Just dropped in. Chuck - I'm always thinking about the ideal load, and more power more power... but I've found that a plain, modest load is lethal.

I've got a CVA buckhorn - same as yours? - and like it. Before loading to shoot, I run a couple dry patches through. I use 90gr pyrodex and a 240 XTP sabot; accurate and deadly on deer (three down and one got away, due to bad shot on my part). 295gr powerbelts grouped well in my old Staghorn, but they're expensive and balked at paying, hence my switch (and always looking for somthing else). The Powerbelts offer no substantial benefit over sabots, except being easier to load -and the sabot I use load just fine. In fact... for bullet weight, Powerbelts don't perform as well as XTP bullets, IMHO. But if you've already got them, they'll do.

See below - 240gr XTP recovered after going through shoulder & backbone at about fifty yards, and unfired version.

Good hunting!