Steve- do not underestimate the killing power of a roundball. I know you will hear and read a lot of horror stories about them not having enough energy, speed, what ever. Just remember, there are a LOT of dead deer out there from a roundball load. Some will also tell you that 100 yards is too far. Nonsense!! if you can place that ball it will do the job. The important thing is place the ball where it has to be, and wait for that broadside shot. Especially if the distances are getting long. While I have never shot 100 yards with a roundball, I watched a friend knock a Wisconsin White Tail flat at over 100 yards with a simple roundball. Of course I will say, closer is better.

The T/C Hawkins can and will shoot a stiff load very well with the 1-48 twist. Mine shoots 90 grains of Goex 3f (since it is a flintlock) and a .490 patched roundball with some amazing accuracy. I personally never have to shoot more then 75 yards at the very max where I hunt. I guess if I sat on the edge of the hay field I could shoot out to 200 yards, but I would never attempt anything like that with a roundball. Even a good sabot round would make me think hard, at those kind of distances.

Start your testing out with 80 grains and work up from there. What kind of powder are you going to be shooting? Pyrodex RS, while dirty and corrosive is a great roundball powder. It really will lay them down range with consistent accuracy. Triple Se7en is another great powder but a little hotter. Sometimes you need a wad between the powder and ball when shooting T-7.

The main thing is work up as powerful and as accurate a load as possible. Then practice at the kind of distances you will have to shoot. If you can place your ball at those distances, and a good broadside shot comes along, let it go. You might have to track a little as they do not always drop in their tracks, but that is true no matter what we shoot. The main thing is shot placement with a roundball. So get accurate, and then shoot for the high percentage shots. Your Minnesota White Tails should be in real danger. With good shooting skills and a good load, you can expect 5 inch groups and under at 100 yards. Some days you will shoot much better then that. But on average, I consider 4-5 inches with a roundball at 100 yards a normal day. I once shot three that touched. Then had to get smart and shot a fourth. But we will not remember that one....

Also with the 1-48 twist you can try some conicals and sabots out of the rifle. It might surprise you.