RE: Powerbelt problems
txhunter58
No need to tap your powder measure. In doing so, your volumes of 90-120 with 777 increased. That's far too much powder on a bullet (Powerbelt) that operates best with recommended powder charges. A typical 100 grain recommendation nowadays applies to Pyro/Real Blackpowder. Now if you deduct 15% like your 777 jug stipulates, you need to re-test that 348 Powerbelt with 85 grains (average). If you were tapping your measure volume -- then using 90 grains minimum, that 90 was likely 95 grains -- which is the equivalent to 115 Pyro. Your 120 grains 777 tapped was likely 150 grains Pyro.
Since all ml rifles are bored differently, that 777/85 grain recommendation is not "rocket science" specs. Your Omega may shoot best with 80 grains 777/Powerbelt 348... my Omega may like 90 777 /348 Powerbelt. Then there are "other variables to consider when looking for accuracy & bullet performance.
Powerbelt Inc states on their website that a majority of thir bullets perform best on a fouled barrel. So you may be complicating your first (2) target holes at the range by shooting them in a clean barrel.. especially one that had gun safe- bore-filled storing oils in the barrel when shooting those first 2 target shots.
Just dry-patching storing oils does not remove it when you prepare your first shot at the range. You should always "alcohol" your bore... it cuts oils much better than dry-patching. Also, another option to improve Powerbelt performance is to check each gas check/base before seating them.
Remove all plastic gas checks when you "free all 20 Powerbelts from the new package. Make sure they are loosely fitted onto the actual bullet. You don't want them to fit snugly. Sometimes I re-do all my Powerbelts by dabbing the bottoms of all 20 Powerbelts with a Q-tip doused gun oil or bore butter... then re-apply the plastic base to the bullet -- then twist & turn them a few times in circles.
Sometimes, fouling your bore first with a 15 grain fouling shot works best for accuracy. I keep a box of bulk bullets (hard-cast) that I buy at reloading sections of gun stores. the ones I use today come 500 for $30 on sale. They are 230 grains... it'll take a lifetime for me to empty that box. These cheap bulk bullets can't replace a fine bullet like Powerbelts beyond 25 yards. Those bulk ones enter the target shaped like an HourGlass... instead of a normal round shape bullet.... meaning they behave like tumbled/keyholed bullets.
If these "treatments" I described does not improve your groups, buy other bullets... ie sabot/bullets. Those in a T/C endorsed package usually shoot best. Examples are T/C Shockwaves, T/C Cheapshots... T/C Mag Sabots... etc.