Well, I am getting back into black powder after a long time off, and I have some questions. I am sure there will be many more to follow, after the initial round.

Anywho, my rifle is a southpaw TC Renegade that I built from a kit when I was 17, in the late 80's. 50 cal, 1-48 twist, percussion. I want to stay as traditional as possible with my loading, but I really need to put a deer down quick also. The neighbors are close and I really need to anchor one as good as I can. I do not mind limiting my range, alot of my hunting has been with a bow anyways. A PRB intrigues me, but I realize I may need to go to a conical to put them down soild. Thoughts on this?????

Shot it yesterday, sights still dang close, even after all these years. It put 6 balls into 2.5" @ 50 yards, from a clean bore with iron sights and 90 gr of Pyrodex RS. Not earth shattering, I know, but I thought it was okay for the first time out. It loads real tight though. Balls mike .492, used some pillow ticking from the cellar that mikes .018, TC lube, but it starts REAL hard. I noticed that Hornady makes a ball that is .485, would that be enought to help out quite a bit on the loading or not? Even if I don't use the PRB for deer I will for turkey and so I need a something that loads decent in the field.

I would also like to hear from someone on some patch lube options. The TC lube is very messy, I have heard about some other things like olive oil, etc. I would like some "handy in the field" options. I know there are some folks here with some good old school experience, I would like to hear about it. Thanks in advance.