If you decided to go with a Savage 10ML-II, you would be making an excellent choice IMO. I have one and I absolutely love it, so much so that in the 2 years I've had it I haven't shot any of my other ML's. I shoot smokeless powder in mine exclusively, but since Iowa doesn't restrict the use of smokeless in a ML, that's fine, but even if the law said I had to shoot the dirty stuff, my Savage would still be my "go-to" ML.

Check to see if it's legal in your state to hunt with smokeless powder. If so, you can't go wrong with Accurate Arms XMR-5744 powder and a 240-300gr .45cal sabot bullet in an MMP sabot. I shoot 250gr Hornady XTP's or SST's, but I've heard that Barnes ML bullets shoot very well too.

My current pet load is 41gr (3.1cc Lee Dipper) of 5744 and a 250gr XTP. It shoots 1.5" groups average. It's not the fastest load the Savage is capable of (or other "Magnum" ML for that matter), but it shoots very well, and recoil is mild. I'd estimate the MV would be in the 1600-1800fps range (.454 Casull velocities), which is plenty for deer to 150 yards.

I've written extensively about the 10ml-II here. Do a search for "10ML" or "Savage ML" or "smokeless" in this forum, even using my handle as a search parameter, to get a lot more info. I'm a huge fan of the Savage itself, and of smokeless muzzleloading. I will not go back to BP, T7 and the other dirty, hygroscopic and corrosive powders.

I bought mine online at Natchez Shooters Supply (http://www.natchezss.com). They carry the full line of 10ML-II's at good prices. Mine is the top end version in stainless and laminate wood stock. It was about $550. Natchez will ship to your door since the 10ML-II is a ML and not subject to FFL laws.

You won't go wrong with the Savage.

Mike