Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Muzzleloaders TC Omega question

Guys,
I've been hunting w Omega's for a coons age, my original rifle was passed down to my son when he started hunting, likely 12 years or so ago.
He's always had an eye on my "new" rifle, a stainless laminated laser that I have used to take a pile of deer.
This year I told him we could switch, so I mounted a scope on his rifle more suited to my aging eyes.
Took it to the range yesterday w our standard diet of two 777 pellets and Hornady SST's w the red sabots.
When I went to load the projectiles into the rifle, I could literally push them down the barrel w 1 finger on the ramrod, it was weird how little effort was needed to seat the bullet/sabot. .
That seems no bueno to me, was wondering what the group thinks may be the issue (if there is one).
Much appreciated.

Right diameter bullet for said sabot?

Yes, all have been used prior, as recent as last fall.

So, how did it shoot? If it shot up to par I wouldn't worry about it. Could be several reasons, there could be small differences batch to batch with the sabots, or if it's been shot a ton, maybe the barrel's smoothed up some. Or if the tempst where you're at are in triple digits maybe the barrel expanded a smidge?

I can’t imagine what would of changed.. I’d probably knurl the bullets a little.

If they shot okay, I wouldn’t worry. I would make certain they don’t shift position while carrying as the last thing you want is an air gap between powder and projectile. Check the seating with the ramrod.

If you ever use BH with that bullet and sabot, it might cause ignition troubles since BH requires some resistance. Another brand of sabot, or a bullet of slightly larger diameter such as an unsized cast might help.

Back when you first used this rifle, same loading?

What loading was your son using prior to you using this last one that was "loose"?

I used an Omega for a while, but it's been long enough that I no longer remember what I used in it.

I would try new sabots. Some plastics can age and get hard or shrink a little.

We’ve used the same load of two 777 pellets and the 250gr Hornady SST’s for a long time

I have a Z7 Omega. I use 777 loose powder and a 250 grain T/C Shockwave. After the first shot you almost have to drive the next bullet/sabot in. I bought this rifle when they first came out at Walmart and have used it ever season since then. Killed a bunch of deer with it. No telling how many rounds have been through it either. I use the black high pressure sabots. You might try them.

IIRC, the Shockwave is just a Hornady SST in a T/C box, I buy in bulk when I can.

I use the black high pressure sabot with the SST bullet.

I have an Omega and love it. I use loose 777 powder, PR Bullet Extreme Elite bullets, and their large rifle primer variflame adapters. I've been real happy with that setup for years.

I’d try the Thor bullet sizing pack. Follow the instructions and pick the best size for your bore, then order some up.