Yes the Lyman Trade rifle is a very good rifle. It is made for Lyman by Investarms of Italy, who also make the Cabela's Hawken rifles. .54cal is a good choice for a ball shooter to be used for hunting. Some consider it to be the best all around hunting caliber for round balls. The 1:48 twist will generally shoot round balls very well with moderate-high powder charge. If you desire a load with more energy, 1:48 twist barrels will generally shoot solid lead conicals like maxi balls and Lee's REALs pretty well. If you want a seriously accurate ball shooter, then you might want to consider the Lyman Great Plains rifle with it's longer, 1:60 twist barrel. I have one in .54cal and it will shoot round balls, with heavy powder loads, extremely well.