After bending and breaking more factory rodsand jagsthan I can remember [:@], I switched a few years agoto using a range rod at both the range and in the field.
Sure, it's somethjing else to drag along but it works better than any flimsy factory rod ever will.
Omega's and Encores have fairly tight bores and I find that they typically load much happier and shoot more consistantly accuratewhen they are clean.
[ol][*]Loose the No 13 cleaner. First of all it does not effectively clean for the field (does it effectively clean anything?). Second, it can leave moisture in the bore which can cause a sabot to stick like it was welded. Try swabbing the bore after each shot with a damp (not wet) patch or 50/50 Mix of 99% Alcohol & Windex. Short stroke the patch down and up, flip and do again followed by a dry patch. Then the bore will be clean and dry. The two most successful elements to happy sabot loading. If you are a clean bore POI type like me, then you are set. Otherwise then you will need to occassionally clean the bore when loading becomes miserable. Again, I would forget about the No.13 cleaner.[*]Get a decent range rod. Nothing is more frustrating that trying to manhandle a stubborn sabot with the factory rod. I only use range rods in the field as well. Cabelas or XS Sight Systmes have nice collapsing range rods that are easy enough to tote in your shooting pouch.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=srchdx&id=0037514216136a&a mp;navCount=1&podId=0037514&parentId=cat20 819&navAction=push&catalogCode=IG&rid= &parentType=index&indexId=cat20819&has JS=true[*]
http://www.xssights.com/store/blackpowder.html[*]Short starting helps a bunch to get things on their way to the breech and helps to prevent breaking jags at the fragile threaded portion as short starting gets the load into the bore past the jag. Equip a quality short starter with a spire point loading jag (along with the range rod). Gently tap the short started Shockwave with the palm of your hand or a small nylon hammer. Knight has a nice short starter.
http://www.knightrifles.com/productDetail.aspx?id=324600[*]You should be also using a bore guide with a range rod or short starter: 3/8" rods are common. Track of the Wolf has bore guides.
www.trackofthewolf.com[*]Lastly, some companies also have replacement rods for the factory rod. Frankly, I would rather have my hands on a meaty range rod to deal with a tough to load projectile. I have yet to bend or break a range rod.[*]Lastlier still, I would also forget about the mythical fast followup shots. It's when you are in a hurry is when you break rods, forget critical loading procedures (like priming,dry balling (loading without powder)or removing your rod before shooting - all of which I have done at one time or another). Take your time and make your first shot count. I have let more deer go because the shot placement opportunity was not there. There is time to reload, and if not all the hurry may or may not result in actually getting off a faster followup shot. For a faster follow-up than a sabot, I carry a speedloader with a measured charge and a large slip-fit conical or powerbelt. These can be loaded without much wrestling and at least give you something to shoot for a faster follow-up.[/ol]Brass or aluminum rods will not harm your bore in the least. As mentioned above, a bore guide is how you prevent premature wear of the muzzle.
Good Luck!
Tahquamenon