I shoot almost exclusively .40 cal flintlock. I experimented until I found the following combo: 60grs ffg powder, .018 pillow-ticking patch with crisco, and a .395 rb, cast in an aluminum mold. At 25 yards, benched, I can keep three shots within a one inch circle - sometimes clover-leafing them. Off-hand within two and one-half inch circle.
I chose .40 caliber because it is easy to shoot, easy on the shoulder (a few hours at the range, and I don't have any shoulder aches), easy on the pocketbook, legal for deer in OH, and all other "critters" too.
I also have .32 & .58 flinters, but my choice for carrying through the woods IS the .40.
As stated in numerous posts here, a well-placed shot with a .40cal is better than a poorly-placed shot with anything else.
Already own a couple of .40's flinters. I met a gun-builder at the CLA show and after the first of 2014, I'm going to contact him to build another .40. Don't really need it...just want it cause its a .40. This is me:
this is my wife thinking of me: :youcrazy:
You gotta go with what YOU want! :thumbsup: