I just bought a new CVA Optima. Some people I know have talked
about breaking in their muzzleloader rifles, saying they have to shoot
40-50 shots and clean the gun between every shot to "break in" their new
gun. Is there anythingI should do with my new gun ? I know I have to clean it at the end of the day but do I need to clean it after everyshot if I take it out to the range to do some shooting this weekend?

See my "New optima update" post

bdog2003 I think your getting cleaning and swabbing confused. It is recommended that when you work a load up, swab the barrel between shots to produce the best accuracy. I use a mix of 91% isopropyl alcohol and windshield washer fluid in 50/50 mix. Others use simple window cleaner. Just make the patch damp.. not soaked. Then work it down the dirty bore of the barrel in short strokes, getting longer and you go down. After the damp patch swab with a couple dry patches the same way.

This will help with the loading of the next round, and produce better accuracy for when your tuning your load, scope, sights, what ever. Good luck with your new rifle.

does anyone have a suggestion on bullets that I should start with? I havent dont alot of hunting or shooting with muzzleloader. Last season I borrowed a gun and everything was set up and ready.

Well my CVA shoots powerbelts excellent with 90 grains of 2f powder. So you might want to try some 295 or 245 grain powerbelts. It also shoots Saber tooth concical in 300 grain real well. Another projectile it shoots are the 240 & 300 gr XTP made by Hornady. All of them with around 100 grains of powder and you should find something that shoots well.

I USE 250GR SW SUPER GLIDES AND 110 GR 2F 3SEVEN. I LOVE THE WAY THESE LOAD AND SHOOT

I have the optima also, black stock nicke barrel and I love it. I bought the package deal from cabelas. I use 100 gr of 777 and 250 gr shockwave and shoot a 3 shot 1 in. group at 100 yds. Perfect for the distant I hunt.