The load you were shooting should have been more then safe. I am also sure that someone who has been around muzzleloaders as long as you have did not make some stupid mistake. I am convinced this was not your fault. Perhaps some day you might actually know the reason the rifle failed.

Also as you said, the actions of the Winchester rep tends to make one think they might want this matter forgotten real fast. The big problem is there are others out there using and depending on BPI products which now may have that little hint of doubt in the back of their mind about the safety of their rifles. As I stated before, I have a CVA Staghorn Magnum and I think it is a great rifle. Do I trust it 100%? That is a good question.

The big questions that need to be answered are, was this a fluke barrel? Was this one that slipped past someone somewhere? With all the BPI rifles out there, these are very important questions. I think I might have demanded a formal explaination from the Winchester Rep after they discovered the reason the barrel failed. Another thing to watch for is a sudden recall of Winchester rifles for any reason.

As for them upgrading you to a Apex, that is the least they could have done. Actually he should have offered to trade you to any rifle in the store. The Omega is a great rifle. It will serve you well. Put 100 grains of your Triple Se7en with a 250 grain Shockwave in there. If it is anything like my Black Diamond XR the groups you will shoot will astound you.

Again, good luck and thank goodness no one was hurt......