I would say to get the muzzleloader. You would have a longer range with it, BUT in todays market like some have already advised, you can get a combo gun that you can interchange muzzleloader or shotgun barrels in a matter of minutes. There are some that are expensive like the TC prohunter, but there are less expensive models like the CVA that are just as good. You can even find some that are cheaper... 200-300 $. But you can get what you pay for sometimes, so go to a shop and look around at all available before deciding. WHen I bought my latest muzzleloader, I had already owned one that was many years old, so I asked around as you are doing now, and then I went out looking and judged for myeslf. I found out that the break breech action was a lot better suited for my needs , and I got the CVA optima in a .45 cal, and it has been one of my best purchases ever. It is in the camo / nickle style, and it is very accurate. I believe that in the CVA with interchangable barrels, the .50 cal is only available, but that is not really a big deal. Most muzzleloaders sold these days are .50 cal. Probably 5 to 1 .50 cals. sold to other cal. muzzleloaders. I did kill 2 -8 pt's with it last year though and they were dead in a hiccup.

On the range ( distance ) thing, the muzzleloader is good for most folks to 150-200 yards, and that used to beat the pants off of shotguns, at least where buckshot only is in use. But where sabots are legal for shotgun hunting, there are now new sabot designs by folks like Hornady that will give you just as long of a range as a muzzleloader. So depending on the legals in your area, which I would advise you make darn sure of, It may be a nonfactor, but accuracy might still be better in the muzzleloader because of more ( longer )rifling.

I hope this helps you out a bit...

God Bless

MET