RE: Favotite load / gun combination?
Two different rifles.
First, a .54 Italian "Harper's Ferry M1803". It is in quotes, because it doesn't REALLY look like an 1803. .530 ball, pillow ticking patch lubed with T/C Wonderlube, and 80 grains of GOEX FFg. FFFFg to prime. Not a hot load, but accurate enough and every whitetail killed with it has had complete penetration. Don't need more!
Second rifle is being worked up now for hunting. .45 caliber Southern Mountain flint rifle from TOTW parts. .440 ball, pillow ticking, and 70 grains FFFg, with FFFFg to prime.
Can you tell I like flinters?