cruiser96,
i've had my .58 version for quite a while and, yes, it'll "hunt" at 25 yards.. just for fun, i tried some buffalo ball-ets which are 380grain/.575 on a 25 yard range.. they worked perfectly without patching and are pre-lubed.. they're sorta like a mini miniball.. i think they were at dixie.. iirc, i used 35-40g fff goex.. don't know if they still have 'em.
have fun and don't worry about using half cock.. that's why it's there; it *is* the safety.
~d~
ps. too bad you didn't write sooner.. back in october of 2012, cabelas had the shoulder stock on sale for $159 (now$199).