thats why they make them all ; 45 ; 50 ; 54 and so forth.it depends on what you like.if you find a rifle you like and it is in 45 cal. don't hesitate to buy it. there are just as many bullet and powder chocies for the 45 as there are for the 50 or 54.most people go with the 50 cal. because if you go west for bigger game,the laws make it 50 or above????????????????????

for white tail with open sights at 100 yards or less,it depends on you and what you like.they all work just as good as the other.

I have shot 45 cal. for the past 35 yeard now and love it.TC 45 hawken sidelock.went to an inline about 5 years ago also in 45.it has put meat in the pot every year after the first year.thats a bunch of meat.JMHO.


wish you luck in what ever you choose.you may go to the range and watch and ask questions,most BP shooters will give you a chance to shoot there gun.