nice shooting dave. and thanks for the scope idea

Cayugad- I think that scope will work out for you close range just fine. I unfortunately hunt areas that are very open. I routinely see deer out in the grass from 1/2 mile away or more with my binocs. I can't count the times that I've had a nice standing broadside shot at a deer that would be do-able with a centerfire, but is just way to far for a ML. My rifle/load setup is probably good out to 175-200 yards, so having more magnification would be a big plus. Not getting black eyes from getting hit in the face with the scope is an even bigger plus, though...

Here's the wastelands that I hunt:

I used to hunt the southern end of Wisconsin where we'd drive small patches of woods and sit on the edges of huge picked corn fields. So long range down there could me up to 500 yards or more. That was back when I hunted with a 7mm mag.

I can sure understand why you would need a 200 yard muzzleloader down there.