Performance comparison of 209 x .45 vs. 209 x .50 cal. MLs

[kody]

   My son has an Encore and mentioned getting a ML barrel for next deer season. I have used a .50 cal. sidehammer for 35 years and haven't kept up on the inline assortment of manufacturers ,models etc. but I have seen the addition of the 209x .45 and then noticed the diminished ads for them and their scarcity in the stores. I realize the advantages of supply assortment in .50 cal. but have to ask about the performance differences between the two so I can pass what I learn on to him and even help him acquire some of the components.     Ken

[DennyRoark]

Kody, in most of the load data I have seen, the .45 will shoot a 200 or 180gr bullet a little faster and flatter that a 50 with the same bullet.  But at 100 yds with the 45, your talking an inch or so and still less energy than the 50.  Meat and potatoes testing... the 45 with a 200 gr shockwave killed them just as dead as the 250 gr from a 50, usually just as fast, at the same ranges (175 yds was my longest shot and it was from the 45).  If my Black Diamond wasn't such a pain to clean, I would have kept it (wish I did!).
Denny