I have a CVA Optima. I love the gun it is a little heavy, but it is a tack driver. I truly believe I am more consistant shooting it than I am shooting any of my high caliber rifles. You should really enjoy that gun. I have been shooting 240 grain Hornaday XTP bullets with a 100 grains of Pyrodex powder, and it has been a real reliable combo. I shot a buck a 175yds with that combo 2 years ago. The gun was zeroed at 100yds, and I put the cross hairs right at the top of the back. It double lunged the deer perfect. Just something to think about. There are a lot of different powders, and bullet combos that will work good. I am just sharing my experience with that gun. Good luck!
You should be fine, You may however want to pick up some Hopps BP solvent to clean with, The sabots leave a plastic fouling in the bore which is why a lot of these fellas have to swab in between shots to get the next round down the pipe.
Whatever you do, be sure the projectile is seated on top of the powder every shot, A short started bullet will cause a bulge in the barrel, and is a dangerous situation. (mark your RamRod)
Each and every ML is different, It will tell you what load and projectile it likes. Experiment to find the most accurate load for your rifle.
Most .50 cal. like a charge between 80-100 gr. Remember, its not how fast the bullet is going, Its where you put it.
Don't be afraid to try real Black powder, It cleans as easy as the subs do, cheaper, has a lower ignition temp, and is more dependable after long storage times. The easier cleaning of the subs is just marketing B.S. to sell a product.
Most of all have fun and enjoy your rifle, you may find your CF staying home more and more.
I shoot right at 12 Lbs of powder a year, It is habit forming and there is No known cure other than buying another rifle to ease the symptoms.
Have fun and good luck!
James
some good points above however, I would not mark that ramrod until you have settled on a particular bullet/wad combo and stick to it. once you mark your ramrod and try a lighter/heavier, longer/shorter bullet the mark will not be right. even if it is marked correctly you need to FEEL the wad being pressed against the powder while seating it. a long brass rod/hammer and a bullet puller will probably come in handy at some time. sooner or later most people will put a bullet down the bbl forgeting powder and the primer will be just enough to get it stuck in the bbl. gotta pay attention while loading and don't let anyone interupt or talk to you/distract you while loading.
Nacho, Thank you for pointing out my error on marking the RR! You are correct, If marking the rod it should be done AFTER you settle on a load!
You are also correct about the feel, If you shoot enough and do something wrong you usually know right away , something does not feel right! :rock_on
