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CVA Cascade .22-250 Rem Review

22" Heavy Barrel | 1:12 Twist | Gen 1 Model

While our primary goal was to conduct another rifle review, we decided to change up the format a bit — and include some targeted performance testing alongside it.

Why? Because we believe in our ammo. So we threw a curveball.

Rather than just firing a few standard groups, we wanted to introduce some environmental stress testing — specifically for temperature sensitivity. For this test, we fired two 5-shot groups per ammo type, giving us 10-round sample sets for each. But with Ally Munitions’ coyotero ammo, we took it a step further: we placed the second set of rounds in the freezer until the exterior temperature of the cartridges read 30°F before firing.

While that doesn’t perfectly simulate internal powder temp, it gives us a very close approximation after several hours in sub-freezing storage. Our goal was to see how powder performance translates on paper — when deliberately slowed down. And spoiler: our ammo still delivered.

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Optic & Environment Considerations

We also wanted to test optical influence — specifically, how shooting with a lower-magnification scope changes our ability to hold tight groups. Most proof groups are shot with 25x or higher, but we opted to run this test using a Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x, with the TMOA reticle.

There will be more on this topic in the upcoming podcast, but let’s just say this: the difference in precision is very real, and we’ll continue exploring the effects of magnification on group performance in future content.

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Rethinking the “MOA Rifle” Standard

This review also brought up an important question:

What does it really mean when we say “this is a 1 MOA rifle”?

If you average groups that include poorly matched ammo, limited optics, and hot barrels — are you measuring the rifle, or the circumstances? Our coyotero ammo drastically reduced the average group size in this test. So if we only used that load, we’d call this rifle a 0.9 MOA shooter — and we wouldn’t be wrong.

Keep that in mind the next time you see accuracy guarantees. Odds are, those numbers are based on cherry-picked ammo and optimal conditions.

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Overview and Configuration

The CVA Cascade we tested is a Gen 1 model chambered in .22-250 Rem, featuring a 22" heavy contour barrel with a 1:12 twist rate.

We've spent time with this rifle in various configurations and conditions. Here's how it was set up for this test:

• Trigger: Factory trigger replaced with a TriggerTech Rem 700 unit

• Optic: Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44

• Cheekpiece: Hornady cheek pad, secured with nylon webbing and Velcro straps — no adhesive.

  • Available now through our site

• Magazine: CVA proprietary mag, smooth feeding despite .22-250 challenges

• Stock: Factory synthetic — non-adjustable on Gen 1 models

  • Gen 2 models now offer an adjustable cheekpiece

• Action & Barrel: Cerakoted from factory, threaded muzzle

We like the trigger compatibility with Rem 700 patterns, but find it frustrating that CVA didn’t go all-in and use a Rem 700 footprint. That limits your stock and bottom metal options significantly. The Gen 1 stock is also fairly flexible in the forearm, which doesn’t pair well with the heavy barrel — especially when trying to maintain accuracy under pressure.

If CVA had stiffened the forend or trimmed the barrel slightly for balance, it would be a more shootable rifle out of the box. But we recognize cost has to be cut somewhere — though we’d argue a full Rem 700 footprint would’ve opened up more value for the end user.

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Ammunition & Group Testing

Testing Protocol

• Distance: 100 yards

• Groups: 2 x 5-shot groups per load (10 shots total)

• Cooling: Barrel cooled to ambient between sets

• Special Condition: Last 5 rounds of Ally Munitions coyotero were fired at 30°F cartridge temperature after freezer storage

• Chronograph used for all velocities

Ammo Results:

The coyotero load performed best overall, even with the cold ammo factored in. Interestingly, while the cold group migrated slightly down, the group stayed consistent and tight — with all rounds touching except the first, which was slightly off due to shooter setup error.

Another interesting result: the ammo with the lowest SD (standard deviation) shot the worst group, while the best groups came from ammo with SDs in the 12–15 range — very normal for high-quality varmint loads.

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Is 10-Round Group Testing Worth It?

That depends on what you're trying to evaluate.

In this case, bad groups got worse, good groups stayed good. If your interest is velocity sample size, then yes — a 10-shot group helps. But in terms of practical accuracy or field relevance, we didn’t gain much over traditional 5-shot groups. Especially when the barrel heats up, you start to introduce vertical stringing that doesn’t reflect first-round precision.

When is 10-shot data relevant?

• Match shooting

• Sustained fire testing

• Heat stress or ammo stability testing

For general rifle performance standards, though, 5-round data remains plenty.

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Final Thoughts

The CVA Cascade is a great rifle — especially for the money. But it’s not perfect.

What we like:

• Smooth action, good barrel

• Solid trigger compatibility

• Proven 1-MOA performance with quality ammo

• Factory threading and cerakote

What needs work:

• Flexible stock (especially on Gen 1)

• Limited mag capacity (4 rounds)

• Non-standard footprint that restricts upgrades

That said, for the price point, it's a highly capable hunting or crossover rifle, and we’ll continue using it as one of our test beds.

If you want it to shoot better — pick the right ammo, shorten the barrel for balance, and reinforce the stock. With those adjustments, the Cascade is a serious performer.