Thanks guys. Appreciate your recommendations. Please keep them coming.

Taking tool to my machinist buddy for the re-tooling. I cannot believe T/C does not remedy this - even called them today.

Trying to avoid the lubed patch during hunting conditions when I need to reload whilst up in a tree. The scent alone voids any thought of this option. I generally reload after the shot even if the deer is down in sight. Follow up shot, coyote, two tags, etc....

I bought Federal Premium B.O.R. locked bullets over lunch for the he!! of it. Still gonna try Blackhorn as I plan to return to the range for more testing. Until today, I did not realize T/C Shockwaves are produced in two bullet styles each with two different sabots. I've been buying 250 grain Shockwaves thinking they are all the same.

I started with Powerbelts years ago because they came with the kit. They blew through several deer without expanding leading to minuscule blood trails. Most of my muzzleloader hunting is done from the same stands as my bow hunting.

After the Powerbelt issues, I switched to the Shockwaves and never looked back. Well, this year I bought the Pro Hunter hoping for a accurate muzzleloader with a smooth trigger. Now, I am back at square one. Should have stuck with the cheap CVA and it's crappy trigger.

Good thing I enjoy range time !!!