I'm looking at getting my first muzzleloader, I want a side lock percussion I think specifically a Lyman deerstalker. I like the shortness and handiness of the short rifle. I plan on using it for plinking range fun as well as whitetail deer out to 100 yards or so. I live in the mountains so it's hard to get shots longer than that anyway.
They Lyman deerstalker has a 24" barrel and a 1:48 twist.
I like the idea of using roundballs mainly as well as a few conicals.
What about recoil difference between the .50 and .54?
Which would be a better purpose all around caliber?
How much flatter will a .50 shoot?
Is it worth losing the punch of a .54?
Thanks!