RE: Inline or Traditional
I got into muzzleloading because I had an appreciation of the history and wanted to learn the skills neccessary to become proficient as those before us. Also wanted a challenging way to hunt. Therefore I chose a Pennsylvania longrifle with flintlock ignition and only shoot patched round balls.
Not meant to be disparaging, but I really don't understand the popularity of the in-lines. Having scopes, primers, and hot-loaded rounds; long range capabilities; lacking all the the challenges of flint ignition and firing; and certainly having no aesthetic or historical significance; they are so akin to centerfire rifles (and on par exactly with performance slug guns) that I honestly wonder why people bother with them at all?