Questions about T-C Omega

[toddpipkin]

I sold my Encore multi-barrel, and intend to replace it with a dedicated muzzleloader, probably an Omega.

Tell me about them.....

Powerbelts, T-C sabots, or something else?

Does the Nikon BDC reticle really work?

Anyone use "Shockey's Gold", or regular Pioneer? How much to make the BDC work correctly?

What type of accuracy can I expect?

[wtnhunt]

Don't have an omega, but I will chime in here on the Shockey's stuff, sabots, and also give my opinion for what it is worth on the graduated reticle scopes.

My black diamond did not like the shockey stuff at all, have about a half a one pound can of it left that I will never ever use. Could not get consistent groupings like we were getting with the pyro rs, and I worked several different loads. With the pyro rs and 240 grain tc xtps mag sabots we get pretty tight groups, can shoot 3 shot groups touching off of a good solid rest on the 100 yard targets. Will be working up some loads with triple 7 here probably this weekend to compare how it performs with my black diamond.

In my opinion on the bdc or graduated reticle scopes, if you are shooting past 150 they may come into play, but if your shots are likely to be held under 150 you just do not need it. Think you can get pretty close, but would also think you will have to work your loads and shoot at the different distances with those loads to see how your rifle performs and see just where you are hitting from those lines.

[Chrud]

Can't comment on the Omega. You might want to take a look at the Triumph also.

As far as bullets and powders go, I like T/C 250 grain Shockwaves and Pryrodex Pellets (although I will probably go with Triple Se7en Pellets next year). I did not like the Shockey Pellets. They aren't round, they are square and they do "break" off a bit when putting them down the barrel. Clean up is no easier than Pyrodex, especially if you clean between shots. I've read several times that Shockey's pellets aren't as powerful as Pyrodex or Triple Se7en either.

Not sure about the BDC. I agree with William. If your shots are going to be about 150 yards or less, just go with the regular reticles.

[hammerforged]

Like Chrud and wtnhunt I cannot comment on the Omega. I have a CVA Kodiak magnum. It too does not like the Shockey powder. I have used Pyrodex pellets and T/C Shockwaves with good success, have had good success with Powerbelts too. I just got some of the BH 209 powder and it does better than the Pellets, just not as convenient.

[AJ]

I bought an Omega this year for my elk hunt. I went with the stainless gun in a laminated non thumbhole stock. I got it from Sportsman's Warehouse for $350. This gun will not see the corrosive stinky powder. It will only be used with the new Blackhorn 209 powder. Its not corrosive, does not need to be swabbed between shots, gives very good velocity, and is accurate.

I mounted a Nikon Monarch in a Talley one piece ring/mount. I had to max out the scope in elevation to get the gun zeroed at 100 yards. I was ticked. It was shooting ~2-3" groups.

I did some checking online and heard this is not uncommon for the gun to shoot that low. So I ordered a Ken Farrell +20 MOA base on it with some Warne high rings. While I was waiting for these to come in I did a bedding job and floated the barrel.

Once the mounts and rings were in I installed a Kahles 3-10x50 scope with a ballistic reticle and back to the range.

I zeroed the scope in just a few shots and found the gun now shoots very well. I had some groups right at 1" at 100 yards so I decided to move out to 200 yards and check things out.

This group is a 200 yard, 3 shot group of Barnes 290 gr TMZ bullets pushed by 120 gr of BH209 powder ignited by a Winchester 209 primer. It measures just under MOA. It still retains 1500 ft/lbs at 250 yards. It's a good elk load.

This group is another 200 yard group but this time its a 300 gr Bonded Shockwave in a short Harvester sabot, with the same 120 gr of BH209, and Win 209 primer. This group is well under MOA and will be my elk load this year. It also retains 1500 ft/lbs at 250 yards. I was able to hit a gong at will at 300 yards with this load.

By the way, these shots were number 25-27 and 28-30 without swabbing or cleaning. I like BH209!!! The ballistic reticle is fine for 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 yards.

[toddpipkin]

Thanks to all for allowing me to benefit from your experience!!

The comments regarding the poor performance of APP and Shockey's were mirrored on the other boards where I sought advice, as were the unanimously positive comments on Blackhorn 209 powder.

The Omega is on it's way from Cabela's ( only $309.99 !! ), I picked up a can of Blackhorn yesterday at Bass Pro.

Now I'm looking for Barnes Tipped Expander MZ bullets and sabots.

I have decided I'm going to try the iron sights on the Omega before putting a scope on it.

[tped]

I have an Encore and also an Omega and hunt primarily with the Omega. Mine is the stainless thumbhole and shoots moa all day - everyday. I load with 120 grains of loose 777 behind the Barnes 250 grain expander bullet - 2215 fps. Love the gun - easy to handle, clean & shoot. Don't sell the Triumph short also as I have checked them out also and everything looks great there. Should I decide I need 3 muzzy's the Triumph will be added.