Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Muzzleloader Hunting => Topic started by: MountainDevil54 on September 01, 2014, 05:44:21 PM

Title: Tuning up the NW Optima
Post by: MountainDevil54 on September 01, 2014, 05:44:21 PM: Decided to play with the NW Optima this evening since my Hawken is all put away for Sept 13th doe hunt.

Tried to loads:
295gr Aerotip Powerbelt - 80gr 3f Goex
348gr Flat Point Powerbelt - 80gr 3f Goex

REALLY happy with the 348gr FP Powerbelt, that showed great promise with the 3f and one that I will work with more at 100 yards. Today was just 50 yards testing out these two loads before I head out further.

Bore was cleaned between each shot. I also seated the RWS musket caps hard with my thumb and had zero misfires.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi293.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fmm53%2Fthepowerbeltforum%2FCVA%2520Gun%2520Pics%2520and%2520Reviews%2FIMG_3583.jpg&hash=3bd94f4b2953ee04607a97bf4bf8e58ab256d138) (http://s293.photobucket.com/user/thepowerbeltforum/media/CVA%20Gun%20Pics%20and%20Reviews/IMG_3583.jpg.html)

295 AT Powerbelt
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi293.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fmm53%2Fthepowerbeltforum%2FCVA%2520Gun%2520Pics%2520and%2520Reviews%2FIMG_3571.jpg&hash=91514141789d19459db48c3c8917e3c36ad9757d) (http://s293.photobucket.com/user/thepowerbeltforum/media/CVA%20Gun%20Pics%20and%20Reviews/IMG_3571.jpg.html)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi293.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fmm53%2Fthepowerbeltforum%2FCVA%2520Gun%2520Pics%2520and%2520Reviews%2FIMG_3576.jpg&hash=84ba711559cae23509e4c0ffcf05650676566856) (http://s293.photobucket.com/user/thepowerbeltforum/media/CVA%20Gun%20Pics%20and%20Reviews/IMG_3576.jpg.html)

348 FP Powerbelt, First 2 shots touching, I must have pulled the shot to the left a bit. Either way, I am super happy with this combo and if I draw an elk tag next year, Noooo problem using this one!
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi293.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fmm53%2Fthepowerbeltforum%2FCVA%2520Gun%2520Pics%2520and%2520Reviews%2FIMG_3579.jpg&hash=d927e433b5ed32d16844f0dcd8d5bec7268521a8) (http://s293.photobucket.com/user/thepowerbeltforum/media/CVA%20Gun%20Pics%20and%20Reviews/IMG_3579.jpg.html)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi293.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fmm53%2Fthepowerbeltforum%2FCVA%2520Gun%2520Pics%2520and%2520Reviews%2FIMG_3577.jpg&hash=aed6b4bc592ca388550b863f734f1d7930bd2c22) (http://s293.photobucket.com/user/thepowerbeltforum/media/CVA%20Gun%20Pics%20and%20Reviews/IMG_3577.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Tuning up the NW Optima
Post by: Smokepole on November 23, 2014, 08:10:03 AM: Nice group & good looking gun. :tup:
Title: Re: Tuning up the NW Optima
Post by: elkboy on November 23, 2014, 12:52:08 PM: I shoot off of those Caldwell bags, as well. Like them a lot.

Nice gun, and nice groups! How did season go for you?
Title: Re: Tuning up the NW Optima
Post by: MountainDevil54 on November 24, 2014, 01:51:52 PM: went real good! I used my Hawken, my dad used his optima with the 300gr powerbelt aerolite and blackhorn209. We both got our deer the same day and over the 6 days we hunted, took 16 grouse.