ORIGINAL: DNICK
Well instead of the Cabelas Hawken I asked about (and thanks again for all the info) my wife asked if that was the rifle I realy wanted or if there was another one I would rather have I said the Lyman great plains hunter in .54, well it's under the tree!
You have a great rifle, although, IMO, it would be better if you got the Great Plains Rifle with the slow twist roundball barrel. I like shooting roundball and admit I am biased in that respect.Many newcomers underestimate the accuracy and killing power of roundballs. A .54cal roundball will take almost any North American game you are likely to hunt. The great thing is that you can buy a slow twist barrelfor your rifle, so take some time to get used to your rifle and then, in the future, I would urge you to consider getting a slow twist barrel and see how well it will shoot roundballs. Youmight even be able to shoot a patched roundball reasonably well from your rifle if youuse a tight ball and patch combination and keep the powder charge downaround 50 grns.