I tested the Optima's velocity this afternoon. Using 200 grain Berry's plated hollowpoints, Harvester Crushed Rib sabots, Federal 209 primers, and my preferred load of 80 grains of Blackhorn 209, my five shots produced an average velocity of 1,548 fps with a standard deviation of 28 fps. I also decided to test the velocity produced by different charges of Blackhorn 209. Due to time constraints, I was only able to fire one shot of each load (except for 80 grains) through the chronograph. Not a terribly precise way to determine velocity, but at least it puts me in the ballpark.
50 gr. BH 209: 1,193 fps
60 gr. BH 209: 1,250 fps
70 gr. BH 209: 1,330 fps
80 gr. BH 209: 1,548 fps
90 gr. BH 209: 1,629 fps
100 gr. BH 209: 1,705 fps
The recoil produced by the 50 and 60 grain loads was very manageable. I may use 60 grains to practice with in order to conserve my BH 209. On the other hand, the 100 grain charge, while producing quite the kick, wasn't overly unpleasant. It would be a bit more bearable with good shooting gloves, but then again I don't think I need that much power out of my Optima.