Yogi,
Think it this way: a .50 ball at close to 2000 fps is similar to a .30-30 Win..

Daryl,
Most new Kodiaks are indeed "slug guns".
Check Pedersoli site: http://www.davide-pedersoli.com/?item=ArmiCategoriaDettaglio&CategoriaId=247&lang=en

I think old 50 rifles were 1-48" but new ones are 1-24"
I bought a .50 barrel by Pedersoli 1-24" from a friend, his accurate load was 70 grains of 3F and RB.

Hope this helps.
Martin