Nikon Sport Optics has introduced what promises to be a breakthrough in optical sights for hunters shooting muzzleloading rifles. An actual dedicated muzzleloading riflescope, the new Nikon Omega 3-9x40 with the BDC-250 reticle was created to help shooters take advantage of the full accuracy potential of their muzzleloaders.

According to Nikon, Omega is the first riflescope to offer a bullet drop compensating reticle designed specifically for muzzleloading loads and ranges--taking the guesswork out of where to hold on longer shots. The Nikon Omega was designed to utilize .50 caliber muzzleloading loads –150 grains of Pyrodex (pellets or powder), 250-grain bullets--and ranges (out to 250-yards).

The BDC-250 is a trajectory-compensating reticle designed and calibrated to provide fast, simple aiming points for various shot distances. This unique system integrates a series of small "ballistic circles"--each subtending 2 inches at 100 yards--allowing an unimpeded view of the target. (At 200 yards, the circles are 4 inches; at 250 yards, they are 5 inches.) The reticle is designed to be sighted-in at 100 yards, with aiming-point circles at 150, 200, 225 and 250 yards.

Initially designed and tested with Thompson/Center Arms' popular Omega 50 caliber muzzleloaders, the Omega scope with Nikon BDC-250 reticle provides the muzzleloading hunter with practical and effective long range shooting accuracy--the kind of accuracy normally expected from a center fire rifle.

"All of our rifles are test fired with Nikon scopes and I can say without a doubt there is no scope as durable and crystal clear as a Nikon," says Gregg Ritz, president of Thompson/Center Arms. "The new Omega scope with the BDC-250 reticle perfectly matches our Omega rifles and for the first time allows the shooter to confidently take shots out to 250 yards."

With light transmission boosted to a maximum of 92 percent by means of Nikon's famous lens multicoating technology, the Omega riflescope has the capability to bring game into sharp, clear view--even in low-light hunting situations. A generous 25.2-8.4-foot field-of-view also makes getting on a trophy animal a breeze. The Omega Riflescope is equipped with precise, 1/4-MOA click reticle adjustments and a full five-inches of eye relief for even the hardest kicking, magnum charge loads. Omega measures a compact 11.3-inches in length, and weighs 13.8 ounces. The Omega Muzzleloading scope is priced at $249.95 for the Matte, $259.95 for the Silver and $269.95 for the REALTREE Hardwoods Green HD camouflage finish.

Contact: Nikon Sport Optics, 1300 Walt Whitman Rd., Melville, NY 11747-3064 or call 1-800-248-6846.

www.nikonsportoptics.com