it sounds like the cva staghorn is the gun you are looking for its inline magnum with 209 caps and you can load up to 150 grains of powder and hasa range of up to 500 yards it costs about 150-180 bucks i got mine at miejers for 150 dollars
The CVA Staghorn 209 Magnum is no longer offered. It was replaced in the CVA line by the Buckhorn Magnum. Although it is able to shoot 150 grains of pellets (not loose.. check owners manual) I have never got any kind of accuracy from my Staghorn with more then 90 grains of powder. Also I purchased mine with black composite stock and nickel barrel for $89.00 from Bass Pro when they were selling off their stock of them a year ago.
As for the claim of 500 yards... well I think that is pushing the limit with any muzzleloader and some centerfires for that matter. My CVA Staghorn is more then able to shoot out to 100 yards on a consistant basis. I have never really tried it further then that. I guess with the right optics and practice I would attempt something further with lots of range time under my belt. I do like the simple striker design of the rifle and it is easy enough to clean and care for.
With the dollar amount the poster states of
im ok with spending up to 5 hundred or so, but would like to keep it under that mark if i can.
then I would be looking at the Thompson Center Omega, or some of the Knight Rifles. I am not sure if
The .45 caliber Knight Wolverine is still available, but I am sure with the rifle projectiles such as a Barnes Expander this would be a 200 yard rifle.... And being on sale for $139.00 is a real bargin.
I am not an advocate of the .45 caliber but for whitetail deer I am sure that a well placed shot will do the trick. Also being of the Knight quality I am going to guess that this would be an excellent rifle for field shooting....
Poster Triple Se7en might be able to give you more accurate information on the ability of the Knight .45 caliber then I can. I love Knight rifles, but have never owned or shot a .45 caliber inline.....