Pork Chop said:
While I cannot speak definitively as I don't have a .54 yet, at that range on a deer, I can't imagine an appreciable difference. As others have said, if you plan to go up the animal ladder, get the bigger caliber. Nothing wrong with a bigger hammer to get the same nail driven so to speak. My shots are always planned to be closer than that though...
I've got both 50's and 54's and I want to "clarify" what you said a little, if it's okay. There is in my experience a noticeable difference between the two in the "whack" you get on deer and sometimes in the speed of the kill, with the 54 being a little more impressive, if that's the right word.
But that's not saying that the 50 isn't good or won't do a good job!!!!!!!! It does just fine, and I have no qualms about using mine for deer instead of my 54's. Or for that matter, even one of my 58's. Dead is dead is dead, and the 50 will do the job when you do yours.
And your point about climbing the animal ladder is a very good one. Though others use a 50 and do a good job for elk all the time, I'd reach for my 54. Step up again for moose, and I'd reach for my 58 rather than one of my 54's. Doesn't mean the 54 wouldn't work, and in fact folks use their 50's successfully for moose, too.
There's no penalty for using the bigger calibers for deer, so if you're going for just one gun that might also be used for elk or deer, then the larger caliber might please you more. It's your checkbook after all, and you should get the gun that tickles you best. Heck, I've got two 58's now, and I'm searching hard to find an excuse for a 62. After that I'll be looking for a 69, then probably a 72 and a 75.
Muzzleloaders are just that way for me. They're all so darned much fun to shoot and hunt with.
50 or 54?
Heck, that's easy. Buy em both now or buy them one at a time, but if you get hooked you're going to own both sooner or later.
