Well that sounds like an impressive shoot outing. It also sounds like you found a couple loads real quick. I have heard others tell that the rifles are good shooters. You are just one more example. Never judge a rifle by the cost. I have a CVA Staghorn Magnum I paid $89.00 for and it is an exceptional shooter. I have a RED DOT mounted on mine because scopes are illegal in the state during muzzleloader season.

I am sure you will work up some exceptional shooting loads and get the rifle shooting just the way you want. Keep us posted. As for the crud ring, a normal swabbing with even water between shots will take care of that. Also if you are not going to get to the rifle for cleaning for an extended period of time after you shoot, at least pull the breech plug out of the rifle our you can run into some real problems. My friend always carried a zip lock plastic bag to the range and when he is done shooting breaks the rifle down to the breech and bolt which go in the bag. He has a long way to drive when he leaves my house and learned the hard way about not taking the breech plug out.