I would appreciate your suggestions regarding what new, .50 cal, in-line I should buy. Its ludicrous that I have multiple expensive center fire rifles for deer hunting when nearly a third of my hunting is done in muzzle load season with a gun of questionable pedigree. However, I would like to stay sub $400. What's your thought on the best I can do for that amount? I would really apprecite comments on your personal experience in the field. Triggers, easy load/cap, ability to mount scope w/o interfering with action, cocking etc., durability etc. My appologies but I am not a purist. I want the most efficient "tool" for taking deer that I can get in that price range.

Thanks in advance for responses.

I would go with a thompson center black diamond from bass pro shop,I seen them on sale for $199.00
T/C warranty is also hard to beat the best there is.

At the top of your price range, you can get the true "most
powerful production muzzleloader", and it's less expensive
to shoot:

http://www.dustinbrass.com/Savage.htm

I got the laminated stainless version for a hundred more
than you want to spend, but it is THE last ML I will ever
buy, and will last many a lifetime. There is absolutely
NOTHING out there that can come close to comparing with this
awesome rifle.

If you do not care to be disappointed in a ML rifle after
hunting with CF's, this is the one to get. I have owned
five ML's, and still have four including the more expensive
Encore, and none of them come close in accuracy and
trajectory to the Savage. There is a learning curve to
using smokeless in a ML, but it is worth the time to learn.
If it is legal where you hunt, you will not be disappointed.

Do you know where I can find info on what state's allow use of smokeless powder? Or is it simply whether such state allows in-lines etc.? What about Canada? Like the idea but have seen comments re its legality.

Just how much "better" is this gun that other modern in-lines?

Thanks

Toby Bridges at HP Muzzleloading has a pretty good handle
about the laws in most states regarding muzzleloaders. Some
information is on his site, or you can email him through
that site:

http://www.hpmuzzleloading.com/

Most inlines are good for 100-150yds. Depending on the
bullet/powder/barrel twist/quality of the rifle, 200yd
shots are not beyond humane killing power of good ML's.
The Savage still has acceptable killing power to 300yds
with some loads and a 250gr SST. Just depends on the
ranges you usually get your deer at.

The T/C Omega and the Knight Disc rifles are very good
for accuracy out of the box. Both are very good rifles
and dependable for 150yd shots.

I personally have the T/C Encore along with the Savage.
Here in Iowa, we cannot deer hunt with centerfire. I refuse
to hunt with shotgun, and I have really fallen for the
inlines, although there is a Lyman .54 Trade Rifle in
my small arsenol. My reasons for the Savage was more
accurate range, and I've become very tired of a cloud of
smoke obscuring my prey during no wind situations. They
are usually shot in heavily wooded areas or tall switch
grass, and it's really going to be nice to see what is
going on immediately after the shot!

Hands down... the most preferred & customer-satisfied ML in the last two years has been the T/C Omega. It has only (1) flaw.... a small trigger guard.