Trying to choose; .45 or .50 caliber?

[zuren1cs]

I am looking to get into muzzleloading and have hit a wall in trying to decide which caliber would make me the most happy. MI has a muzzleloading deer season so I'd like to increase the amount of time I could hunt. A couple buddies and I also have aspirations of doing an elk or mule deer hunt out west sometime in the future. I currently own a .270 Win so that is a bit small for an animal like an elk.

I went to CVA's website and watched their "Black Powder 101" videos. For me, it is coming down to buying a .45 or a .50 cal inline. The CVA reps claim that the .45 has a flatter trajectory with greater accuracy at longer ranges and has the power to take on a mule deer or elk. They claim the .50 is the most versatile with the widest range of loads available to deal with different animals.
http://www.cva.com/media/bp101.html

If their claims of the .45 being a suitable caliber for animals up to and including elk are true, I think that is what I'm leaning toward but would like to hear from anyone who agrees or disagrees. I never see myself hunting bear, on any African safaris or moose where the animals get really big.

This is the gun I'm considering as I can get it at a good price (~$200 as you see it - with stainless barrel and scope) and am willing to hear any feedback on it:
http://www.winchestermuzzleloading.com/ ... s/apex.htm


Any input to help me make a decision would be great! Thanks!

[carbine100]

The high points you list for the .45 are true. Look at the bullet weights for the .45 and compare that with the bullet weights you shoot in your 270. (which by the way is a very capable elk round...bullet placement whether an 80 pound whitetail or a big bull elk is always the key) The gun looks great for that price and although I have no expeience with that gun, I do know you will love the claw sling. The .45 will have all the power you want. I wish I could get a .45 in the best muzzleloader made, the Savage ML-10. I have owned many smokepoles from traditionals to inlines and I am spoiled rotten shooting smokeless power in a muzzleloader. Good luck!

[quigleysharps4570]

I wish I could get a .45 in the best muzzleloader made, the Savage ML-10.

[VargetBurner]

The .50 cal can use sabots with a 45 cal bullet.......
There are a ton of 44 or 45 bullets available suitable for a multitude of tasks. Not to mention the option of a full .50 cal bullet. And if you like traditional methods, a .50 round ball is a much better choice than a .45 ball for deer, although it may not shoot as well in a modern inline with a faster rifling twist made for conicals.
My 2 cents, I'd get the 50
Good luck in what ever you decide

[VargetBurner]

Hey Carbine, what is a "Claw Sling"????

[Guest]

Well personally I woulg go with the 50 cal,better distance and more power when you need it.I have a Thompson Center 50 cal Hawken,and the T/C Encore system also which is great.

[been;there;shot;that]

Hey zuren, I shoot a Traditions Pursuit LT 50 cal. I love that gun, it shoots dead on at 100 yds and 2" high at 50. I would definently recommend this gun. It was only 259.99 the whole shot, scope(came with), bullets, powder, everything. This gun is a great first muzzleloader or any type of muzzleloader you want it to be.
I also live in SE Michigan, Hudson to be exact, where exaclty do you live.