I will add a little more. There are actually three breechplug designs for the Encore/Omega (since they are interchangeable). There is the flat one that originally came with the first Omega. It was designed to keep pellets from crushing (contrary to the comment above). Then the crud ring came so since some Encores which originally came with a very deep concave face breechplug with no flat didn't appear to have the crud ring problem T/C decided to make a similar plugbut in order to also be usable with pellets a plug with a concave but also a flat ring around the concave was made which is what comes on most Omega rifles now. I have all three and the deep concave seems to work best with loose 777 for me although I have found nothing that will eliminate the 777 crud ring completely for me in my Omega. I just switched to Black Mag'3 which seems to be made for the Omega. I am also looking at Pinnacle as another possibility. I also use a number drill to make sure the breechplug hole is clear. I also do not lubricate the plug once it is clean as it is stainless. If anything a little WD-40 would be plenty as it is mostly mineral spirits and mineral oil. My personal opinion is do not use Rem Oil on anything. It becomes very sticky and cruds up very easily. I use Ballistol on my rifles as it is compatable with black powder and the synthetics and will also protect the barrel from rust. The traditional guys use it as a patch lube.