just got back from the range, 13 rounds all on paper. out or the box, windage was spot on. i only had to adjust the elevation. used the dremel/modified nipple.

hornady 177gr .50cal/.490 ball
prelubed .015 patch (tight, a little effort to load)
prelubed .010 patch (not so tight, very little effort to load)
pyrodex rs - 60gr/70gr/80gr
cci #11 caps (sometimes needed a 2nd hammer strike)
cci #11 magnum caps (always ignited on 1st hammer strike)
stock iron sights

i have now developed the habit of poking the nipple hole with a pick, keeping it 1/2 cocked while loading the charge & also slapping the nipple side to insure the powder gets where it needs to (all very quiet-like, shhh...)

25yds/1.5" = tried different powder grains/patch/cap combinations, spit & dry patch when i felt like it (not every shot) - didn't affect the shot placement on the target. got the shot in the same hole a couple of times.

50yds/3" = wow, i can just see the target at this range (maybe in need a better type target image or more light to see it better). i should mount the peep sight but the tang needs a hole drilled. i'm having so much fun shooting this thing i don't want to wait for the gunsmith. i put a peep on the henry golden boy, it took 3 weeks.

btw - the crushed powder pyrodex rs didn't matter at all.

question: at say 50yds, what would be best powder grains for deer?