45 or 50 cal
 

I am looking to buy a black powder gun.Which is the best caliber to buy 45 or 50.

RE: 45 or 50 cal
 

If your going to hunt deer only the 45 is the way to go.

RE: 45 or 50 cal
 

You won't go wrong with either caliber.I have taken many deer with both calibers.Just pick the one that you like the best.

RE: 45 or 50 cal
 

If you are looking to buy your first and only black powder gun (muzzle-loader) I'd recommend going with a .50 caliber. I bought a .45 this year but I already owned 2 .50's
Besides, the pyrodex pellets are cheaper (per grain) when purchased in the .50 caliber size and the .50 bullets are currently a little easier to find most places. The extra range offered by the .45 is pretty much offset by the extra punch of the heavier and broader front of the .50
If it's going to be your first and only I'd go with the .50

RE: 45 or 50 cal
 

Get the .50. Supplies are easier to find.

RE: 45 or 50 cal
 

I have shot the 45 for about 25 years and have no complaints.
just got two new CVA 45 this year sone for me,one for my wife.
I shoot 225 grain power-belt bullets with 3 pyrodex 50 grain pellets.
you get more ,flater range with 45 than you can with 50's.
50 is the way to go if you want to go for moose or other country game.
45 works good on all else.
thats my 2 cents,there are 98 more.


I am not a hunter I am a whitetail population reduction specialest

remember keep your back to the sun, your knife sharp, and your powder dry.

RE: 45 or 50 cal
 

I have a 45 sidelock which I feel is a little small for deer with a roundball. I'm sure the 45 is plenty for an inline with a faster twist and sabots. 50 is easier to get supplies for though.

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RE: 45 or 50 cal
 

Check your hunting regulations. Up here in Canada a number of provinces have a minimum bore diameter based on species. Manitoba only allows .45's on deer and caribou, for moose, bear, and elk a .50 cal is required.

RE: 45 or 50 cal
 

I too would go with the .50cal. There are a lot more load possibilities available for them. Plus, as Tikka mentioned, local regulations can become overly restrictive in the smaller caliber. For instance, some states list the minimum size bullet for muzzloading as .44 or .45cal. This rule eliminates the use of all sabots in a .45cal gun - meaning you would be restrited to using conicals or the Power Belts (which ARE an excellent choice regardless of the rules).


"Every moving thing that liveth, I give unto you as meat" (Gen 9:3)

Trust God..........but keep your powder dry!