I've got to agree with everyone on the 100gr shot. I tried 150gr of Pyrodex when I first got my gun but didn't like it at all. Plus it's just not needed. All the deer I've killed with my ML has been with 100gr of Pyrodex pellets.
Today has been interesting in that I have had time to read some posts and be able to respond to some very critical issues. It also has brought to mind some mistakes I have been guilty of over the years. In the '80s I bought a Lyman Plains rifle kit and enjoyed finishing up the rifle with a plum brown finish. After shooting it ,I decided to mount a scope as Florida had recently open a special ML season. The gun was not drilled for scope mounts so a trip to a machine shop took care of this, using a Weaver base from some other rifle. Back then most folks were still using round balls and I found a product called a polypatch that eliminated the traditional cloth patch. Back then some of the "experts" said I needed 100 grs. of 3FFF black powder to have an accurate load. Being a reloader I promptly measured out my black powder and put each 100 gr.load in 35mm film cans. But accuracy was not to be had. After several frustrating weeks, I found that black powder should be measured by volume rather than weight. So there was no accuracy with the load that was close to 150grs. Don't remember how much difference there was but it made a world difference in the group at 50 yds. I think a 100gr.by volume actually weighs around 70 grs. I now use the 100gr. of American Pioneer and at 100yds. am satisfied with the accuracy no matter what bullet I shoot. Like any centerfire rifle, I'm sure muzzle loaders can be fine tuned to make one very proud of the groups at 100yds but a 2"-3" group will do just fine over a green patch of oats. And one more thing, that 100gr. load sure don't kick like the 150gr. load. Thats why this ol' man now shoots a .243 and the old 30-06 stays at home in the closet.
