I’m still planning my first muzzleloader purchase. I had pretty much decided to get a CVA Optima V2 but then I came across this video. In the comparison the Optima shoots horrible groups compared to the other two. Granted the other two are much more expensive. I am wanting to shoot open sights btw to be able to hunt CO. I’m wondering if I should save for something like the Paramount.
Should the Optima be able to shoot better? In the video the guns that shot better groups both used 209 powder, had light triggers, we’re free floated, and muzzle brakes. Maybe that made the difference? Maybe it was just the shooting skill or lack there of with the Optima shooter.
Any feedback appreciated. Thanks!

I dont know that much but I would think all the things you listed in your last paragraph were the main reasons and not the gun itself.
I dont know the particulars about the video but it doesnt sound, at all, like it was set up to do a fair comparison.

Woops. Meant to post the link

https://youtu.be/tmrWwTphITM

Muzzleloaders are no different than centerfire rifles. Some like one bullet/powder combo, some like another. I went down a rabbit hole with my T/C Encore muzzleloader and accuracy a few years back. I tried a wide variety of bullets, powders, and ignition sources. Finally ended up shooting a boutique muzzleloader bullet, loose powder (closely measured), and a small rifle primer for ignition. Made for super accurate shooting, but was a major PITA. I guess my point is just because that one rifle didn’t shoot as well as you would like with one specific combo does not mean it wouldn’t shot great with another.

My Optima shoots easily into 1 1/2 inches with just about anything within reason. My Encore is only slightly more accurate.

rickt300, are you shooting with a scope or open sights?

Scope, too old to get tight groups with these eyes.

Yea this is spot on.

My Paramount will stack them up, but his is a three shot group from last November. I have another muzzleloader hunt in a month, need to get back to the range.

Drew an Oct 1st muzzy hunt for bull elk here in Idaho. Just need to keep my shots in "minute of elk" out to about 100 yards!!!

I know this thread has a little age on it but I just shot mine yesterday so thought I would post. Ive just gotten into MLs to extend my hunting season in Okla cause Rifle season is short. I also hunt with a xbow so the ML trigger may not get pulled. My point is its not my top priority and I know I need more time with it to get more accurate. Using the same load over last few years I only get about 3" to 5" groups for 5 to 7 shots(take my time between shots). Its too late to experiment this year so I guess i would pull the trigger if he was close enough but Ive got to commit time to it next year. Yall are confirming my thoughts that it should do much better. Its a Knight with a scope and 209.

When y’all are getting these tight groups, are you cleaning between shots? I’m trying to get mine dialed in.

Well, I think I found my problem. My mounting screws were loose. Going to shoot tomorrow and see if that was the problem

Nevermind. Wasn’t the problem. I give up trying to get a tight group. I’ll live with close enough

You can tighten it up with a lighter load. My wolf is rated up to 150 grains, but i get about 2-3 moa with around 80 grains if i recall. Sure, i can cherry pick a better group. Pellets, 100 grains is more like 3-4 moa. But i will take it. Have not tested the black horn 209.

I struggled with accuracy issues at first, well it was my open sights sliding under the recoil. Trying to use max load. Go for accuracy first.

I just bought a Optima V2 and it shoots lights out. Using white hot pellets and Hornady sst. Last 3 shot group was easily 1" with 2 practically in the same hole at 100 yards..Took a few mins to get on target the scope was so far off. Only had the first range session with about 12 rounds but very pleased with the grouping. Looking forward to hunting with it.

I have a CVA Optima V2 50 cal Long Range rifle. Topped with a Leupold Ultimate Slam 3x9x40mm scope. Using 84 grs of blackhorn by weight. With a Hornady 250gr SST bullet. Mine will shoot a 1/2 inch group at 100 yds. Most accurate muzzle loader i ever had. I have had Remington Knights TC and this CVA.

Yes, and letting it sit to cool a bit . You shoot with a cold barrel your first shot hunting, so it will be different when you've fired several shots. I always foul my barrel before a hunt, then load. It takes time to dial them in, but once in, they are solid. As stated above, find an accurate load vs a max load. I'd have to dig out my bag to tell you what mine is for the Rem 700MLS, but its not the max 150 grain charge.

Plus experiment with different bullets and balls, no different than reloading for a centerfire, find what it likes