Illini_Sportsman

245 grain. Any input? Maybe vs. 250 grain Shockwave. Newbie, bear in mind.

cayugad

I believe is you want to shoot any long distances, you would have better luck with the 250 grain Shockwaves in your rifle. The 245 grain powerbelts do shoot well out of many rifles. They are easier to load also then the Shockwaves. If found in my rifles that if you push them too hard the accuracy gets bad, although some people claim to shoot the powerbelts with a heavy powder charge and get good accuracy.

Illini_Sportsman

I just read that Omegas are hard to load in general and will require a 2nd ramrod with a screw-in handle for the end. Can you load either of these bullets with the factory ramrod?

cayugad

I see no reason why an Omega should be any harder to load then any other muzzleloader. The trick is finding the right sabot/bullet combination and they should not only load fine with the factory ramrod but shoot exceptional groups. The reason a lot of people including myself use a range rod with a T handle is because it makes things that much easier when out at the range shooting. The range rods besides usually being longer and much stronger allow you to keep a swabbing jag on and not changing things back and fourth all the time.

The powerbelts are a slip fit conical and should load very easy....

Roskoe

Yes - the Shockwaves should require a moderate amount of force to get down the barrel. Powerbelts seat real easy - I always worry about them working their way back towards the muzzle, but so far this hasn't happened to me.

For Barnes Expanders and Hornady SST's, however, you are probablygoing to need the second rod with the T handle. Maybe a big plastic mallet if it is cold out.

Illini_Sportsman

I know I've probably beaten this to a bloody pulp, but I'm trying to gain knowledge fast. So, from what you guys have said, for a new guy like me who is looking for something that will load fairly easily but still perform well, the Shockwave is the answer?

Roskoe

I think T/C still gives you a sample pack of 250 Shockwaves with every new rifle. This is not a coincidence. They want you to be happy with the gun the first time you shoot it.

Steve F.in MD

I would have to agree with Roskoe's comments about ease of loading, or lack there of. I shoot the Aerotip Powerbelts in both of my Black Diamonds with 80 grs. of 777. They shoot very well and load easier than any other bullet I have tried.

Birdrider

T/C has a screw on t-handle for the factory rod that you can leave attached. I have one and it works great.

frankieg0067

Over the next 4 weeks, I plan to spend quite a bit of time at the range with my smokepole. I shoot a .50 cal CVA Huntermag with Powerbelt 245 grain aerotips. I'll let you know what kind of results I get.