I'll tell what is truly a "Piece of $&*#" its those Powerbelts. They are for use in guns that are shooting less than 100grains of powder. They simply arent strong enough to seal properly when pushed by 150grns of Pyro or T7. With those powders (ESPECIALLY the T7) you need to use magnum sabots and yes they will be hard to seat. Thats what bullet starters and proper technique is for.

You cant bend a stock aluminum rod when properly using it. Courtney you obviously held the rod to far away from the muzzle. NEVER hold it more than 6" away at a time. Yes this makes for slower loading, but you wont have to worry about bending the rod (because the barrel wont allow it to get that far) and you should get in a hurry when shooting mag loads anyway.

If you want to see TOUGH loading then try loading a MMP sabot down a smokeless Savage after its had more than half a dozen shots put through it. THATS tough, but a lil patience and proper technique will have ya drivin nails @ 100yds.

Court I would recommend you keeping the 150grain T7 load but put a 250 Hornady SST atop it. The Powerbelts are yesterdays technology and a great solution for guys with lesser powered loads or guns. The Omega is THE greatest traditional powder gun on the market IMHO. The guns will flat shoot and do it with athority but you gotta give em what they require. You wouldnt put 87octane in an F1 and expect it to run properly would you?

Good luck and let us know how it works out,
RA

ps
The Hornady SST IS the TC Shockwave. TC just wants your money and will charge you more for 15 Shockwaves than 20 SSTs.