Differences in performance

[treborn]

.54 rifle vs .58 smoothbore
Given that the deer is at a reasonable distance with the smoothbore, would there be a vast difference in performance between the two? I have a .58 fowler and I am purely curious. The load for it is 90 grains of fffg. Load for the .54 say around 80 grains of fffg. Say the animal is shot at less than 60 yards.

 

[smo]

No difference… dead is dead.

Tip Curtis 16 gauge smoothbore, 70 grns fffg Goex pushing a .626 prb.

 

[Johnny Too-Tall]

.54 rifle vs .58 smoothbore
Given that the deer is at a reasonable distance with the smoothbore, would there be a vast difference in performance between the two? I have a .58 fowler and I am purely curious. The load for it is 90 grains of fffg. Load for the .54 say around 80 grains of fffg. Say the animal is shot at less than 60 yards.

the 58 or 54 will take any North American big game animal without an issue. You can't get any deader than dead. Now if I was hunting grizzlies - i'd go 58 just because. But for deer, elk, moose, caribou, antelope, boar, or black bear under 60 yards 54 all day long will do the job no doubt about it.
I think you are trying to justify buying a 54 cal - just do it no reason needed to buy one just do it if you want it. Just say Too-Tall told me too.

 

[smo]

Another advantage too the smoothbore side..
Of course a .54 rifle will kill a squirrel as well..

 

[bpd303]

With a smoothbore you can shoot either patched ball or shot not so much with a rifled barrel.