New to muzzle loading? which barrel and why?

[vhunter]

I have an Encore rifle and I am trying to decide which barrel to get next?

The 45 cal or the 50 cal?

Which one do you recommend and why?

Also, which one has the most variety and bullet weights?

What is the range and ballistics of each?

I know this is alot of questions but it will help me in my next purchase!
 
Thanks!!

[MF]

I went with the 50 cal because there is a better choice of bullets. I'd also heard that the 45's weren't as accurate. I learned a lot about the muzzleloading world  in the "modern inline muzzleloader forum" here at GB, you should check it out as the regular posters there are full of info and can better help answer your questions than I can. Mike

[Bullseye]

Have heard of many problems with the 45 cals in Encores and other brands of guns.  Some 45's shoot good and others do not.  I think (and have read) that some of the problem is from the shot column width to diameter.  The 50's usually just shoot better.  The 50 will do all you need it to do unless you are shooting at some insane long distance.

[skeeter]

It depends on what you are going to use it for.  If you are planning on hunting game deersized and smaller then a 45 cal is OK.  If you want to hunt deer, bear and elk then definitley get the 50 cal.  There is a wider selection of bullets for 50 cal.  On the other hand the 45 cal has less recoil.  50 cal. is not a lot of fun to practice with at the bench.  The recoil can be brutal.

[Bullseye]

A 50 is not bad in the kick department, just load it a little lighter.  I only shoot 80 grs of powder in mine and it has gone through every deer I have ever shot at plus in enjoyable to shoot at the range.