I've owned a T/C NewEnglander .50 for several years now but never could get really good accuracy with round balls. Found some .490 balls & lubed patches while I was cleaning off my bench this morning and decided to try them this evening. I was trying light loads before so I decided to try something with a bit more thump. My 7 year old wanted to shoot the rifle, so I loaded 20gr fffg Goex and let him try it. He shot a couple of times (25 yard target) so I finally got my turn. I dumped in 80 gr fffg and squeezed a round off. Dead center and 1" high at 25 yards. I shot two more rounds to see if it would put them close - and it did! Less than a 1" group with peep sights and my old eyes has me encouraged.
Looks like I will be casting a few more .490 RBsand heading back to the range before hunting season!!!!!!!!