Well I finally bloodied the T/C Omega. Took a buck that only had one horn as a cull deer. Shot distance was about 70 yards. I was using 120 grains of loose pyrodex, a CCI primer and a 240 grain Hornady XTP mag sabot. He ran about 40 yards in a semi circle after the shot and fell in sight. There was no need for tracking but man what a blood trail. I hit him tight behind the left shoulder and the 240 gr XTP mag blew through easily and exited just slightly further back on the right side leaving an exit hole about the size of a nickel. I am well pleased with the performance and I cannot believe how accurate this load and sabot combo is out of such a moderately priced muzzleloader. I literally hit the tuft of hair that I was aiming at on this deers shoulder. Below is a photo of the exit hole. And below that photo is a photo of the test shot I took from 100 yards before I went hunting yesterday evening just to recheck that my scope was still 1 1/2 inches high at that distance. Repeatable accuracy like that at the range has made me feel as comfortable carrying this muzzleloader into the woods as I do with any other centerfire rifle I own. In fact I'm enjoying this thing so much I can't see the centerfires making it into my truck for a while unless I'm hunting an area where the opportunity for a really long shot is possible. Why didn't you guys warn me that muzzleloading was this addictive?
Now you know what we have been talking about for years!! Take your time get the right load and bang you got it. Now I knw what your thinking do I have the best load everythings working great but mabey just mabey I can do even better. I don't think I will ever stop trying to better myself. Thats why we have an off season!!!!
Congrats and welcome to the addiction!!!!!
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Correction Officers: We walk the toughest beat in the country!
Awesome!!! I use about the same load but no scope. I had great success with it as well.My deer dropped and then crawled 30 yards. There was an amazing blood trail. It looks like you have it shooting great and should be proud of that. Congratulations!!!!
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Browning BPS shotgun, Browning Rage One bow, TC Omega muzzleloader, Ruger Super Redhawk .44 mag pistol, Gamo Shadow 1000 pellet gun, Winchester Model 12 pump shotgun
That's awesome! Congrats. There's no hope for you now, you're addicted and always will be.
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"Yes, well, I’m polymerized tree sap and you’re an inorganic adhesive, so whatever verbal projectile you launch in my direction is reflected off of me, returns to its original trajectory and adheres to you." - Sheldon Cooper
With an exit hole like that, there is no way you were going to loose that deer. A perfect placed shot, a rifle that did as expected.. venison on the table. Who could ask for more. Congratulations on the fine deer and the excellent experience. As many know, all I hunt with are muzzleloaders. There really is a different kind of challenge offered with them,that I like to experience. Sounds like you have the sickness too. They should put warning labels on these things. Careful or you will end up like 99% of the other guys on this board. Black Powder junkies....
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"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, a total wreck, screaming Yahoo, with a big smile on your face."
Same here Cayugad. I hunt with bow as well but enjoy my muzzlestuffer more now. Nothing like a challenge, longer season, and being hopelessly addicted to a wonderful sport.
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Browning BPS shotgun, Browning Rage One bow, TC Omega muzzleloader, Ruger Super Redhawk .44 mag pistol, Gamo Shadow 1000 pellet gun, Winchester Model 12 pump shotgun
Nice work, I am thinking of getting a Omega now tht they are goin on sale for the end of season. I kind of like the feeling of the thumbhole, there seems like there isnt something natural there however.