My search for a 223 Rem break action landed me into a trade for a nearly new CVA Optima Elite with two Begera barrels: 223 Rem and .45 cal muzzleloader. Haven't shot either yet, but from what I've read, the Optima Elite is a good platform and the Begera barrels should be very accurate.
Having the .45 cal ML barrel leaves me with a dilemma. A couple of years ago I bought a Remington Genesis .50 cal ML. It's a gun I like for features, good handling, and decent accuracy. Here in GA, there is no prohibition against using a .45 cal ML during our primitive weapons season. Problem is, I'll only shoot a muzzleloader a handful of times a year, usually warming up for deer season. Don't really need two of 'em. I was thinking of selling or trading the Remington. My only hesitation is .45 cal ML performance on white tail. Most of my hunting is fairly close in. I don't expect shots of more than 100 yards in the woods I stalk.
Reading the 'net, I've seen every tale, from .45 cal projectiles bouncing off white tail hides, to .45 cal projeciles turning white tails into pre-made sausage. Looking for feedback on your experiences with .45 cal ML projectiles against un-armored white tails.