50 cal vs 45 cal
 

As I continue my search for an in-line muzzleloader, not sure what is the best caliber to go with. I will be using the gun for primarily deer hunting. If I really like shooting muzzleloaders, I might consider using for black bear and Elk. My initial thought was the 45 cal because of the longer range and speed. But again I' m new to this and don' t want to make the wrong purchase. Any advise would be a great help....

latts

RE: 50 cal vs 45 cal
 

Because you consider future hunts for bear or elk would be reason enough to go with a .50 caliber. I personally feel the .50 caliber is a nice caliber for an all around rifle. If your shots were all out past 150 yards, then you might want to consider the .45 caliber but really how many of us took up muzzle loaders to shoot 200 yards. Another benifit of the .50 caliber is there is a lot more choice in projectiles, and they are easier to find. In fact they are becoming about the only thing I find in the little store around me, and I like .54 calibers. The .50 caliber is an all around rifle and I am sure you will not go wrong with one. Good luck in your choice of which one you want. There are a lot of them out there to choose from.

RE: 50 cal vs 45 cal
 

I would suggest the 45.Just because,in my opinion, it shoots flatter than the 50.Why not go in the woods prepared for a short range and a long range shot by carrying a 45 loaded with 150gr of powder.I would bank on the 45 taking more deer long or short.

RE: 50 cal vs 45 cal
 

With the .50 cal. you will have a greater selection of components. Good luck.

RE: 50 cal vs 45 cal
 

I also like the 45 cal.and that is what I and my wife shoots." BUT" you say you may want to go for bear and elk.if that is the case;I would go for th 50 cal.that is the only reason I would go with the 50.the 45 will do for any of the other deer size game.they shoot flater and longer than the 50 and 54.JMHO;):D[:-]

As for the compontants,power,pellets,and bullets.I have never had a problem getting any of them.the local gun shops in town and neighboring towns have them all.our local wal-mart also has all the 45 ammo also.

RE: 50 cal vs 45 cal
 

Latts ,
even though it' s getting harder to find accessories for them I' d go for a .54 . The .54 cal was designed for mountain men who wanted more knockdown power for large western game like bears and elk at a time when .50 was the standard . A well placed .50 will get the job done too , but I wouldn' t want to put a .45 in a bear unless it were the only choice . Too light . Most bears are taken at short range anyway with MLs .

RE: 50 cal vs 45 cal
 

kevin 1 I agree with you. I know many people will tell you that a 50 caliber is all you need, but I just love the .54 caliber. I own 2 .50 calibers and 2 .54 calibers, all of them sidelocks.

When I bear hunt, I used the .54 caliber with a 430 grain T/C Maxi ball. I am certain that placed in the right spot, it would take the animal down. The only problem was I never found one to try my theory out on. (Just my luck)

The internet has been the best shopping source for me and supplies for the .54. Just a simple click and it is sent right to my door. I do make my own conicals, and have considered getting a roundball mold. But you got to love the power they have....

RE: 50 cal vs 45 cal
 

I hear ya Cayugad ,
I own 2 .54 inlines and a .50 bolt action inline , but I luv my .54s the best ! The ML that originally got me addicted was my cousin' s .54 sidelock . [:-]