Everything cayugad said is right onthe money. So far I'm gettingmy best groups - about three inches at 50 yards - with a .570 patched round ball and 75 grains Pyrodex RS. I've tried .575 balls and they are much harder to start and were cutting the patches I was using and not as accurate. I'm just getting started playing with loads in mine, but it looks like the groups want to open up with heavier powder charges. With the original military sights it shot almosta foot high at 50 yards.I haven't tried any minnie balls yet. You've got yourself a fun gun. It's the easiest cleaning muzzle loader you'll ever find because the barrel is so easy to remove from the stock. Get yourself a good range rod for it. The tulip head steel rod on the gun is a real pain.