I don't think the copper bullets expand much when they come out the barrel. The barnes are an all copper bullet that is treated to make it hold it's shape well. Like I said, it has 100percent weight retention up to about 2100fps as i understand. I don't really think there would be a great advantage with going up to 150 grains of pyrodex. I just use Goex powder out of my sidelock, so I don't really know a really good breech plug lubricant. sorry that I can't help you with that part, but i like to go a little traditional. Don't get me wrong though, I will switch to an in-line someday. they seem to be a lot more dependable. Hope that I helped you.
