Hello everyone,

I just purchased my first muzzleloader... A TC Omega SS fluted laminate Thumbhole... Anyway I am new to this and have a couple of questions you guys could probably help me out with.

What are your opinions on scopes... On my Shotgun I have a Burris compact which I like, I am leaning towards the same, a Leupold 2-7, or a Weaver 4x... Any suggestions?

Also what are your setups... I am thinking of using pyrodex pellets, because they look easy (remember I am VERY new to this) and the shockwaves, although I hear they are a pain to force down, is this true? Should I go with the powerbelts? Is the accuracy that much different between the two at under 100 yards?

Thanks...

First off, that is a great rifle you got. I would lean towards the Leupold 2-7 power. The reason I say this is because I put on a 1.5x4.5 Bushnell and I wish I had went with a 3x9x40 power. Get a scope with a good eye relief. The Banner I got has a 3.5 and if I went with another it would have as much eye relief as I could get, 4" or better. I have had the scope kiss my brow too many times with my Black Diamond XR. (Actually once to too much in my book). Some other good scopes are the Sightron S-2, Bushnell 3200 or the Millet Gold Buck. I have read some great reviews on them.

As for your load, pellets are easier. Shockwaves in 250 grain should shoot excellent out of your Omega. They do out of my Black Diamond XR. If I were going to shoot pellets I think I would shoot the Triple Se7en powder instead of Pyrodex. After all if your willing to spend that much money you might as well go all the way. Start them at 100 grains and see what you get for accuracy. If it is good you might want to try a 120 grain combination (one of the disadvantages of pellets... if you want to make custom charges you have to get the 30 grains and the 50 grain).

Loose powder is really not that hard to work with. It will save you money. And in the long run you can tune your rifle better. Be sure and swab between shots. Your going to be pleased with your rifle I have a feeling.. Good luck and keep us posted....

A compact variable (2-7) would be a perfect fit for the shorter-stocked Omega. When starting with pellets, don't forget to include the 30-grainers for better load adjustments...ie.... one 50 / one 30 for 80 grains... three 30s for 90 grains .... two 30s / one 50 for 110 grains... etc.

A T/C Shockwave should not be difficult to load like it's sister (Hornady SST). I suggest you buy a couple of bullet varieties. One is the 250 Shockwave and the other is either the 240 grain T/C Mag Sabot Express or the 240 grain T/C Cheapshot.

I have a stainless .50cal. Omega and find loose Pyrodex or 777 seems to shoot Powerbelt bullets just fine. You did not say what you are using the rifle for. I hunt Elk so I stay with the 300gr. to 348gr. bullets. With 80gr. 777 and a 348gr. Powerbelt 2 inch at 100 yards is pretty normal. I think slightly better with Pyrodex but I may have rushed the 777 test. I just converted it to the .25ACP breechplug and the fouling is much less and it is easier to load the .25 than the shotgun primer. The conversion is a little expensive so I only mention it as I am happy with the change. I rarely shoot anything over a 100gr. load of propellant and the Elk fall down anyway. Magnum loads are OK I guess but not necessary for me as I try to keep my shots under 100yards so I can't tell you what extended range shooting is like. If you want to talk at length you may email me at [email protected]