I am thorughly ate up with BP, I want to learn everything I can as quick as I can and honestly guys this is on the verge of becoming obessesive, I am a die hard hunter and used to feel this way about archery but think I have found a suitable replacement, I ask a lot of questions trying to shorten the learning curve and want to achieve hunting accuracy quickly, and more importantly confidence - bear with me I am in a transistion stage in my hunting, not by choice but found something that is the next step and I will primarily use these rifles for everything

We told you it was addicting - didn't we? And much like archery, you have restriceted yourself to one well placed shot.

I foresee many hours of pawn shop cruising in your future, tinkering with things you've never tinkered with before, and acquisition of several guns you probably don't need but will enjoy immensely. Ah, the tragedy of it all.

I think a blind man could see the path you were on.
WELCOME!

Your biggest decision will be how do you want to hunt?

You can do it the traditional way with sidelocks (flint or cap), real BP, and a PRB. Or, the modern way with inlines, modern sub powders and bullets.

Both ways have a following. Neither is right or wrong. Just very different.

Or you can split the difference and go with a traditional sidelock with a fast twist barrel that shoots modern subs and bullets (with or without a scope ).

You forgot to mention how well those fast twists shoots conicals also

I agree Semi. But you can also use a sidelock, original BP and saboted bullet. The way I see it, it all boils down to one shot, one kill (or miss). The challenge is in the hunt and not the equipment.

I never liked the color grey.

Black or white is more my style.

Then it seems to me your must choose between a sharp stick and a .300 Ultra Mag Browning A-Bolt.