Personally, the .45cal TC Hawken is my favorite and I've excellent results with both the Hornady .440/128grn round ball, and the.45cal/255grn TC Maxi-Hunter...both will drive tacks in my 1:48 twist barrels and I've taken multiple deer with either of them.

The benefit of the Maxi-Hunter over the lighter weight ball is energy at distance...if the shots will be no more than50-60yds from a stand the ball will be fine...if the distances might run60-100yds then I'd suggestthe heavier Maxi-Hunter.

My .45cal deer loads are:

90grns Goex 3F
Oxyoke Wonderwad
.018" TC prelubed pillow ticking
Hornady .440 ball

100grns Goex 2F (FFg)
Oxyoke Wonderwad
255grn TC Maxi-Hunter

Years ago I tried a .45cal sabot in a TC 1:48", and could never get satisfactory accuracy out of the .357bullets that had to be used with the little sabot.

If you try themI believe you'll be very pleased with the two loads above, and for year round practice, just drop the round ball load back to 50grns for playing at the range.