Some muzzleloader questions...

[Bat Rastard]

I have a TC Omega that has been gathering dust since when I had to have it many years ago.
I am getting it out again for something to do and for a deer hunt for my son in a spot that a modern rifle would be a bit much.
I see that many ML guys use 90 to 100 grains of powder routinely. This gun is supposed to be kosher up to 150.
Common sense says to go with the flow and run 100 grains. That's not how I roll, so I want to go 150.
I was getting almost 1MOPP (minute of paper plate) with some big 350gr lead bullets and 120gr of pyrodex. I purchased some 290gr Hornady Bore Drivers today hoping they will be more accurate.
I am inclined to go with 120 grains of pyrodex. The powder measure I have maxes out at 120. Hence the 120 selection. I could drop 3 50gr pellets in there, but I have a limited supply of the pellets and a full pound of the powder.
I really don't know what I am doing and am eager to hear what y'all have to share.
Thanks, Bat

 

[Lone Hunter]

When I first got into Black Powder I went from 80-120 grs and killed a lot of deer. I then used to run 80-100 grs of Pyrodex, then went with Triple 7 because of less corrosion and fouling. My guns shot best within those limits. Just my opinion, but I really see no need of 150 grs in a black powder weapon. It kills just as dead with the lower charges without the extra recoil. In the last few years I have been using 2 pellets (50 gr each) of “White Hots“ and getting real good accuracy. My friend runs 3 pellets (150 gr) White Hots and gets real good accuracy out to 200 yards. Do what makes you happy is the way I look at it.

 

[hogpatrol]

Had the same rifle and used it for deer for about five years. I used two triple seven pellets, triple seven primers and 250 gr. Barnes for best accuracy. Many of my buds also used two pellets and the deer didn't go far when hit. As Lone Hunter posted, 150 gr. for deer didn't gain much.

 

[spaniel]

I have two Omegas, one set up for long range and one for short. IMHO the best muzzleloader ever designed. It was a crime they discontinued them.

My accuracy load for the long gun is 110gr 777 and a 200gr Shockwave. I believe I used the same charge with the 325gr FTX but don't recall exactly. Accuracy fell off with higher powder charges (120gr is really the max with 777). These were both saboted loads. 777 cleans up much easier than Pyrodex. Never tried the newer stuff like BH209, was focused on smokeless ML for a number of years.

That said, I grew up shooting a Traditions Deerhunter sidelock with Pyrodex using 200gr Hornady HTPs. I killed more than fifty deer with an 85gr charge, out to 200 yards.

 

[C.E.Smith043]

My most accurate load was 90gr 777, with a 245 gr powerbelt

 

[Bat Rastard]

I went back out today. I tried the Hornady Bore Drivers and 100 grains. It worked well. 1600fps.

I fired 2 more with 150 grains. It also worked well. Recoil was more than I want to deal with.

Thanks for the help. This forum is the best!

 

[hdskip]

I'm a fossil I suppose. I am still using up my supply of FFFg in my cap locks and my online. That's under a .490 patched round ball. (About 180 hrs. worth). Admittedly i keep my shots under 125 yds. and still punch holes clear through if making heart/ lung shots. Currently I'm using 70 gr loads. Not normal in today's world I suppose but it works for me on Virginia whitetails.

 

[Gary in MD]

I take the easy route. Drop in two (50) grain pellets, seat the 240 grain saboted bullet and shoot.
Kills really well and is accurate.
I tried (3) pellets.... once!!

 

[john 800]

In my omega I have been shooting blackhorn 209 with harvester crush rib sabots and various bullets. Seems any charge works decent for accuracy right around 1-2 moa. The harvester sabots were a notable improvement for my loads. I have been using mostly 250 grain bullets withmax or just under charges of blackhorn 209. Heavier bullets are very effective but there is more recoil than I thought was worth dealing with.

 

[pikespeakgoat]

In my Omega, I use the Federal 270 grain 50 Cal B.O.R. locks behind a 100 gr dose of Blackhorn powder lit w/CCI 209M.

Definitely sub coffee cup at 100 yards

 

[sacre]

Shot ML for years. Settled on 70-80 grains. Beyond that, it burning after the bullets gone. Shoot it at night!! It also reduces fouling. More isn't better.

 

[Texas Solo]

More isn't always better. I use a Rem 700 inline. 80grs Pyrodex, 240gr 44cal Hornady XTP with sabot. 100 yd groups are under 2". DRT.

 

[Greg Y]

I'm a fan of swiss and no excuses bullets. Here's a couple vids of a plain rifle in action. I have several rifles and they ALL shoot this load or within 10grs VERY well.

 

[Greg Y]

 

[snert]

I shot a Knight 50 cal with 100 grain 777 and the 250 grain Barnes TTSX bullet. I used their sabot, which made a lot of difference from some of the others. It was a two inch 100 yard gun. I stupidly sold it. I paid $200 for it new when Knight went belly up. In fact I bought three and gave two away. Then sold mine and wish I never did.

If you have difficulty with accuracy, switch bullets and sabots, and stick with 100 rains or so. More doesn't help. Just chose a better bullet.