here in ohio a muzzleloading pistol is not permitted for deer season. they claim it is not effective enough , not alot of knock down power. i have a traditions pistol which i use on deer damage permits which is legal because you can use whatever you want. including a 50 bmg if you wanted to!. i've got mine loaded with 60 grains of bh 209 & a 290 barnes e-z loader & i've taken deer out 50 yds. thats with the 14" barrel. seen 20" barrel's on north american muzzleloader hunts & they have shown shots out to a 100 yrds. but with more powder& alot more ft lbs of energy. great gun to use.