Spot-on- Paul - the conical's superior trajectory happens only at ranges beyond normal hunting ranges. Out to about 150 yards - even 190 yards, a properly 'driven' round ball is flatter shooting than a concial of the normal type - minnie (or greatly elongated - wouldn't matter). Yes the bullet is better at resisting the wind due to it's superior ballistic shape - it is just inferior for hunting in muzzleloading rifles is all.

Round balls slow down more quickly than conicals - yes. BUT - they are driven at vastly higher speeds than conicals from the same bore and still possess enough velocity to kill better than concials within normal hunting ranges.