ENDURA™ Muzzleloader Setup: Essential Gear & Tips
Posted by CVA on Sep 2nd 2025
If you’re ready to take full advantage of the performance potential of your ENDURA™ long-range muzzleloader, preparation is key. Having the right muzzleloader accessories on hand not only ensures safety but also maximizes your rifle’s accuracy and consistency. In this guide, we’ll walk through the manufacturer-recommended components needed to properly load and fire the ENDURA, along with practical tips to help hunters and target shooters get the most from each item.
Whether you’re heading to the range to sight-in or deep into the backcountry for a hunt, these muzzleloader setup essentials will help you get reliable performance in all shooting conditions.
VariFlame™ Primer Adapters
From the Owner's Manual:
“VariFlame™ Primer Adapters: These reusable adapters, and their associated priming tools are included with your rifle. The VariFlame is a stainless-steel adapter that closely resembles the common 209 shotshell primer. The adapter, however, is made to carry a replaceable large rifle primer. There is another section later in this manual that describes how to insert and replace the large rifle primers into the VariFlame adapters (see Section 9). In this manual the VariFlame Adapter is often referred to as the “primer.”
The VariFlame ignition system allows ENDURA owners to use reliable large rifle primers for consistent ignition in all weather conditions, a must for dependable muzzleloader hunting performance. A convenient feature of the ENDURA is its integrated floorplate storage, which lets you keep multiple primed adapters on hand for quick reloads. This makes it easier to stay ready in the field without carrying extra gear. To Learn more about VariFlame Ignition, Click here
Recommended Propellants
“Recommended Propellants - Blackhorn 209® is a commonly used black powder substitute that performs very well in the Endura. Certain specific and limited types and amounts of modern smokeless rifle powders may be substituted for Blackhorn 209, if necessary, preferred and/or legal for hunting (see Section 13).”
Blackhorn 209 powder is favored by many long-range muzzleloader shooters for its clean burn, consistent velocities, and moisture resistance. It’s an excellent choice for maintaining accuracy over extended shooting sessions or multi-day hunts. When considering smokeless powder alternatives, it’s critical to follow tested load data exactly and ensure their use is legal in your hunting area. This not only keeps your muzzleloader safe but also ensures top-tier long-range accuracy. To learn even more about the recommended powder charges approved for the ENDURA™, click here
PowerBelt® ELR™ Bullets
From the Owner's Manual:
“PowerBelt® ELR™ Bullets – This projectile is designed specifically for long-range rifles like the ENDURA. The elongated ELR bullet has a high ballistic coefficient, as compared to most other muzzleloading projectiles and thus minimizes long-range drop and maximizes long-range stability. Other non-saboted projectiles that have been performance tested with the Endura are mentioned in Section 12.”
A higher ballistic coefficient means your bullet will resist wind drift, retain velocity, and maintain a flatter trajectory at extended ranges, all crucial for muzzleloader long-range hunting. PowerBelt ELR bullets are engineered to complement the ENDURA’s precision-focused design, making them one of the best projectiles for maximizing muzzleloader accuracy. Pair them with carefully measured powder charges and a clean bore for consistent results shot after shot.
Powder Scale
From the Owner's Manual:
“Powder Scale – Measuring powder by-weight rather than by-volume is much more precise and precise measures of Blackhorn 209 or specific types and amounts of smokeless rifle powders are critical to optimal and safe performance of the ENDURA. Powder scales can be obtained through virtually any reloading supply store.”
Measuring your muzzleloader powder charge by weight rather than by volume delivers more consistent results and directly improves shot-to-shot accuracy. Even small variations in powder weight can change bullet velocity and alter point of impact, which can mean missed opportunities in the field. A quality reloading scale ensures every charge is identical, helping you achieve tighter groups and more predictable performance with your ENDURA. Always calibrate your scale for the most accurate measurements.
Final Thoughts on Setting Up Your ENDURA™ Muzzleloader
Owning an ENDURA™ long-range muzzleloader opens the door to serious performance, but only when paired with the right accessories and loading practices. By using VariFlame™ Primer Adapters, trusted propellants like Blackhorn 209, high-BC PowerBelt® ELR™ bullets, and a precise powder scale, you’ll set yourself up for safer handling, better accuracy, and consistent results.
For hunters, these components mean fewer variables in the field and more confidence when the shot counts. For target shooters, they provide the repeatability needed to fine-tune loads and push the limits of modern muzzleloader accuracy.
To learn more about the ENDURA™ Platform, please visit www.cva.com
Warning: Only the load components and loading procedures recommended in this manual are tested and deemed safe and best performing for use in the ENDURA rifle. Therefore, CVA cannot recommend, endorse, condone, deem safe, or approve of the use of any types or brands of propellants, measurements of propellants, loading procedures and/or projectiles not specifically described in this Owner’s Manual. The use of any load components and/or loading procedures not recommended herein are at the user’s own risk and will void the warranty if damage to the gun occurs.