hoytman57,

Sounds you've been watching too much Sunday night TC Extreme (is that what it is called?) They sure make it look easy, don't they? Have you ever noticed that they only shoot once? Have you ever seen them reload and need to shoot again? I'd bet they'd have a horrendous crud ring to deal with if they had to. Shoot, I'd bet that techs sight in specially constructed (not typical off the shelf pro-hunter) rifles for the "old man". Heck, I'd bet the "team" carries 2 maybe three spare rifles all precisely loaded with weighed charges.

Ever notice how the average bass at a lake is 2 1/2 lbs (looking like they've been eating lead shot)? But when you get there they weigh just like they looked like they weighed on tv? A measely 15 0z?

Seriously, muzzleloading, IMO, is a very satisfying way of hunting, althoughit isnot without its challenges. I hope you don't get discouraged. I suspect that you have a fine rifle there. One thing I would consider, were it mine, is this.

I would work with SST's or Shockwaves. I would use a charge which gives consistent results (precise 100 yard groups)with them(Lots of guys here will help). Then Ifind where the zero's are for the BDCreticle in my scope. Then I'd knowthe useful range of my Rifle, load, scope combo. So maybe it will be a 200 yard rifle instead of a 250 yard rifle. I'd planmy hunting around that limitation and begin to enjoy the great rifle I just purchased. But that is just me.

3 pellet loads could still be used, but one is going to have to accept the difficulties they present.