Hey Guy's, brand new to this forum, after reading through this forum I was impressed with the info and the comradery that you all share with each other. First of all Corry, I am sorry to hear about your job, always tough on you and family, hang in there something will turn up and maybe for the better. I am 73 yrs young, but in excellent health, can't keep me out of the woods yet. For the past 10 years I have shot the bow, however a bad shoulder prevents me from shooting now, so I am going to black powder. Have never shot one before, but am looking at a 50 cal, lyman great plains rifle with 1-60 twist,that shoots rbls. I will be asking for advice in the future, For now, just introducing myself. By the way, I live in Cedar City Ut. Have hunted Mule Deer, Elk, and Proghorn.

Welcome to the site! Great group of folks on this site always willing to share their know-how and experience.

Welcome-jump in

Welcome DCH. Glad you found us.

I bought my Great Plains flintlock last November from Midsouth Shooters Supply. Did a lot of web searching and they had the best price by far. You may want to check them out.

http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/department.asp?dept=%4D%55%5A%5A%4C%45%4C%4F%41%44 %49%4E%47&dept2=%4D%55%5A%5A%4C%45%4C%4F%41%44 %49%4E%47%20%52%49%46%4C%45%53&dept3=%35%34%20 %43%41%4C&dept4=%4C%59%4D%41%4E%20%47%52%45%41 %54%20%50%4C%41%49%4E%53

wecome to the forum.
thanks, I make it

me and my wife have made it though worst. namely me working a min. wage job and her not having one.

I can't help with much right now on ml, I just started out this past year myself.

Go for the bigger .54cal

A big WELCOME from Virginia DCHunter.Glad to have you.3yrs.ago I was just like you in my knowledge of muzzleloaders.I remember feeling the same way when I got into bowhunting.I thought this is so complicated how could I come to actually enjoying it?Well,I did on both occassions and now enjoy bow and muzzleing much more than center fire.The experience and knowledge on this forum is unbelieveable.But the best part is EVERYONES willingness to share and help.So enjoy the sport,but I warn you,it is very addictive. hunt4me

Duck Creek Hunter, A 45 or 50 is fine for target but I believe a 54 cal is much better, it will bring game down faster which makes it easier to find and a 1-60 to 1-70 twist is much more range capable. The explaination of why would take a while but what it boils down to is the 45 does well out to 75 yds the 50 will do well to a 125 the 54cal with 1/2 the ball weight in powder does well to 150 and I have droped deer out to 170; the 58 has a much bigger heavier ball and a similar twist that combination lowers the velocity they shoot good at so they have a more rainbow like trajectory. Lee

My God, you guy's are something else, made my firstpost and two hours later had six replys. I know that I am going to enjoy this forum. Frontier Gander, why do you suggest the 54 cal over the 50?, I have been debating on that myself. Thanks for all the replys. DCH

Heavier ball, less prone to being thrown off by high winds, Packs more punch at the receiving end.
I dont even bother looking at 50's anymore. From now on i've gone .54cal+

.50cal roundball is 177 grains while the .54 is around 230 grains.

Just traded for a 58cal too.

73 huh? Well you know the saying, The older the bull, The stiffer the Horn