Optima Pro Question

[bucktrack7]

Need to find an accurate load for this gun and looking for advise on things to try.

Here is my set up and what I have tried.

I am using a CVA Optima Pro .45 cal. in nickel. 100 grains of loose powder with Power Belt 265 and tried 195 grain bullets. My groups are as big as a pie plate at 50 yds. I am using a Power Aisle bench rest and at times a hydraulic trigger.
Before this weapon I was using a CVA Firebolt also in .45 cal. with the same powder and bullets as listed above and it was wonderful. That is why I thought the higher priced Optima Pro would be as good but easier to clean and handle the weather better.

Any suggestions would be great.
Thanks!!

[bucktrack7]

Forgot to mention that the powder I am using is Clean Shot.
Thanks Again.

[SuperMagnum]

You may want to try the shockwaves or hornady sst and triple 7 pellets or loose powder. My Optima is not a .45 but this combination is accurate out of mine getting 1.5 inch groups at 150 yds. I tried the powerbelts first but the gun didn't like it either. Hope this helps.

[bucktrack7]

Thanks for the response SuperMagnum!

I hate to give up the powerbelts because they load so easy but if that is what it takes to get a good group...

I bought some triple 7 loose powder but haven't tried it yet. Will changing powder cause a big difference in where the bullet hits or even the group size?

Thanks again

[SuperMagnum]

I don't know if changing the powder will change much, but the amount you put in definitely will. With my .50 I started out with 100 grains and got 1- 1.5" groups at 150yd but had alot of drop, zero at 100 and about 8 inch low at 150. Added another 30 grains to a total of 130 and now it's right on at 150yds and about 1.5 - 2" high at 50 and 100 yds. The group did open a bit more with the higher charge but it took care of the drop.

[DaMadman]

Originally posted by bucktrack7
Forgot to mention that the powder I am using is Clean Shot.
Thanks Again.

What is cleanshot? I have never heard of this in a blackpowder?

I use 100 grains (2 pyrodex pellets) and the same powerbelt bullet you are using and I if I remember right I got around a 2 inch group @ 75 yards with the open sites from a bench.

[Ridge Runner]

I bought one last year before hunting season, I've never gotten it to shoot anything near acceptable hunting groups, I've tried every type of bullet I could find with every type of pyrodex made, 5-6" groups was the best I could ever get with magnum loads.
Cut the charge back to 80-90 grains and it gets better but thats not why I bought a 45 cal magnum mzzldr.
I've tried
shockwaves
SST's
powerbelts ( drill holes in these and use for fishing sinkers)
hornady sabots with both 357 and 40 cal bullets
great plains bullets
buffalo bullets
my bro in law has a 45 cal encore that has the same problem, think its the twist or bore diameter.
RR