Does anyone have a CVA Optima?
 

Does anyone out there have any experience with this gun? I recently purchased one (50 cal. Magnum not the PRO) but have yet to buy any bullets, powder or anything of that sort to go with it. As it is my first ever muzzleloader, I have some questions about shooting it. What powder (pyrodex or 777) and sabot combinations (shockwaves, powerbelts, etc.) seem to perform the best out of the Optima. Thanks.

RE: Does anyone have a CVA Optima?
 

I have the same gun and they like heavy bullets or at least mine does, I shoot the 348 gr. Powerbelts w/100 gr. of pyrodex pellets, get a little under 1.5 in. at 100 yds and they do a number on deer, of the 5 Ive shot with them none has made it 40 yds. Entry hole in rib cage that you can almost put your fist through and total devistation to the heart and lungs, bullets usually dont exit, these are the copper clad hollow points not the aero tips. Some people do not like them because they dont exit but if you see them fall it doesnt matter. Shot a big buck through the shoulder last year at 65 yds. and it was like somebody hit him with a sledgehammer. I tried about 5-6 different bullets weights and sabots but the 348 gr. Powerbelts gave very consistent groups even with a dirty barrel, so out of that gun thats what Im sticking with, I can live w/o the second hole as long as they keep falling in sight.JMO-Dean

RE: Does anyone have a CVA Optima?
 

Look at the post Loads for Optima.

RE: Does anyone have a CVA Optima?
 

I got an Optima Pro this year.
Shoots the Powerbelt 245s well. 1 1/2" groups at 100 yards shooting 90 grains Pyrodex select.

RE: Does anyone have a CVA Optima?
 

I have the Optima Pro and I shoot 245 grain Powerbelts with the aero-tip
and 100 grains of Pyrodex pellets. This combo will drive nails out of my gun.