Are you cleaning the bore completelybefore each shot?

You may find that loading the SST/Shockwave on a clean, dry bore is much easier.

Also, you may wish to invest in a range rod if you have not already done so. Loading life is much easier with a range rod. I don't go to the range or hunting without one. I carry a collapsing range rod for the field.

Tahquamenon

Tahquamenon

At the range cleaning the bore is fine in the field it may be the pits - and really with the right sabot and a barrel that reduces fouling through proper care it should not be a problem in the field. You should be able to load at least 4-5 loads.

Just my 2 cents...

Well at the range, my POI is based on a firing from a clean bore every time so I duplicate that condition in the field.

When hunting, if I do shoot the ML and am not leaving the field, then I swab the bore with a couple of 50/50 alcohol/windex patches followed by a dry patch. I detail clean at home every evening after firing only one shot during the day.

Then the bore is clean and dry. Then I reload from speed loader. Whenever I shoot a deer, I take this brief cleaning and reloading procedure as time for the animal to lay down. You should sit still for 20-30 minutes anyway after shooting a deer, well I do anyway.

Not that tough really and I know exactly where the next shot will POI.

Fouling draws moisture big time, which also leads to both rust and possibly contaminated powder.

Lastly, loading tighter fitting projectileson fouled bore is really a ton of work.

This is just something that I do. Not trying to change anyone's approach. I have never hunted with a fouled bore, regardless if with PRB, conical or sabot. Ever.

The only time I deviate from the clean bore is if I think I might need a quick finishing shot or a rapid second shot on another opportunity and then I will rapidly load a worked up load witha slip fit conical from speedloader.

Regards,

Tahquamenon

BSTEVE HOW HARD IS IT FOR YOU TO LOAD THE 250GR.
SHOCKWAVES? I CAN LOAD THEM IN MY OMEGA BUT IT
TAKES SOME ELBOW GREASE TO GET IT DONE. I REALLY
LIKE THE INFO. I'VE SEEN ON THE SHOCKWAVES &
THINK THEY SHOULD BE GREAT FOR DEER. PLEASE POST
ANY RESULTS FROM TRYING DIFFERENT THINGS & I
WILL TOO. MY OMEGA IS BLACK/SYN. THUMB HOLE STOCK
WITH THE 28" STAINLESS BARREL. GOOD LUCK LET
ME KNOW WHAT YOU FIND THAT WORKS IN YOURS.

THANKS DANNY

Aquatech,my Omega was a bear to load untill I lapped it [I fire lapped mine] it loads much better now they have cut barrels and some times fine burrs and sharp edges on the rifleing.There are a number of ways to lap for this purpose I rub polishing compound into ticking patches and shoot round balls till the bore is polished. I have heared of people mixing it with grease and shooting lead bullets. You can also pour a slug right in the barrel and drive it out and put compound on it and push it through the barrel till it is polished, for this process you should hunt up some experanced help. Good Luck Lee

Aquatech, with a clean barrel the first sabot goes pretty hard. The second sabot after firing the first one is Very hard. I tried to reload quickly after shooting at a deer and thought I would bend the ramrod. I've been goose hunting so haven't been shooting the muzzle loader. Goose season ends saturday so I'll be experimenting soon. My Omega is the camo stocked S.S. model.