Muzzleloader bullet choices

[Michiganhunter]

Opinion needed on bullets for inline muzzleloader. Powerbelt or sabot and weight suggestions.
Lightweight 225-245 sabots
Heavyweight 300 powerbelt
Whitetail at 50-150 yards
Averaging weight of deer 130 - 200lbs.
100 or 150 pellets if accuracy is similar
Is there a break-in system for a muzzleloader like a new center fire rifle?
My muzzleloader is a brand new 2016 cva optima stainless.
Any help is appreciated. There are many of you that love to hunt and be out in the woods as much as possible and adding muzzleloading season to our time outdoors gives us another opportunity to do just that. That's why I bought a muzzleloader.

[badsection]

It's going to be a test as to which combination is most accurate for you, IMO.   

[oldchet]

A large part to consider is what your state allows in regards to bullets, then narrow down what is available in what is allowed. I have used everything from 165 grain Magtech solid copper hollow point to 300 grain Hornady SST. Some states do not allow jacketed bullets, some no sabots, etc.

[Blackbear3]

The best thing to do is to start shooting it to see what it likes. Usually pellets aren't as accurate as loose powder, because of inconsistent ignition and being crushed during loading. Powerbelt bullets are easy to load but are usually not that accurate, but they may work in your CVA. I've usually found my best accuracy below max, 90 grs in my Traditions side lock and 110 grs in my Encore. I have not heard of a breakin procedure for muzzleloaders. Anything between 250-300 gr should work fine for Whitetails, elk hunting you may want to go at least 350 grs.
If I were you I would pickup an assortment of sabot loads, powerbelts, pellets and loose powder (I use BH209 and RS) and start shooting and see what your Optima likes. You could also join a muzzleloader forum, you might find more people with your firearm there. I use 300 gr Hornady FPBs and 350 gr Federal BOR Loc's in my Encore and maxi balls in my Traditions.

http://www.modernmuzzleloader.com/forum/index.php?sid=73149bcd6b3ef8e051a45d30de69e391

[terminator]

I have had the same experiences as Doug with the Powerbelt bullets.Very easy to load but accuracy was definetly lacking compared to the saboted rounds.

[rockville]

Try two pyrodex pellets which would equal 100 grains.They come in 30 and 50 grain pellets in pyrodex. Then try a 250 grain Hornady SST or 240 grain xtp because they are usually cheap. Especially if you get the TC or Traditions brand.

[Chris338378]

What's the twist rate of your rifling?  Some sabots work well and or are designed for a 1 in 24 inches while others are designed for a 1 in 48 inches.

[zonie]

150 yds on deer for a modern muzzleloader isn't all that far.  I agree with the other guy's follow the law,  play with an assortment of powder & bullets ,  chronograph your velocities and place your sky screens a little extra distance from the gun's muzzle as not to pelt either the screens or unit with unburned powder.  Look up the bullets BC and with your velocity then  check bullet drops on one of the online ballistic computer programs.   I know 40 years ago who would believe we would be checking drops on a muzzle loader.  Find the bullet that shoots consistently the best it doesn't matter which bullet it is most any of these are fully capable of handling any deer.  I do cast my own and size accordingly,  I find even with Sabots and cast/swaged bullets  tighter the fit the better for accuracy, but every gun is different.  I do use probably more loose powder than pellets.