I have yet to see a White Muzzleloader, no matter what model that does not shoot conical bullets unbelievably accurate. Sabotloader has even proved their worth with sabots and pistol bullets. And some of his reports are just plain remarkable. He really worked the rifle and proved a White Muzzleloader is worth their salt.
As to which model is best. Well they all have good points and flaws.
The G series Whitetail and Bison.. their draw back as I see it is one locking lug on the bottom of the barrel.
The M97 improved on the G series with basically two locking lugs on the bottom.
You have the Lightening Model. Its light weight, but they shoot so accurate I have always wondered why they did not make more of them. I have heard that they crack stocks.
And then you get into the Model 98.. a little heavy to my liking but they are built like a tank. Meaning they will shoot accurate and never break down.
White made a T bolt action model. I know nothing about it. Never put my hands on one. But those that own them always talk about how accurate they are.
Then you get into the Super 91 and 91-II and they are a Cadillac of White Rifles. When they are bedded and tuned.. well how do you beat them? All I have heard of them are good things. I once got to shoulder one. It shouldered like a dream. Excellent balance. But the man wouldn't let me shoot it, or buy it.
There are other models out there like the Black Tail Hunter, Whitetail Hunter, all based on the M97 I believe. White experts help me out here.
I own two M97 models. Both laminate stocks, stainless steel barrels, etc. the works. One in .451 caliber and then the other is the Ultra Mag which is the premium model for that IMO in .504 caliber. And yes, they shoot large lead with amazing accuracy. I know of one person that put a Lyman Peep on his Ultra Mag (they are tapped for it) and was shooting 200 yards with some amazing groups. He uses it to elk hunt.
So what model do I recommend.. Well because of my experience I would have to say the M97. If you can find it in an Ultra Mag, even better.
What are they worth? Well that depends on how bad you want it. And what condition it is in. The two M97's I have I would not take a penny less then $400.00 for each of them. And they are in mint
shape.
My .504 Bison is a nice rifle. It was purchased used from someone that should have been horse whipped for not taking care of his guns. I brought it back to life and like all Whites.. 85 grains of 2f Triple Seven and a 460 grain all lead conical and its a dead drilling shooter.