New to the black powder game
Pretty die hard on bow hunting, decided to get into muzzleloading for where I hunt to mix it up some. Picked up CVA Optima with a standard 3-9 vortex, nothing crazy, but after researching it seemed like a good bang for your buck rifle. My question is, what is a good load for it? I’ve been told to go with Blackhorn 209 for the powder, but due to there not being any available, as well as having to order a different breach plug for it on top of it already being an expensive powder, I’m leaning more toward running a pellet like White Hots. Rifle is going to be zeroed at 100, would like to be able to reach out to 150-200 with it.
Side note, I’m not a stranger to rifles. Grew up rifle hunting, military, LE, swat, that whole jazz. I’m just looking for some advice from some guys that know a lot more than me on a load that is reliable and repeatable. I know every rifle is different, and the biggest thing is time behind glass experimenting to find what works best. Just want a good starting point.
Thank you in advance, look forward to learning some new information.