I simply can't add up all the Omega, Encore rifles we have sold that went out the door with our "pet recommendation loads" of SSTs and 777 and Pyrodex pellets. They ARE hard to load yes, especially compared too powerbelts. But the bottom line is powerbelts typically don't seal properly on heavy charges (over 130grns) so they are gonna load much easier than most other properly fitted sabots. Alot of guys complain about their rifles not shooting 150grn powder charges very well, typically it is because their bullets/sabots aren't properly sealing off.

My Savage is REALLY had to get a 300SST down, but the pressures of 45 grns of N110 make it paramount that a very tight seal is required for maximizing a magnum ML gun. A ball starter and an aluminum rod is ESSENTIAL!
RA