Posted By: chaseh2003
Muzzleloader accuracy - 04/27/23 02:12 PM
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!
Posted By: freerange
Re: Muzzleloader accuracy - 04/27/23 04:19 PM
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.
Posted By: chaseh2003
Re: Muzzleloader accuracy - 04/27/23 05:01 PM
Woops. Meant to post the link
https://youtu.be/tmrWwTphITM
Posted By: Adchunts
Re: Muzzleloader accuracy - 04/28/23 12:35 AM
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.
Posted By: rickt300
Re: Muzzleloader accuracy - 04/28/23 12:38 AM
My Optima shoots easily into 1 1/2 inches with just about anything within reason. My Encore is only slightly more accurate.
Posted By: chaseh2003
Re: Muzzleloader accuracy - 04/28/23 03:43 AM
rickt300, are you shooting with a scope or open sights?
Posted By: rickt300
Re: Muzzleloader accuracy - 05/01/23 05:30 PM
rickt300, are you shooting with a scope or open sights?
Scope, too old to get tight groups with these eyes.
Posted By: Fitzwho
Re: Muzzleloader accuracy - 08/19/23 02:06 AM
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.
Posted By: Blank
Re: Muzzleloader accuracy - 08/23/23 05:08 PM
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!!!
Posted By: freerange
Re: Muzzleloader accuracy - 10/21/23 05:32 PM
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.
Posted By: Catperch
Re: Muzzleloader accuracy - 01/11/24 02:29 PM
When y’all are getting these tight groups, are you cleaning between shots? I’m trying to get mine dialed in.
Posted By: Catperch
Re: Muzzleloader accuracy - 01/12/24 03:23 AM
Well, I think I found my problem. My mounting screws were loose. Going to shoot tomorrow and see if that was the problem
Posted By: Catperch
Re: Muzzleloader accuracy - 01/13/24 03:00 PM
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
Posted By: 10 Gauge
Re: Muzzleloader accuracy - 01/17/24 03:15 AM
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.