Hey all,
I've been a long time reader of the forums, but never really posted much. Mostly because you guys always are able to answer my questions by just reading through past posts. I just bought a new CVA Optima Elite, and have been reading up on the different loads to use and have a couple of questions. First off, does anyone know what the bore diameter is? I've read that they are "tight" but then others say that they are .502ish (which would be more to a medium barrel, right?)

When sighting the gun in, the powerbelts (245gr) were a little all over the place, while the TC Shockwave (250gr) was SUPER hard to load. Anyone know what size sabot I should be using for the best accuracy? Any bullet recomendations? I am thinking about trying the Harvester Crushed Rib XTP Mag with the .452 sabot. Maybe the T/C XTP from cabelas? As you can see, I have a lot of info bouncing around in my head causing nothing but speculation and confusion... Help!

I'm shooting 100gr of 7's pellets. Thanks to all for your help!

My elite shot the PB 245gr really well, I was using pyrodex P 110gr. Due to some fragmentation concerns I switched to 250gr bonded shockwaves. Mine load really easy with the superglide sabot that comes with the SW. I have never measured the bore of my rifle before so I cant say what the diameter of mine is. I am gonna try some of the crushed ribs, I read so much on here about them I just got to give them a try. I have only shot the PB and SW out of mine both with 110gr of P. Very tight groups at 100 yards with both bullets. I'm gonna do some playing around with mine when I get finished with bow hunting, just hadnt had time right now.

Thanks for the quick reply... just out of curiosity, what color is the sabot on your SW's?

Yellow I think. I'm at work right now so I cant look.

240gr XTP 300gr mag XTP in a mmp-12 sabot with 100-110gr pyrodex.

For powerbelts, try the heavier ones as they may shoot better. And if you do try the Powerbelts, let me know what you are set up with so i can help you out.

Thanks mountaindevil... now where can I get these MMP-12 sabots?

They have the MMP's @ Cabela's item # XZ-21-6975 and choose thr one's you want, they also have the (Harvester's) or Call Alan @ Harvester and Im sure he can help you, Telephone # 1-800-922-6287

Thanks for all your help... I really appreciate it! Now I see that there are three different sizes on the MMP .50 cal.. (.400, .429, .451) What do you recomend?

that depends. .430 is the bullet diameter as with the other .400/.429/.451/.452 You have to decide what bullet you want first before ordering the sabot. Then you get to order some more if they load to tight/loose or if they dont shoot for chit. Aint shooting sabots fun?

Haha... soo much fun!