1863 Springfield ......

[deersniper]

I have a Dixie Gunworks copy of a 1863 Springfield rifle that I bought used several years ago to do Confederate Honor Guard duties in parades, grace marker dedications,etc. All I have ever done is just fire powder loads through it for the sound effects at services. Would like to take it to the woods and put a deer down with it just to say that I've done it. Does anybody have any good load recomendations for the rifle? I have no round balls for it but do have 500gr buffalo bullets that someone gave me years ago. I'm not new to hunting with primitive weapons as I have sidelocks in 45,50,and 54 calibers that I've taken game with over the years. Don't plan to use the 58 caliber Springfield much for hunting as it is too long and cumbersome to get in a deer blind or climber with. 

[Cuts Crooked]

Don't plan to use the 58 caliber Springfield much for hunting as it is too long and cumbersome to get in a deer blind or climber with.  

 A lil' practice with that thing an you will be surprized how fast you can git it into action! I've got a flinter wif a 42" barrel that is a danged good critter gitter! It ain't no brush gun by any stretch, but it's a good one fer stand/stalk hunting. It jist took practice ta git used to that long barrel swinging out there!

Try starting out with about 50gr - 60gr of 2F under that big conical and work up from there fer accuracy.