Hey WS, So far I've been zeroing it with a patched .61 round ball over 65gr of 2F. That's the load I use in my smoothbore, except it's a bare ball in that one. There's some recoil to it, but it's not uncomfortable to shoot, bench or standing, even putting 10-15 rounds through it in a practice/zero session. The gun is heavier than I thought it would be, likely because the stock is verrrrry dense wood--a quality piece of maple--and the barrel is a D weight profile. And it could be a chore to tote all day--which is why I like the sling, but perhaps that weight soaks up the recoil and with a nice balance and short length, it points quickly and well. I'm not opposed to increasing the powder load, but don't see the need to do so yet.