Different strokes for different folks. I want the PUREST lead I can get both for maximum (and fastest)obturation as well as best expansion in game. And I do lube it, and size them to just barely engage the rifling as they go down the bore. Yes, there is concern of an undersized conical falling out and it has happened more than once (but not to me).

The argument about using harder alloys is pretty simple to discount when taken to the extreme. Compare expansion of a full metal jacket bullet to a soft nosed spitzer.

Show me some accuracy results with substantially harder alloys in a muzzleloader.To suggest using a harder alloy with a bullet such as the REAL is surely a mistake - unless you like deep bruises in your palms.

So far as the REALs, I think half nutz pretty well nailed it - except I would suggest the top band on a REAL would rarely fill the grooves of the rifling. Partially - yes, completely - no.