Shooting conicals with Thompson Omega 50 cal. I'm new to blackpowder and recieved this rifle as a present. Out of the box the omega shoots the 240 gr xtp with 100 gr powder 1" groupings 50 yds.

The problem arises when I switch over to conicals. even with repeated cleanig i.e. after 2-3 shots the great plains 385 gr bullets with 80gr 777ffg will shoot all over the paper. Reducing the charge to 70 gr 777 brings the groupings into 5-6" @ 50 yds.

Question : does anyone else shoot the Thompson Omega or encore 50 cal. 1-28" twist? What powder and conicals are you using for best results?

Thankyou Al

Allyn

To start with, you might want to change powder. 777 creates a crud ring in most Omegas which makes 2nd and 3rd round loading all but impossible. I strongly suggest FFFg American Pioneer Powder (www.americanpioneerpowder.com)
To use up what you've got, just swab the bore between shots with alcohol or windex soaked patches and then a couple of dry patches.

Now onto bullets. Your xtp's will kill any deer America will produce. However, if ya want a heavy conicle try the easy loading CVA Power Belt 295 or 348grn hollow point copper clad. Use 90-100 grains of powder and Presto! Most times you will get the Boom---Flop reaction ;)

Hope this helps

Allyn, scroll down and check out whizzum300,he 100grs pyrodex with 295grs powerbelt bullets. I will be new to blackpowder soon and will be watching your results! Larry

Powerbelts are on the shortlist along with tc's maxi balls,maxi hunters.I like to experiment and will record positve results for the conicals in the near future. Thnkyou for the fast response.

Allyn

That Omega is a shallow groove sabot shooter unlike our dad's deep grooved Hawkens.

I have tried 14 different conicals in my Omega (other than Powerbelts). Around 10 out of 14 shot well at 50 yards.
NONE shot well at 100 yards.... until I found this 460 grain monster at this site below.

http://members.aol.com/noexcusesb/index.html