New to muzzleloading
Hello everyone, Today I bought my first muzzleloader its a T/C Omega .50. I have already put about 7 or so rounds through it and I really enjoy it. Im using 2x50 grain pyrodex pellets and a 295 gr. sabot for my loads with the 209 primer.(I accuatelly have a lot of questions so plz bare with me) Ok, fist off does this all sound like a good setup so far? Since im new to muzzleloading im not quite shure about alot of it yet. Second with so many differnt typs of ammo out there to choose from what accuatelly seems to work the best? I mean are the maxi-balls better then the sabots or are the buffalo rounds the best, what seems to do the best all around to you all? Third at what range should I try to sight in my gun at? Should I bother with a scope? Personally I like having a scope on a gun but would it be all the beneficial, I have heard that they are not that accurate after 100 yds so.............I dunno. How often should I clean it? I have heard after every 2 shots I have heard after every 4 shots I have heard to just clean it when I get ready to put it up. Me and my frined were talking today (he bought his first muzzleloader today as well) and we were enjoying them so much we were thinking about looking into a "traditional" muzzleloader. What I mean by that is one that shoots the lead balls, I know that I need one that has a much longer twist ratio in order to be able to shoot the balls. So what is a good brand to look into getting in the "traditional" area? And what price am I going to be looking at for a good one? Well I think that covers it all (probably not though) but I would really like to know what you all think. Thank you for you time.
That love thy neighbor thing, I ment that. -God
That love thy neighbor thing, I ment that. -God
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For a rookie you are either lucky or good, because you have bought one of the best in line muzzleloaders on the market. By that, I mean the Omega is accurate, easy to load, and easy to clean.
You need to clean the gun at the end of the day's shooting. But you should run a patch down the bore at the range after every shot or two to keep a clean bore to keep accuracy up.
I would put a scope on the rifle. This gun can make 1 1/2 inch groups all day, if you can do that without a scope you are a very good shot. This gun is accurate way past 100 yards and you could work up a load to take game out to 150 yards with no problem.
When you say you shoot 295 gr sabots, do you mean powerbelts? I am referring to the copper looking slug with the little plastic skirt attached. I don't know of a 295 gr sabot.
Two 50 gr pyrodex pellets is a good hunting load. Sight it in 3 inches high at 100 yards. Then, see what it is doing at 150 yards.
For round ball shooting, Thompson Center makes a nice Hawken. I have one and have killed lots of game with it shooting round ball. But, it does not have the ideal twist for round ball.
You can get a Lyman, which has a twist designed for round ball. This rifle will be more accurate, though the TC has decent accuracy and is good enough for hunting. But, I say, the more accurate the better.
Another load that is highly recommended for the Omega is the new Hornady SST in 250 grain. This slug is shaped to have better aerodynamics than most other muzzleloader slugs, it will have a longetr range than a powerbelt. Though this is the first hunting season these slugs have been in use, already it has a reputation as a good game getter. And they are not expensive, I bought two boxes from Cabela's for $9 for 20, sabots included.0 -
First read the instructions that came with the rifle. It is the manufactures recomendations for care of the rifle. Second invest in a good Black Powder handbook, there are many to choose from. I find reading Sam Fadala's (Lyman Black Powder Handbook & Loading Manual) to be informative and a good read.
Keep your powder dry,
Steve0 -
If you go to a traditional BP rifle look for one with a twist rate of 1 turn in 66" or 1 turn in 60". You can shoot round ball in rifles with 1 in 48" but they are not as accurate. Thompson center Renegade & Hawkin should be 1 in 66". Traditions make several models that are excellent for RB. If you have the spare cash then think about investing in a custom made long rifle. They should run from $750 to $3000 depending on how fancy you want! For traditional rifles check these site out:
http://www.logcabinshop.com/
http://www.trackofthewolf.com
http://www.dixiegunworks.com
http://www.muzzleloader.biz
http://www.longrifles-pr.com/
http://www.militaryheritage.com/muskets.htm
http://www.blackhartlongarms.com/
http://www.flintlocks.com/
There are several more out there but these are some of the best. Also for traditional BP I would suggest you get a copy of Dixie Gun Works catalog because thay have a wealth of information in the back for traditional BP.
God protect me from my friends, I can take care of my enemies...0 -
Mitchell- The TC Hawken is 1 in 48. This is adequate for round balls and ok for slugs, but not great for either. The Lyman is 1 in 66. 0 -
My suggestion: put a scope on it, shoot the 245 gr. powerbelt bullets, and use 150 gr. of powder if you can stand it. This combo will make you accurate enough to take whitetail out to 200 yards or so, but I'd definitely practice the longer shots before slinging a bullet that far. As said, nice choice in smoke poles, the omega is simple, easy to clean, and accurate........
woodyd0 -
Allen, that suprises me because I have a renegade that I bought many, many years ago that is 1 in 66" and I just figured that the Hawken was as well![:0] Thanks for pointing that out. As to 1 in 48" not being great, at 4-H BP certification training we learned that if you play around with the powder charge, either higher or lower, you can get some decent results in faster twist guns using RB. The one incident that brought about that knowledge is that a young girl won the state with an in-line and RB is all 4-H allows them to shoot. Her dad told the range officers that what he had to do was play around with the powder charge till he found one that worked great. I think she shot 48 grains of pyrodex in the in-line 50 cal. Another thing he said that had to be taken into concideration is the temp. of the barrel. We noticed she took the full 30 minutes to shoot the 5 shots and that was to keep her barrel cool. The hotter the barrel gets the worse it shot RB! Funny the things you learn from 4-H kids and their dads! Again I stand corrected on the Hawken but my Renegade is 1 in 66". Have you ever thought of a Green Mountain drop in in 1 in 66" for the Hawken?
God protect me from my friends, I can take care of my enemies...0 -
Yes I have a Green Mountain barrel all picked out. But, my vision has gotten so bad I can't shoot well with iron sights any more. So, I have a new in line with a scope.
You know that wouldn't be a bad choice for Dimorte. He could buy a used TC Hawken, find one with a good stock and action but a rusty barrel for $150- $200. Then get a Green Mountain 1:66 for about $170 you would be set up.
Dimorte on the TC Hawken you remove the barrel in about 30 seconds. You remove it any time you clean the gun. So, you can just buy this Green Mountain barrel, it is especially designed for the TC Hawken, and it just "drops in". Green Mountain barrels are extremely accurate.0 -
Wow, thats sounds like a really good deal. I will defently have to look into that. Thank you all for all the of great information you have given me thus far, I really appriciate your time. hehehehehe but now I have a couple more questions. 1)jjmitchell60 was talking about using "RB" what is that refering to? Round ball? 2) Which is accuatelly better the pydrox pellets or powder? And if powder is the best what type should I look into buying, any particular brand or certian style? Yes allen I was talking about a powerbelt, sorry for the cofusion, my mistake. Well those are the only questions i can think of right now. I will ask more as I can think of them. Thanks again everyone.
That love thy neighbor thing, I ment that. -God0 -
All great answers from knowledgeable shooters....personally, I only shoot traditional BP guns with round ball (RB) and loose black powder. One thing I would point out and that is to check your State's hunting laws. I believe Colorado does not allow sabots; is a Power Belt a sabot??? I dunno, but check it out. Also, some other states only allow traditional guns and/or open sights. Something to look into. As to when to clean, do it when the bullet becomes difficult to seat, whether it is 2 shots or 4 or 10. After each day's shooting is done, thoroughly clean and oil the gun before putting it away. Each gun will need to have a load developed for maximum accuracy. You can get very close by following suggested loads, but each barrel is slightly different, even tho of the same manufacturer and model. Emery
"Well done is better than well said"
Ben Franklin0 -
Powder is much cheaper than pellets. I have always used Goex black powder in FFg. Get a good brass powder measure.
Yes rb is round ball.
Another advantage to powder is, you can fine tune the gun. You get a nice brass measure and start at, say, 80 grains. Make 3 shots. Move up to 85 grains. Make 3 more shots.
Some guns will drive tacks with 90 grains, but not do so well with 100.
I see a lot of guys getting happy with 777 powder. It gives good accuracy and is easier to clean up than bp. It is more powerful, you would reduce the charge by 10 percent and get the same power as bp.0
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