Hunting & Fishing CVA stalker SS in .45-70...thoughts

[BravoSector1]

I've decided to try another weapon out for this years deer season and I'm sniffing at .45-70. I've looked at the levers and like them alot...but I'm also looking at the single shots. I fondled some of the CVA break open single shot rifles last year (Academy Sports was carrying them) and they are fitted with Bergara barrels which seem to be, from my research, a decent barrel. For the money, well under $500, I'd step into one and try it out. I reload so if I like the caliber I'll turn them out myself.

Looking for any thoughts on the caliber (shooting will be under 200m...more than likely inside 100m), the weapon and any other advice. Will probably outfit it with low power glass, 1-4 range, or a 9000L Aimpoint red dot.

 

[tansinator]

Re: CVA stalker SS in .45-70...thoughts

I've got an H&R 45/70 that is a hammer with the Leverrevolution ammo. 3 shots touch at 100 and the whitetails don't like it much. For $239, what's not to like.

Eddie

 

[Anvil_X]

Re: CVA stalker SS in .45-70...thoughts

45/70 is an awesome round, they're easy to reload, and a blast to shoot. I dunno if lead is your thing, but if you are, Beartooth bullets out of montana makes some pretty good cast bullets in several different weights. I'm running their 525 grain bullets sitting on about 40 grains of IMR 4198 and getting 1-1.5 MOA out of them. they're fine with a recoil pad, but with my buddy's straight stock Ruger #3, they're murder on the shoulder. Have fun, and let me know how the rifle turns out. I've been eyeing them for quite a while now.

 

[bassani]

Re: CVA stalker SS in .45-70...thoughts

does alabama allow a 35 whelen? MS does and LA is about to change their laws to allow it. It's a much better round than the 45-70. The ballistics on it are really good at distance where the 45-70 drops like a big dog

The CVA apex 35 whelen is nice. It's SS with a 25" bergera barrel. Plus you can change out the barrels for different calibers with the Apex

 

[RyeDaddy]

Re: CVA stalker SS in .45-70...thoughts

I love the 45-70. Beartooth Bullets in Montana I agree makes the best hardcast bullets. I run their 350 grain Piledriver Lite over H322 at 1950 FPS and it's 1" or better at 100 yards out of my Marlin, and should penetrate anything you could possibly shoot. 125 yards and in is no sweat, much further and it's dropping like a rock, but it'll knock just about anything flat on it's ass. Marshall Stanton from Beartooth reported the 350 having gone end to end through a moose, how much more could one need?

I say have at it, and let us know how the CVA shoots.

 

[MontanaMarine]

Re: CVA stalker SS in .45-70...thoughts

I believe Beartooth Bullets is in Dover, Idaho.

They do make some really nice cast bullets.

 

[Anvil_X]

Re: CVA stalker SS in .45-70...thoughts

I think I may try out them 350 grainers, now that you mentioned it.. my ballistic calculator's placing 2800 foot pounds of kinetic energy behind those 525 grain bullets. Haven't tried them on any game yet, next week I'm gonna try to catch and recover one. but I'm guessing 12 inches of phonebook and 2 feet of sand may not stop it if your 350 grain bullets are already getting that kind of penetration. what diameter did you select? my 1895SBL really performs with .460 diameter.

 

[The_Duke]

Re: CVA stalker SS in .45-70...thoughts

I have a cva in a 45-70, its basically all I use for deer hunting anymore. For the money its great, my only complaint is that the barrel fouls horribly after a few shots. This could well be because of the round (its my only experience with the 45-70) but is a little aggrevating regardless

 

[RyeDaddy]

Re: CVA stalker SS in .45-70...thoughts

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Anvil Xray</div><div class="ubbcode-body">what diameter did you select? my 1895SBL really performs with .460 diameter.</div></div>

Same, .460 and my rifle's an 1895SBL also.

 

[RoosterShooter]

Re: CVA stalker SS in .45-70...thoughts

I love 45/70, but I'm going to ask you this ....

Why pay big $$$ for an expensive single shot when you can shoot the H&R with either an 18" or 22" barrel with the same results?

Just food for thought. It's kind of me, the pot, calling the kettle black as I've fallen in love with TC Encore and Contender pistols and rifles.

However, I will tell you this. One single shot is as good as the other in a hunting scenario. After all ... the 45/70 isn't a 100+ yard rifle. It's meant to bring on the hate <span style="font-style: italic">up too</span> 100 yards.

If I were you ... I'd get an H&R Handi rifle before you go buy a more expensive one. Then, if you like it buy another one down the road. After all ... it's easier to sell a $250 rifle and take a small hit , if you don't like it, instead of a $400+ rifle.

See my point?

Although, if you are set on a $400+ rifle then you might as well go with a lever action Marlin. For a little more than the CVA you can have a multi-cartridge tube feed instead of the single shot action. Plus, you can tune the Marlins to really sing if you know anything about cowboy action gunsmithing.

 

[Anvil_X]

Re: CVA stalker SS in .45-70...thoughts

Certainly valid points, Rooster. Me, I think the reason I'd get one of the Apex guns is the interchangable barrels. sure, the H&R has slightly similar capability, but don't you have to ship it into the manufacturer to get the swap-out? Those CVA and T/C guns do have that marked advantage.

 

[RoosterShooter]

Re: CVA stalker SS in .45-70...thoughts

You're right, but here's the thing....

Not saying CVA Apex rifles aren't worth it, because they've gathered a small following over the past few years.

But, if you are going to pay $550 for a CVA then you'd be better of with a Thompson Center Encore! For only $30 more you can have the top of the line Encore model in 45/70. Then, you have the option of adding match grade barrels from E. Arthur Brown, Match Grade Machine, or Bulberry.

Look into the Thompson Center and I think you will find it to be the better option. Trigger jobs are super easy on them, and they now offer the lifetime warranty since S&W bought them out.

Check your PM inbox.

 

[Anvil_X]

Re: CVA stalker SS in .45-70...thoughts

PM Checked, replied

looks like I'm going to have some barrels to look at tonight.

 

[tansinator]

Re: CVA stalker SS in .45-70...thoughts

This, my H&R is incredible for the price tag. I hunt in Ms and 45-70's are legal for primative weapons season. I have never been disappointed in performance. Whitetails to hogs, they don't enjoy this round at all. All kills have been bang flop, except once which was a poor shot by me on a moving boar. Gut shot a 200 lber and he only went 75 yards into some thick stuff. I can sell this rifle for $225 any day of the week and I have had it for 5 years or so.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RoosterShooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I love 45/70, but I'm going to ask you this ....

Why pay big $$$ for an expensive single shot when you can shoot the H&R with either an 18" or 22" barrel with the same results?

Just food for thought. It's kind of me, the pot, calling the kettle black as I've fallen in love with TC Encore and Contender pistols and rifles.

However, I will tell you this. One single shot is as good as the other in a hunting scenario. After all ... the 45/70 isn't a 100+ yard rifle. It's meant to bring on the hate <span style="font-style: italic">up too</span> 100 yards.

If I were you ... I'd get an H&R Handi rifle before you go buy a more expensive one. Then, if you like it buy another one down the road. After all ... it's easier to sell a $250 rifle and take a small hit , if you don't like it, instead of a $400+ rifle.

See my point?

Although, if you are set on a $400+ rifle then you might as well go with a lever action Marlin. For a little more than the CVA you can have a multi-cartridge tube feed instead of the single shot action. Plus, you can tune the Marlins to really sing if you know anything about cowboy action gunsmithing. </div></div>

 

[bassani]

Re: CVA stalker SS in .45-70...thoughts

Thompson is on average $100+ more than the comparable CVA (depends on the caliber you are going to choose). The 45-70 and 50 cals are cheaper than the 35 whelen.

I was assuming that you were looking at the breech barrels so that you could use them for "primitive" weapon season in some of the states like MS.

I priced out the Thompson breech with interchangeable barrel capability like the CVA Apex and i believe it was about $150 more.

 

[BravoSector1]

Re: CVA stalker SS in .45-70...thoughts

The difference between the base line CVA (all black/synthetic) and the H&R is not much of a price difference. Performance aside...I gues the aesthetics is the only thing pushing me towards the CVA. I can get the CVA in all black, 22" fluted barrel, and scope mount for $270. I don't know if the "B" barrel on the CVA is better than the H&R in the accuracy department.