r/muzzleloaders

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.

Hi everyone, I’m looking for advice on how to best break down/clean out a blocked flash channel. The nipple has been removed after years of indoor storage, but the effort to clean it using the soapy water ramrod draw method wasn’t working, and I’m certain it’s because of buildup in the flash channel. How could I go about cleaning it out?

I have been wanting to upgrade my old cva wolf and get into a new muzzleloader. I have been watching the CVAs because I value the no tool need breech plug they have. I dont really care for the optima plastic feeling stock. The accura has a nice tacky feel but not sure I want to drop a grand on new accura and scope combo. Im in KY so Muzzleloader Season is only a few weekends here and there. Is the Optima with the AR like stock a nice upgrade over the regular optima since it eliminates the plastic stock? Do they ever go on sale before the season starts?