New ML Encore or Omega?

[BobinIL]

I am looking to purchase a new muzzleloader,  I have decided to get the best I can afford and plan to keep it for a long time.  I have always liked the TC encore but I really do not expect to start buying multiple barrels for it.  then there is the Omega.  It is a little less money and looks just as good.   Which gun is more accurate?  what are some of the pet loads that work best in these guns?

[Two Bears]

Well I have had 3 omegas and settled on the Encore 209X50 here is why.....


All 3 Omegas that I owned and after I would shoot it "1 shot" I could not reload it again without pounding the ramrod down the barrel with a ton of force to seat the bullet, sometimes I would have to pound the ramrod on a tree to pust the bullet out after I could not seat it. I did try just about everything out there to make it easier to load including bullet and sabot and powder and primer changes. But could not reload the omega a second time without blowing a nut doing it.

The Omega is VERY VERY VERY accurate but I can't justify taking the omega apart and clean the barrel just to shoot it 2 shots in a row. BUT if I were a bench shooter only the Omega is the only rifle I would own as it is the most accurate BP that I have ever shot (I have shot piles of them).

The Encore is (for me ) a very accurate BP and I am able to reload it for several shots so I am staying with it, And plan on buying other barrels for it too.

I am not the only one that has had this problem with the Omega, It seems that everyone that I know that has them has a problem reloading them and a lot of them on the internet have the same problem, others will not agree with me here but take a look around at all of the products out there that is just the fix for this Omega reloading problem. So it is there.

BTY the T/C factory warrenty department told me that EVERYONE there that shoots the Omega has had the barrel lapped to make the omega easier to reload, call them and ask them yourself about the omega.


If they ever "fix" the issue I will be first in line to own another omega because like I said before they are VERY accurate and I love that design (I am left handed).


Let us know what you decide on and how it shoots for you.

[Redhawk1]

Th Encore is the one I chose, I have owned both and liked the Encore better.  I don't have the Omega, but I do have the Encore's and they are the same barrel as the Omega. I do shoot at 200 yards with mine. I bought the Nikon Omega scope and it is set up for 250 yards. They recommend 150 gr. of triple 7 pellets and 250 gr. shock wave sabots. I am using 120 gr. of loose triple 7 under a 250 gr. bonded shock wave sabot, I am dead on at 100 yards and use the BDC-250 trajectory-compensating reticle for the 200 yard shots.  The set up is very accurate and in my opinion just as accurate as any center fire rifle.

[poncaguy]

I have both, I prefer my Z5 Omega, more accurate, less than $300. Either are very good BP rifles......

[Biff Mayhem]

The regular Encore has the same barrel and same breechplug as the regular Omega. The crud issue alleviates itself to a noticeable degree in most-all Encores/Omegas after around 150 shots. That's usually when the flashhole enlarges from around .029 to around .035 with age. I think T/C does the smaller plug hole purposely on new MLs because they want to maintain the "no blowback" features associated with both MLs - while using three pellet loads. Even at .035 and 400 shots later using that same enalrged hole plug, I have found blowback to be almost non-existant with 100 gr. loads. Plus with the new Winchester Triple Se7en 209 primers this year, the crud ring is now a very thin band that shows little reisistance while swabbing.

Buy the Encore if you want centerfire options or like the way it out-shoulders the Omega. If not, then save some money by purchasing the Omega.

[Redhawk1]

One other thing, the Encore will hold its value better than the Omega muzzleloader. The reason is the versatility of the Encore.

[LittleWill]

I am looking to purchase a new muzzle loader,  I have decided to get the best I can afford and plan to keep it for a long time.  I have always liked the TC encore but I really do not expect to start buying multiple barrels for it.  then there is the Omega.  It is a little less money and looks just as good.   Which gun is more accurate?  what are some of the pet loads that work best in these guns?

I chose the stainless  Omega because I have about the same criteria as BobinIL. I wanted  accuracy, light weight, ease of cleaning and maintenance, Iin a synthetic straight stock muzzle loader. Barrel changing or resale value weren't factors.

 I've used the Barnes 250/ 300 gr. Expanders with Pyrodex 3 pellet 50/50 and Winchester W209 primers. I can get one reload before cleaning  but, it takes a little more force than in a clean bore.


Switched to the Barnes 250 gr. Spitfire TMZ with the 3 pellet triple Se7en  50/50 and Winchester triple se7en primer this season.  Accurate load that's cleaner burning with a smaller crud ring and easier cleaning than Pyrodex.

The Omega has a tight bore and the TMZ  uses the thinner MMP sabot ( I think), for easier loading. If I'm wrong someone will know.

The second shot loaded smoothly, without cleaning. But you still need to  clean after the second shot. I found the best accuracy comes from cleaning between each shot. The crude ring didn't capture the cleaning jag after the second shot. But if it becomes a problem. Wrap a soaked patch around a .45 caliber bronze cleaning brush. It should run through the bore without sticking.



Oh, the 3 pellet loads over match the deer, but we've got some big hogs here.

LittleWill

[LittleWill]

I am looking to purchase a new muzzle loader,  I have decided to get the best I can afford and plan to keep it for a long time.  I have always liked the TC encore but I really do not expect to start buying multiple barrels for it.  then there is the Omega.  It is a little less money and looks just as good.   Which gun is more accurate?  what are some of the pet loads that work best in these guns?

I chose the stainless  Omega because I have about the same criteria as BobinIL. I wanted  accuracy, light weight, ease of cleaning and maintenance, Iin a synthetic straight stock muzzle loader. Barrel changing or resale value weren't factors.

 I've used the Barnes 250/ 300 gr. Expanders with Pyrodex 3 pellet 50/50 and Winchester W209 primers. I can get one reload before cleaning  but, it takes a little more force than in a clean bore.


Switched to the Barnes 250 gr. Spitfire TMZ with the 3 pellet triple Se7en  50/50 and Winchester triple se7en primer this season.  Accurate load that's cleaner burning with a smaller crud ring and easier cleaning than Pyrodex.

The Omega has a tight bore and the TMZ  uses the thinner MMP sabot ( I think), for easier loading. If I'm wrong someone will know.

The second shot loaded smoothly, without cleaning. But you still need to  clean after the second shot. I found the best accuracy comes from cleaning between each shot. The crude ring didn't capture the cleaning jag after the second shot. But if it becomes a problem. Wrap a soaked patch around a .45 caliber bronze cleaning brush. It should run through the bore without sticking.



Oh, the 3 pellet loads over match the deer, but we've got some big hogs here.

LittleWill

[yoscratch]

I have the Omega and like it a lot.  Have gotten 2 deer with the Powerbelt 245 gr with 100 gr of pyrodex.  I have messed around a little with american pioneer powder (didn't like the square sticks or packaging) and 777.  The 777 is cleaner.  I clean after every shot.  one wet patch both sides (water and dish detergent) one dry patch and one bore butter patch.  All my patches are cut from extra flannel my wife has using a rotary cutter and plastic cutting board - you can cut a years worth fast but watch your fingers!

Today I tried the TC Maxi Hunter 275 gr but it didn't have  a similar POI to the powerbelt so I won't shoot them anymore - heard they like loose power better?

I also like the Hornady XTP 300 gr.  Loads a little hard but similar POI to the powerbelt. 

I have the scope mounted on see through rings and have the open sights on at 50 yd.

Next plan it to work on 150 yd shots.  have been dry shooting for a few weeks almost daily to get my freehand aiming muscles stronger.

My friend has the Encore with the recoil reducing stock and he loves it.

[vonfatman]

I've never owned an Encore but really enjoy my Omega.  I swab the barrel clean after each shot (I use T/C #13 cleaner on a patch followed by a dry patch).
I do not use Bore Butter. I've never had trouble loading my gun, but it sounds like those who do are trying to shoot several times between cleaning.  I figure at my bench, I may as well clean between shots and in the woods, I'm not expecting to take more than one shot.  If I do need a follow-up shot, I carry a patch and spit will work just fine.

I had awful luck (accuracy) with various Power Bilt (sp?) bullets...settled on Precision Rifles bullets...got them at Cabela's or you can order them on line.  They are a lead bullet sabot with plastic tip.  My gun (and shoulder) prefers the 235gr bullets.

These same bullets also work great in my CVA Staghorn.

Good luck...you are looking at two of the best ML rifles out there.

Bob

[Dave1]

Just curious why are the Omegas so difficult to load after one shot?  Did TC mfg them intentionally with a tight bore or is it a lack of quality control thing?  Do the Encores have the same tight bore problem?

If the bore is so tight that loading a second or thrid shot is difficult or impossible (without cleaning) it seems TC should address that issue.  In my opinion this situation (excessively tight bore) greatly lessens its attractiveness as a hunting gun.

The fact is a hunter may be far away from their cleaning supplies and/or not the have time to clean the bore when a follow up shot is needed or another shot opportunity presents itself.  The difficulty mentioned here to load a second shot and/or maybe not being able to load a second or third shot in the field is unacceptable.

Just my opinion.

Dave1

[Flatlander.54]

I just bought my second Omega. I havent shot the new one yet but the first one I had was absolutely accurate. While Ive heard of many having trouble with reloading 2nd or 3rd shots I didnt have that much trouble with my first Omega. Following shots WERE stiffer to load than the first shot, but nothing that I thought was prohibitive. Now, having said that...I have not shot the new one yet but plan to tomorrow. I plan to wipe between shots just for kicks and se if it makes any easier loading. But, in my opinion and experience, that wonderful accuracy comes at the price of a tight fitting (and, yes...stiff to load) bullet/bore combination... whether your shooting patched round balls, lead slugs, or sabots. I'll post a report tomorrow about the new one and how it loads/shoots.

[Two Bears]

I just bought my second Omega. I havent shot the new one yet but the first one I had was absolutely accurate. While Ive heard of many having trouble with reloading 2nd or 3rd shots I didnt have that much trouble with my first Omega. Following shots WERE stiffer to load than the first shot, but nothing that I thought was prohibitive. Now, having said that...I have not shot the new one yet but plan to tomorrow. I plan to wipe between shots just for kicks and se if it makes any easier loading. But, in my opinion and experience, that wonderful accuracy comes at the price of a tight fitting (and, yes...stiff to load) bullet/bore combination... whether your shooting patched round balls, lead slugs, or sabots. I'll post a report tomorrow about the new one and how it loads/shoots.

I hope that you don't an xtra shot while hunting

[Flatlander.54]

Just got done sighting in the new Omega, results were as expected....excellent. I tried out some of the 200 grain Shockwaves over 100 grains Triple 7 (2 pellets) and literally got 5 shots in one hole that measured 3/4" @ 65 yards with the group being 1 1/2" above the point of aim. Unfortunately I was limited to 65 yards today, would have liked to have shot it at 100 yards, but my usual shooting area was unavailable today.
 I wiped the bore between shots with a 50/50 mix of Windex/Alcohol and loading between shots was stiff as usual, but not the "nutbusting hard to load" that alot of poeple seem to report. In reply to Two Bears...Never needed a second shot so far on any critter, but I did need the second Omega since I no longer have the first one I owned. 

[AndyHass]

The Encore and Omega (the regular versions anyways) have identical barrels....if you see variability in loading, you are just as likely to see that difference between two Encores or two Omegas as between an Omega and an Encore.

Each has advantages...For the Encore, versitality and the trigger.  For the Omega, ease of accurizing.

Barrels from the same manufacturer can and do vary from gun to gun.  My buddy's Omega will not shoot any bullet tried (variety of DC bullets, 200-250gr Shockwaves) over 85gr accurately.  My Omega will shoot 200-250gr Shockwaves well up to 110gr but hates DC bullets.  Many people have awesome luck with DC bullets in Omegas.  Go figure.

I own two Omegas, both shoot well.  I accurized one (aluminum pillars, resin bedding) and it's a sub-MOA gun now.