sighting in my new muzzleloader

[sprest22]

Hi all,
 I've just gotten into muzlleloading and I started out with a CVA StagHorn in line,didn't want to spend a lot.I took it out to the range with 245 gr Powerbelt bullet,Triple 7 pellets,and Win 209 primers.The gun shot okay but doesn't group well until the 3rd shot out of clean barrel.I tried cleaning in between shots and got no consistency at all.Is it okay too shoot a couple of rounds and leave it dirty,and then take it out hunting? I'm going to take it out and shoot it again this week before taking it hunting next weekend,just looking for some tips on sighting and cleaning,as this is my first experience with a muzzleloader.Any info would help.Thanks in advance.

[Redhawk1]

Try a different weight power belt or go to loose triple7 and play with your loads to get the best accuracy. I would never leave my M/L fouled for a week, rust and pitting can occur. I clean my guns after each shooting secession. My gun shoot well with a clean barrel. I got it sighted in with a clean barrel for each shot. JMHO.  

[xtrembowhntr]

i sighted in my optima for the first time today. it took me 6 rounds to hit dead center at 50 yards. then i moved out to 100 yards and it shoots 2 inches low. i am shooting an optima 50. cal. with a 3x9 bushnell. the load i am using is 100gr. of "777" pellets and 295gr. powerbelts. i am new to this as well but it seems to shoot good for me. i also used a spit patch between shots.