I shoot pellets. Pyrodex pellets. Powerbelt bullets. I started out shooting with loose about 12 years ago. Switched to pellets. I hunt, don't do much range shooting, just hunt. Sight in my guns before each season. Just bought a CVA Optima, shoots tight groups out to 100yds with two 50gr pellets and a 295 Powerbelt hallow point. Shoot the aerotips also in my other gun(wife shoots it). Same pellets but 245 aerotips. I've killed a mess of deer out to 100yds or even a little farther, most between 50 and 100. Don't care for sabots, prefer a 50cal bullet for a 50cal gun. The pyrodex is a little smelly but I clean my guns outside anyway. Cleaning is easy. I dont leave my guns loaded ever, always clean right away. If I kill one I reload right away and shoot it that night if I don't need a second shot. That's what I do and why. Hope it helps you and good luck this season, Joe.