I concede your point about the advancements from truely primitive designs. The matchlocks and wheellocks were even a step up from the hand cannons.

Personally my definition of primitive (action wise) is flintlock or older. I base that on the fact that the percussion rifle is about as reliable as a CF as far as ignition goes compared to a flintlock or older. I know some would argue that point but that is the way I see it.

As for the round ball, if you launch a .530 PRB at 2000fps and sight in for a 6" PBR it compares well trajectory wise to the 460NE launched at 1470fps using thea 6" PBR. Maybe an inch difference at 200 yards and around 10" lower at 300 yards. The energy, as you pointed out is significantly different, 346fpe vs 1249fpe at 300 yards.

Like you said, I don't diagree with you, I'm just looking at it from a slightly different angle, that's all. Have a good day.