Calibers, the 45 has up to 200 FPS advantage with the same weight of bullet, but a very limited number of choices in bullets and sabots and if one of the few don't work well for accuracy you have a problem, while a 50 has a large number of bullets and sabots in different thickness so the chances of finding the right load are good.
A bone collector is over priced but about the best in a dedicated muzzle loader, if you want one you can switch to shot gun or high powered rifle the Encore Endeavor is very good if you handle it and want to try something with a different fit the Accura 2 is about the best CVA has made. Hold back the money for accessories, you will want to try a couple of powders be sure to include Blackhorn 209 among those; try several bullets, the best for deer hunting dollar for value is the 250 gr Gold Dot but if you want top of the line Lehigh, Nosler and Barns are among the best. For long range accuracy the Shock Waves are hard to beat especially the 200 gr 50/40. Also a range rod is a very good idea as well as a U-view powder measure some jags patches and cleaning fluid. Some 209s and a selection of sabots to find out what your gun likes. Maybe some Hornady FPB and some Thor if you need or like conicals. With most subs windshield washer and alcohol mixed 50/50 is a good cleaner with Blackhorn I use Hoppers #9 mixed with alcohol 50/50.
Pick your gun to fit you it really don't make any difference what some one else likes and the same for the loads you have to find what your gun likes and for hunting the terminal ballistics are important especially if you hunt public property.

Even though i prefer a 45 or even a 54, for most people i would recommend a 50 for the reasons already stated above....even if they are a bit boring.

As for which gun?

Well..... i like all of mine and each for a different reason except...... They are all accurate and well made. Im not a seasonal hunter so i use mine during any season i can.

If your choice/need is for a dedicated ML season hunter then you have a lot to choose from. I demand a bit more from mine and i enjoy day long range sessions and lifetime quality.

Go handle as many as you can and dont concern yourself as much with what others say is best. There are many "bests" depending on your needs.

I would at least suggest making an effort to find a left over Knight within your price range. A few are still out there and Knight is making a come back.

In a TC, my favorite is the Omega X7 carbine but im partial to carbines and its a beautiful well made rifle. IMO their new Impact just doesnt do it for me. I would rather have a new model CVA Wolf.

Any newer CVA with a Bergara barrel (except the Electra) is sure to please most shooters and just about any of the 2010 lineup would be just fine for the seasonal hunter. My Accura 45 has seen over a 1000 shots and it just gets better. It was about the ONLY new 45cal option when i bought it and now in 2010 its still about the only NEW choice.

If you enjoy the range as much as the hunt a 45 is a hoot with plenty of bullet choices but far less on sabots. Only the best of the bunch will be really good hunting choices. Many of my loads are paper queens. 45s shoot a bit flatter without as much recoil but NEW 45cal gun choices are limited. Its neck in neck on paper with my Elite 45 until i start pushing the limits.

Knowing your price range and enthusiasm for the sport will narrow down the selection as to what "fits" you best. Until i see Knights new offering/s my best suggestion is the new CVA Apex.

Knight will always get first shot at my money because of above and beyond customer service. THANKS AL and SAM!!!!!

The new CVA Apex is ton of gun for the money, great affordable barrels that interchange from 45cal ML to numerous centerfires, it shoulders well for ME and its CVAs top of the line model for under $500. About the only negatives is its a form 4473 rifle if that matters to you. You could get just one of the similar TC options but just get the receiver and a Bergara barrel for about the same money.

Both are at the top of my list for now if i add another. Personally im holding out for Knight's new lineup if im going to spend over $400.

My best advice is go handle a bunch if you can and come back and ask about the ones you liked in YOUR hands and price range. Watch the BassPro and Cabelas Bargain cave and closeouts rack.

Good luck, deals are out there and so is what's "best" for you.

If I had that much to spend, and had 300 yd long fields to conted with, I'd go with the Savage smokeless in 50 cal. They are a 200 yd gun without a lot of trouble assuming you can shoot well enough.