I had the 29" Optima pro and it shot well with 245 gr Powerbelts over 100 gr of Pyrodex (2 pellets). Talking with reps from CVA they told me that, although the rifle will handle 150 gr,100 gr is all that is needed. Being a traditional ML fan I prefer the old sidelocks either flint or percussion and bought this rifle on a whim. I had it for only a year, shot a deer with it and traded it in. It was a good rilfe but not my cup of tea.