I would like to thank everyone who helped me pick out my new Optima. It is the stainless steel thumbhole with a 3 X 9 X 40 Konus scope. I wanted the 3 X 10 Konus but this package was the best value. I drove 60 miles to pick up some BH 209. I went to the range today. I loader up several tubes with 70 grains of BH 209, measured with my scale that I load my centerfire loads on. This is the same as 100 grains measured by volume. I used two different bullets. Both shot well but the Hornady 250 grain with red sabot really shined. I shot 3 groups at 50 yards that were touching. I don't know if it's the gun or powder or both but I've had several different muzzleloaders and this one shoots better hands down. I shot a couple of groups at 100 yards and got about 2". I wasn't very steady today so I think it was me. The Konus scope was very clear and adjustments seem to be good. I have a couple of Leupolds and the Konus seems to be as clear as my VX- I. The last shot I shot, of 30, was as easy to load as the first. The breach plug removed with my finger pressure. I did check it every few shots. I cleaned the barrel and used some J-B bore cleaner before shooting but the small amount of anti seeze or whatever was on the threads from the factory was all I used. I set the head space and had ZERO blow back. It was as clean after 30 shots as when I started. I did have to snap the gun shut or it wouldn't cock. I may need to decrease the head space a little. I am planning on shooting BH 209 from now on and I think the Optima might be my last muzzleloader. I may get a better scope for it later but if the Konus doesn't give me any trouble, it may be on the gun for a long time. Don
