I don't have a Optima but every gun, even those of the same brand, shoots differently. You will need to experiment. For value and performance it is hard to beat 777 (loose powder). It cleans up quite easily and doesn"t rust your barrel like black powder and Pyrodex. As for bullets it hard to beat Hornady XTP or Speer Gold Dot, most like the 45 cal pistol bullets the best (around $8.00 per hundred). Then buy your sabots in bulk from someone like Muzzleload Magnum Products.Hope this helps.