54 caliber, not so odd any more?

[Mwal]

MY T/C New Englander circa 1985? is a .54 and has killed many deer.

 

[flintsteel]

I make the muzzle coning tool and calibers in order of popularity are .50, ,54 and .45 (about equal), .58, .40, 32, .36, and .62.

I really like the .54 for hunting mule deer. I always felt it a tad light for elk so use a .58 for that job. I’ve also shot a lot of deer with my.50 but since I’m a lousy shot I just never had the needed confidence in it though it’s a great all around caliber.

 

[2Moons]

Have a GPR perc in.54 and love it. Will put the whoopie on whitetails!

 

[towgunner11h]

Got a .54 Renegade back in '81. Still have it. Great rifle.

 

[BillinOregon]

I lived most of my life in states where an elk tag was possible. so much preferred the .54.
Odd that .48, .52, .53 calibers may have been as common in the first half-century of percussion rifles.