bought a .50 caliber T/C Omega

[Scottie_The_Boy]

Whats some tips for a first time muzzle loader to listen to and learn from?

Also what do you all like to start with to sight in your guns?

I want to go with the Loose powder so that I can get the best chance at correct powder for bullets I shoot..

I wanted to try out some power belts, as some say as they have a short plastic neck that they push in the barrel easier then a full sabot bullet...

 But I want to go with some 250 grain sabot hollow points for whitetail deer next season.

all summer I plan to work my skills and such and learn the range and such with this Omega with my tall harris bipod and a 3-9x32 bushnell already mounted on it.

All I can find so far locally is 209 primers, Wally world is sold out of bullets for the season and I haven't checked yet with the two local gun shops near me for loose powder and bullet types.

This year I used my wifes remington 1100 20 gauge with rifled slug barrel, But she and I both want a smooth bore barrel with iron sights for it before long with the sabot deer slug price .
But for now it is stored away till mid summer for me to find a barrel and get it sighted in for her for next season with a smooth bore.

But I Personally have always wanted and wanted to Get my mind into that 1 shot counts and also have a gun legal for a long range shot here in N.Y.S. we are Located in the southerntier...

But it will help alot to get some tips,idea's and locals I might learn step by step from.

Thanks alot and Happy shooting.

Scottie_The_Boy

[simonkenton]

Try 90 grains of 777 powder, and the Hornady 250 XTP, for a hollow point. The 250 SST is also a good bullet, though it is not a hollowpoint. It is the same bullet as the 250 Thompson Center Shockwave. Use the Winchester 777 primers.
You have one of the best muzzleloaders on the market.
Good luck!

[Redhawk1]

You can get some usefull info here.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/index2h.muzzleloader.htm

[AndyHass]

If you are going to light 777 with 209s in an Omega, use only the Winchester 777 209 primers.  Anything else and you'll likely encounter the dreaded "crud ring".

The 250gr XTP is a good starting bullet....I've never been impressed with either the price or performance of powerbelts.  The Shockwave is not a hollowpoint, but will shoot flatter and expands just as well (in my experience).

Start with 80gr and work your way up with each bullet.

Some T/C barrels can be on the tight side...I've heard that the Superglide sabots work better though I've never had a problem in my Omega so I've never tried them.

[rks1949]

If nothing is available locally,you can order the bullets 240-250gr. XTP's from about any mail order company,as well as the bullet/sabot combo's. Sabots can be ordered from MMP. Tell them what bullet you want to shoot,and they will steer you in the right direction.

[flathead]

Hello,

Lots of good bullets out there. You can NOT beat the Hornady XTP for the price. Barnes expanders are also very good but a substantial rise in price. Powerbelts are good so I've heard but they are also pricey. My Knight sprays powerbelts at all powder levels. You can get the XTPs under the TC logo through Dunham's or Cabela's for about $10 per 30(sabots included). That makes them about the cheapest bullet out there and certainly one of the best. I'm on my tenth deer with the XTPs. Just shot a 150lb. whitetail. Double lung with ribs on both sides. Entrance hole like a golf ball and exit like a tennis ball at about 60 yards with two 777 pellets. I've used both the 240 and 300s with similar results. God Bless and good hunting!