ORIGINAL: Jeff6101
New to muzzleloading and need some advice. I just purchased a CVA Optima (.50 cal) that I will be using to hunt deer primarily in Kansas. I'll be able to get several practice sessions in before hunting but I'm still searching for some loads to start shooting. From what I've gathered on here,many ofyouprefer to use loose powder for several different reasons. Being a newbie, I was thinking pellets might be easier to use until I get some more experience and I was planning on starting with 100 grains (2x 50 gr). Am I offbase here or will pellets be fine for a while? Any suggestions on what type of pellets to shoot? Also, my initial thoughts were to start shooting with Powerbelts, but I am also open to suggestions on this one. From what I've read, Kansas does not seem to be too restrictive on the types of bullets you can use so I should be able to try almost anything. I was thinking of starting somewhere between the 245 grain to 300 grain area for the Powerbelts and then trying a saboted bullet in the same range. Will these work shooting 100 grains? Any help will be greatly appreciated!
If you have a buddy that is into MLing it would be best to go out with him the first time to shoot your gun. I would use the Manufacturer remcommended bullet and load for the gun, since it is a CVA that would be a Powerbelt with 100g or two pellets of 777 or Pryrdex. Any primer will work, but shoot the one that CVA recommends. After you get comfortable, then buy loose and try different bullets and powders (I recommend a strong bullet--Nosler partition, Barnes MZ, TMZ, SpitFire, Origonal, FlatNose 4584345/70 bullet,Speer Gold Dot any strong bullet that will break bone and not fragmentat 2000 fps). Follow the book load and book procedures then branch out into the "unknown". I would NOT buy a lot of different bullets and primers, too confusing for a new person. i would learn to shoot and clean what I have with excellence for the first year. 2nd year after the season play around with powers, primers and bullets by gleening info from here and Modern Muzzleloading. You will have to do some reading and studying and shooting.
Best Wishes, Chap Gleason