Just starting out with a new Optima V2 (thank you Gander Mountain for your liquidation sale) and I am looking for a good starting point for a load. Deer hunting is the primary use. I ordered a breech plug for 209 from Western Powders. I got a recommendation from a friend to start with the 250 grain Barnes T-EZ and 100 grains of BH 209 ignited by Federal 209a priimers. If that shoots well out of my gun I will likely hunt with it this fall. I will shoot 125 yards max, and that will most likely be off a bog pod rest.

Any concerns about that gun/bullet combo?

Thanks,
46r

Everything your going to do is spot on. It should work well.

Good start but one thing I would do is start with 80 gr and work up to 110 or 120 gr and see what give you the best group. Remember to seat the bullet firmly on the charge to compress it.
Also, you may want to try Alliant Black MZ powder. That's what I've been using in my Accura V2 and it works nicely.

I worked BlackHorn loads for a number of different bullet/sabot combinations in my Optima. My rifle settled in at 90 grains so you should be just fine.

My Optima V2 pistol likes 80gr. of BH 209, with a 300gr. XTP non mag. that being said its a 14" barrel handgun.
When I shot the V2 rifle at 100gr. with the 300gr. XTP is was a very stout load in recoil. I am hoping to find out that it likes the 90gr. load Dave suggested. Hope to get her back out in June to see for sure.
From what I have read tho you should be ready for making meat.

Dave, What bullet did you use with that load?

46r

100-110gr BH209 - 250/300gr Powerbelt Aerolite lite. Stupid simple, stupid accurate and deadly.

YUP... good luck with your CVA,,, they are the best!!

I shot 249 grain XTPs real well, and the .40 caliber 200 grain Shockwaves were amazing! Also the Hornady Funnel Nose Scorpion 260 grain did real well. I think you will find that the Optima is not as fussy as some might think. And OK ... the rifle shot powerbelts Amazingly!



these were a number of things I tried in the Optima.



More load development in the Optima. The rifle shoots most anything with 90 grains of Black Horn 209.