That's a nice looking rifle you have there...I've shot a 1st generation Optima for years. Not the most accurate rifle but I limit my black powder hunting to 100 yards or less so it's fine at those ranges. Here in Georgia (much like Alabama) the muzzle loader season is the week prior to modern rifle so getting out there a little early really does have it's advantages. Look forward to seeing your results with this new project.
Oh and Power Belts usually do better with lower powder loads like 70-80 grains by volume Trip7 or BH209. They tend to be very soft lead, and do kill deer very dead...Think copper coated heavy round balls 🙂 They expand very well at low velocities on deer sized game.
I think your gonna like that muzzleloader, I bought the CVA Optima a few years ago, in 50cal. I’ve taken a couple deer with it and like it. Just another tool to extend my hunting season. Good luck bud!
Ours is a LATE inly season after Rifle. So basically month of December. My big guy with BP/50. I think that BH209 ONLY is a bummer. Id like ta hear about REG POWDER use as well. Also barrel dia on that rifle. Can my "small" 45 cast bullets work Whats the dia of full bore bullets do they recommend??
I like it man , i have a preference for loose black powder, but we use a standerd primer not a 209 ,i wouldn't mind getting a new black powder gun but no need to fix it if it aint broke yet.
I hear ya…this is my first ever muzzle loader and I don’t see any reason to get anything else since I won’t actually use it a ton. This will just get me into the woods a little earlier with a firearm.
I suggest just plain Win or Fed 209 primers, don't need the variflame gadgets. Also use 777 3F, much cheaper than BH209. Maybe try 200 grain 40cal/10mm XTP's with MMP smooth blue or crushed rib sabots. Shoot alot, won't break the bank 🙂
That's a nice looking rifle you have there...I've shot a 1st generation Optima for years. Not the most accurate rifle but I limit my black powder hunting to 100 yards or less so it's fine at those ranges. Here in Georgia (much like Alabama) the muzzle loader season is the week prior to modern rifle so getting out there a little early really does have it's advantages. Look forward to seeing your results with this new project.
Oh and Power Belts usually do better with lower powder loads like 70-80 grains by volume Trip7 or BH209. They tend to be very soft lead, and do kill deer very dead...Think copper coated heavy round balls 🙂 They expand very well at low velocities on deer sized game.
I think your gonna like that muzzleloader, I bought the CVA Optima a few years ago, in 50cal. I’ve taken a couple deer with it and like it. Just another tool to extend my hunting season. Good luck bud!
Yea it’s a good option that more people should take advantage of in my opinion.
70 grains by weight black horn , barnes 290 in my TC encores, good luck
OOH NO YOU DIDN'T!!!! ❤😂❤
Ours is a LATE inly season after Rifle. So basically month of December. My big guy with BP/50.
I think that BH209 ONLY is a bummer. Id like ta hear about REG POWDER use as well. Also barrel dia on that rifle. Can my "small" 45 cast bullets work
Whats the dia of full bore bullets do they recommend??
Blackhorn is definitely the way to go. Run that with my optima and 290 gr banes ez.
I like it man , i have a preference for loose black powder, but we use a standerd primer not a 209 ,i wouldn't mind getting a new black powder gun but no need to fix it if it aint broke yet.
I hear ya…this is my first ever muzzle loader and I don’t see any reason to get anything else since I won’t actually use it a ton. This will just get me into the woods a little earlier with a firearm.
There nice muzzleloaders but the price of powder is way to much I'll stick with 777 in my older cva 45 cal.
80 dollars for 8 ounces where I live I've had to go with 777
Yea that’s the price I’ve seen it for also…I don’t mind paying that since it’ll be shot very little.
I suggest just plain Win or Fed 209 primers, don't need the variflame gadgets. Also use 777 3F, much cheaper than BH209. Maybe try 200 grain 40cal/10mm XTP's with MMP smooth blue or crushed rib sabots. Shoot alot, won't break the bank 🙂