BlackPowderSmoke.. in no way am I claimed a 50 caliber is not a good lethal rifle. My one friend shoots a Traditions Kentucky and with patched roundball I have seen him knock deer flat at 100 yards. But for some reason, I just like that larger caliber and feel more comfortable with them. A Doe I shot with a 50 caliber a few years back, she was broadside, I shot for the lungs and ... have you ever shot a deer and they just stood there like nothing happened? I actually thought I missed. Then she skipped off about 20 yards and fell over dead. With a 54 caliber I shot at one deer, killing it on the spot, and the ball passed through that deer and killed a second one behind it. Now that is penetration in my book.

Consider the fact that while a roundball is deadly, its not the most desired projectile among a lot of shooters. But if you look at the difference of a 50 and a 54 caliber the ball of the 54 is 33% larger. 177 VS 234 grain. And if you judge a 50 to a 58 you've increased the weight almost 60% in weight. That is a huge difference. And we all know energy is increased if you can increase velocity or weight. So since I shoot about the same powder charge out of all my rifles.. I go for the bullet weight (talking roundball).

But I see your point. They all end up killing the deer if they are placed in the right spot.