Thanks for the replies. I'm new to this forum but I'm hooked on muzzleloaders. I have a custom made Gonic model 93 .50cal which is suppose to drive tacks but I haven't even come close to finding a consitant load for that gun. I've had the gun for several years but have yet to hunt with it because I have no confidence in it. They recommend shooting a 435gr hp penetrator bullet. with a 150gr charge. I've dropped the load from 150 to 90 and still haven't consistantly grouped. Gonic recommends using their bullet in their gun but it's time to start trying for other bullets. I take the Thompson Black Diamond out of the cabinet and every year it's right on. I'm always interested in ballistics with these guns. It's hard to find a lot of info on the net about it. Maybe I'm just searching the wrong places. Two of my friends are shooting the Savage 10ML with the smokeless, but I'm not over impressed with the performance. It's certainly no better than the Thompson. Thanks for the replies again. Have a good one.........John