I have to admit, when I was younger... I used to take more then one shot. Most the time it was not needed and the second shot was really wasted. But I have never needed a second shot with a muzzleloader. I mean granted, I reloaded and as quick and safe as possible, but like you say.. the animal had run off, then tracking, then finally finishing them off. So I thank the muzzleloader for making me slow down and make sure that my first shot is the killing shot. That is one reason I will not take a low percentage shot with a muzzleloader. I have a friend that does, and he has needed a second shot. But I blame him for that. Had he waited a little or prepared better for that first trigger pull.. the second shot would not be an issue.