driftrider

In reference to what you said about barrel strengths, I think the Spaniard barrels will hold up fine with normal recommended loads & I really like the feel & design of both the Winchester X-150 and the Apex, but just in the last six months, I have read around 5 posts where posters accidently used two bullets or used double powder charges by mistake. Stress cracks, welds ruptures & bulging barrels can get pretty scary with your face inches away from the barrel.

In the last 13 years, I have loaded a muzzleloader around 1500 times. Only once did I forget something by not putting a bullet in with my powder. When I fired, I had a narrow stream of fire on the ground for 10-15 yards.

We all make mistakes in this world & I' m overdue to make a dangerous one. I just want to be plenty sure that I can trust my firearm should I ever " double-load" anything... especially with magnum charges. As soon as I found out Omegas are SAAMIs, I started lookin' for dealers. Now I kinda' wish I spent $200 more on the Encore and purchased two aftermarket barrels (20 gauge shotgun) & (.308 centerfire). Oh well.... maybe in a couple more years.