50 or 54 caliber pistol

[Purebred Redneck]

If you haven't figured me out by now, I start asking really stupid questions when I'm close to buying something.
And I'm itching for some type of blackpowder handgun.

Ok
I have a 50 caliber rifle right now. In the future if I was to replace it, it would most likely be a 54.

If you were to get a single shot pistol as a backup gun when deer hunting, what caliber would it be?
1. A 50 caliber because you can use the same bullets --- and so you don't confuse the two bullets.
2. A 54 caliber because of the added punch and the fact that you can't use the EXACT same reloads in the 50 cal rifle and 50 cal pistol anyways (due to the powder charges).

[Jack]

I'm not sure the 'use the same bullet' idea has merit. You probably use an elongated projectile in your rifle, not a roundball. Like a saboted pistol bullet, a Minie ball, a REAL bullet, etc.
In a handgun I think you'd be using a roundball.
Soooo, I don't think it matters having the same caliber as your rifle- unless you live in a state that requires roundball only for ML hunting.

[bounce]

It don't matter, just buyers likes on this one. and the best price.

[Purebred Redneck]

I use balls for target shooting 90% of the time. I'll use a (how do I want to say it) hollowpoint copperclad ballet for the first shot hunting. Any hunting reloads are roundball because they load easier.

I'll have to do some further research on this.

[dakota]

For me, I would likely buy a revolver. And that limits the caliber selection. I would likely get a 45 or larger if I could find one.

[Purebred Redneck]

Yeah, I was thinking about that too. It would have to be a 44cal because in missouri you have to use 40cal or larger to muzzleloader hunt with. So no 36.

I was looking into getting a Walker. That thing can handle 50-60 grains of powder with a 44cal ball or ballet. Most say the loading lever comes down when shooting the heavy loads but I would think a velcro strip would take care of that problem - wrap it tight around the barrel and lever.
Accuracy is what I'm concerned with. Seems like some people say it's dead on and others say way high and windage is way off. It sounds like it could be a pain for someone who has no patience

I wonder which would pack more of a punch if you're looking for something that will drop this deer in the neck at 30 yards.
1. 50-60 grains of powder and a 44cal ball
2. 40-50 grains of powder and a 50cal ball

[bounce]

Ifun I had to use your choices Red, I would deffinatly use a Colt Walker.

[Purebred Redneck]

Bump

I've decided on the single shot --- still not 100% sure on the caliber.

40 grains and a 50cal ball
or
50 grains and a 54cal ball

Same picture of that deer --- which one would you trust the most assuming both hit the same spot

[dakota]

I like 54 caliber. I don't like to be undergunned though. To me it is a lot like going into a fire fight and I get to choose the weapon of choice. Guess what I will select a gun that is capable in less than perfect conditions.

[klsm54]

I'd take the 54, but there probably ain't a whole lot of difference at the range you are going to use it at.

[deputydon]

I think you'll get better penteration w/ the .50

[bounce]

How about 55 or 60 grains with ether 50 cal. or 54 ? [just so it don't wack your 2nd finger too hard]

[Purebred Redneck]

Bounce, I'm hearing that the stock could crack if you go beyond the manufacturer's recomended max load (which is what I stated). Personally, I'd probably try those loads you just gave.
How many inches of barrel does it take to burn 60 grains of powder?

I'm not sure about the penetration.
MY dad used to shoot a 54 with 90 grains and I used to shoot a 50 with 75 grains. My ball would never exit and his would.
And we're talking about the same powder ratios 90vs75 and 50vs40.
I would think the 54 would give more penetration.

As klsm said, the ranges are going to be very close - under 40 yards and most of the time about 10 yards.
Really what I am looking to do is shoot a deer with the rifle (much like the picture) and then run up and pop it again if it is trying to crawl away.
The only other thing I would use it for is if the rifle did not go off for whatever reason and the deer was still standing there looking at me. (which has happened before. a deer even watched me reload the gun after a bad hangfire miss).

So as klsm is leaning towards is - 10 yards finisher, it really doesn't matter.
I think what dakota is saying is - you just never know...

[bounce]

Red if un you put 70 grain in a 45-70 case you shure can see how long the charge is, now a 50cal & 54 would each keep geting a little smaller collume charge lenth, figure it out for your self!!!

[bounce]

As far as burning up, the more you use the more you waist but allso the more bang too. 60 gr pistol charges in a gun that will handel it are allways very fun & very powerfull, very close to a 44magnum. Only lot's of smoke.