Originally Posted by TUK101

I would even think about going with a .308 or 7mm-08. Less recoil and they are both very potent calibers. A 30.06 has pretty noticeable recoil in it's own right, noticeably more than a 308 with the same loads. I have a hard time with recoil after a couple of shoulder surgeries and some neck problems. I can shoot an 30.06, but not in a light enough rifle to be comfortable to carry, and you carry a rifle a lot more than you shoot it when hunting. But with a .308 I can get a light rifle and still handle the recoil well enough to get a lot of practice with it. And by the way, a muzzleloader in 50 caliber is going to give you some pretty good recoil. If you have to try lowering the charge of powder till you get the hang of it and then work up to a full charge.