Well I have a T/C Black Diamond XR in the mail somewhere, getting closer to the house every second, as I respond . I figured I would mount a old 3X9 40 mm Tasco World Class (used to be on my 7mm mag) on the rifle. If that scope don't cut it, I am going to a Bushnell Banner 1.5X4 power shotgun scope with the extended eye relief.

I have four other sidelocks to use in the muzzleloader season here because like you, magnification scopes are not allowed in muzzleloader season. I am going to look over the fiber optic sights on the BD and see if I can take them off and put them on one of the other old sidelocks. This would help in the cedar groves in the late evening.

As for loads, from reading different posts from some very knowledgeable poster. I have already purchased and will start with T/C 250 grain .44 cal shockwaves, T/C 240 grain .44 caliber Cheap Shots, and Hornady 300 grain .45 caliber XTP's all shooting a black high pressure sabot wad. I also ordered some Dead Center 300 grain Silver Lightening green tip sabots. I really want to see how well the rifle will shoot them.

That will give me lots of things to play with until the next deer season when I get to test out the loads. I also want to plan an elk hunt in the near future and figure the BD rifle and my T/C .54 caliber Renegade with big conicals would be a great combination to take into the field...

Good luck with your new rifle......