TUK101
Do not under estimate a Traditional ML... They are really good shooters.... If you decide to shoot traditionally with a patched round ball then your range will suffer, and you know how hard it is to get a deer with Washington rules... PRB might reduce your options - especially since you can not hunt during the rut and you have a point rule. I think if you decide to get a sidehammer you would be looking at shooting some form of conical, powerbelt or something. I use a traditional during our ML season over here but we as you can use sabots... That extends my range to 100+ yards, not that you can not do that with powerbelts or conicals. If you decide to go traditional you might also want to look at a 54 cal vs a 50 cal.
Have fun - you will love it when you get going....