I have had my tc encore in .45 cal for over 7 years it is deadly accurate. I also have a 7mm-08 barrel for my son to use it is very accurate as well.

One word of advice be careful of the PowerBelts. Some guys swear by them. I can tell you that without a doubt they just dont hold together very well if you hit bone it will not pass through and leave no blood to trail. I use the barnes and get pass throughs even on big hogs some over 250lbs.

I love my Thompson Center Encore!

WTF?! Muzzleloader hunters aren't welcome here?!

MDDEERHUNTER I bow hunt, ML hunt and Rifle hunt so this is where I hang.

if you think of another weapon to use on deer? let me know I am biting at the bit for more weapons.

T/C Omega..

T/C Omega for me also, and I agree with some of the others. Having had both, the stainless barrels are by far worth it on a muzzle loader. I don't want another one without one.

TC Omega .50 composite TH stock...

Thought I successfully posted this yesterday ... but guess not.

My No.1 choice is the Savage 10 ML-II. This rifle incorporates Savage's "Accutrigger" and is capable of using certain smokeless powders. Mine is very accurate with the Savage recommended load of 45 gr. of AA-5744 ... and I use the Barnes 250 gr. T-EZ sabot. Most groups have been sub MOA. This particular bullet has performed far beyond my personal expectations. I have had zero problems with recovery and amazing penetration. I have not tried any black powders in my 10ML. If it is legal where you hunt to use smokeless powder ML's, if I were you I'd jump on this rifle.

I also have a 2008 vintage CVA Optima, fluted barrel, 50 cal. It is a very simple, straight forward in-line design. It shoots great using 112 gr. of Blackhorn 209 or 115 gr. of Triple Seven, and 245 gr. Power Belt Aero Tip bullets. The factory trigger in the CVA is not all that good, but it'll do. I have had an occasional issue with separation of this bullet, but always a very close range (like 20-30 yards) and when the bullet hit bone such as a fore leg or vertebrae. I have had zero issues with recovery. I have not tried any other bullets in this ML because this set-up shoots consistently about 1 to 1.25 MOA.

I can recommend either of these two set-ups.

I have a TC Encore with a scope on it. Accurate and reliable. I recently was looking for another muzzleloader with open sights for Colorado. I didn't want to take the scope on and off my Encore. I must admit that TC has had quality control problems as of late. I ended up buying a CVA Optima. Great accurate gun with a stainless fluted barrel and finger removable breach plug. I would recommend this gun especially considering you can pick it up for $218.

I forgot to add that I was going to purchase an Omega when I found the good deal on the Encore. When i bought them the Omega was 399.00 and I got the Encore for $500 so to me it was a no brainer to spend the extra hundred for the flexibility. That said if you are sure you just want a muzzle loader I would have no problems getting an Omega. I think they shoot just as good as the Encore.