54 cal vs 50 cal

[GnM]

I see a lot of people shoot a 50cal instead of a 54. Any reason why?

[Hiker]

Though I'm brand new to muzzleloaders & MZ hunting, I would guess and say, the main reason is most people are going to inlines and most of those are .50 caliber.

[#1DEER 1-I]

Just more common.

[MuleyMadness]

Kicks less also doesn't it?

[AJ]

With modern ammo and powders, the .50 caliber will offer better ballistics. Shooting a .45 caliber saboted bullet that weighs the same as a .54 caliber bullet will have a higher ballistic coefficient offering more downrange energy and a higher sectional density which gives deeper penetration.

The .50 caliber guns allow the use of lighter bullets which can also give less recoil like MuleyMadness mentioned.

Some of the .54 caliber users are more worried about being traditional (read primitive) and that's fine if its what you want. Personally, I like technology and the modern guns with faster twist, stronger actions, and modern powders make it more enjoyable. The hunt is still the same just the method of killing is different.

[FrontierGander]

.50cal has A LOT more projectiles easily available in all kinds of weights. The .54 is pretty much an odd ball especially when it comes to being in an inline. If you are shooting traditional patched round ball, the .54 is King! I took an cow elk out on Nov 12th with 80gr Pyrodex RS and a home cast .530 round ball, the elk was 140 yards away and the ball took out both lungs and he only went 60 yards with a very good blood trail to follow.

[Hiker]

FrontierGander, Good to see you on MuleyMadness.

[FrontierGander]

Thanks Hiker! You're a few hours drive from me, I see.