TC Impact budget priced tack driver

[tom45]

After seeing the Impact in a local shop recently, with a price of 249.99, I decided to buy one.  Loading up with several different bullets of various weights, I headed out to the range. After bore sighting, I was able to bring the shots to the center of the target fairly quickly with the Tasco World Class 1.5-4.5x I picked up at the local shop for 54.99.  Bullets I tested included a 250 grain SST-ML, 300 grain SST-ML, 44 cal 240 grain XTP, 240 grain hard cast SWC, 45 cal 260 grain hard cast SWC, 300 grain Speer Gold Dot, 390 grain hard cast, and a 405 grain .458 jacketed soft point.  All bullets sat in plastic sabots, green hornadys for the 44's, yellow TC's for the 45's, and orange for the .458 SP meant for the 45-70 cartridge.  After several groups from each bullet using 100 grains of 777, I established that the SST's were the most accurate in this rifle, so I continued testing those two only, 300 grain first.  I must also mention that even the 405 grain 45-70 bullet was still stabilized out at 200 yards, showing no signs of key-holing.  The 300 grain SST shot very well averaging 2" groups from 100 yards.  This was with 90 grains 777.  I tested up to 130 grains, but the 90 grain load gave the best accuracy.  I then proceeded to fire two shots with the 250 grain SST, which landed touching each other, slightly above the centered group I had previously fired with the 300's.  After adjusting the scope for the lighter bullet, I squeezed off 5 shots.  What I saw through the spotting scope had to be verified with my own eyes, so I started walking.  5 shots, all touching, measuring just under an inch CTC.  The largest group measured 1.5 inches, and many groups fell under the one inch mark.  I tested all powder charges with the 250 SST as well, but the sweet spot proved to be the 90 grain load I started with.     -Tom      

[bubba]

I purchased one a month ago. I like the shorter lop.  I have a nikon buckmasters 3x9x40 on it.  I had just about the same results as you.  My ony differences were my load, shich varies gun to gun. I shoot 90 grains of blackhorn 209 anda 250 grain lead round nose .429 bullet in a harvestor crush rib sabot.  I shoot this ame bullet in all my muzzleloaders. The only difference is the powder I use.  At 100 yards I could put 5 shot touching groups.  I am very pleased with the "lower end" rifle.  I also own an encore ml and an H&R sidekick, but the impact will be the go to gun during late ml season.

[tom45]

The only issue I did have when the rifle was new that I forgot to mention was that the barrel latch was a bit sticky, a problem that someone else here had.  After a few days of opening and closing it, however, the problem seemed to go away, and it is smooth as could be now.  I have seen examples in gun shops that were so stuck they wouldn't open, a problem I hope TC addresses, but I never had that problem with mine.  I also like the shorter length of pull, even though I have a fairly large build, as I usually have quite thick clothing on while in the deer woods.  Its a bit short when I am at the range in a t-shirt, but I don't hunt deer in a t-shirt.  Simplicity in design seems to have paid off, as I have never had such an accurate muzzleloader for this kind of price. I have been wanting to try blackhorn 209 for a while, but no one around here has it, and every shop around told me that if they ordered it, I would be responsible for the cost of the powder and the shipping, including the special haz-mat fee.  This would bring the cost of trying it out to around $65 for one 10 oz can, and I can't bring myself to do it, so I'll wait until someone starts carrying it regular.  What some don't seem to realize about Blackhorn is that while it is only a 10 oz can instead of a pound, you get about the same volume of powder (10 oz of blackhorn = 1 pound of black by volume), so you're really not losing all that much.  Might just bite the bullet and order it in bulk, relying on the positive reviews of others that it will be worth it.

-Tom   

[bubba]

I have one guy here who has it in stock. I pay 40 bucks a can, but it is well worth it.  The first one I checked at the gun shop had the problem with the latch sticking.  We got it to open the first time, then it was smooth after.  The one I got, has worked smooth since I got it.  I am going to buy some bulk 240 grain 44 xtp's to see how they shoot.  I have owned an omega and triumph, and I still own an encore.  This by far has been the easiest to use and carry.  I would recommend them to anyone.

[skinman]

Great gun at an unbelievable price! Just got mine this past week in camo. I have nothing but good things to say about it! Lightweight, easy on the pocket and as accurate as my Omega! I was able to work up a great load for this particular Impact. 90 grains of Blackhorn 209, Hornady 300 grain XTP Mag (bulk box), Black Harvester Crush Rib Sabot, CCI 209M primer. Hit the bull at 100 yards once dialed in with this load. I use the 3x9-40 Redfield scope. Nice to know that all of my gear for this hunt are made right here in the U.S.A.! Needless to say, I am pleased again with Thompson Center Arms and the other companies involved.

I was able to harvest a nice doe this evening at 5:00 coming out into a picked bean field. She crumpled in the snow where I shot her, DOA. My distance was 131 yards from my ground blind to her body where she layed in the field. Thanks to all the companies that make such fine products that keep me in the field in late season, and for keeping my freezer full of corn fed venison!

[windywhitetails]

I just picked one up at walmart on clearance for $184. I like it so much im selling my encore 209