Lyman noted accuracy being poor past 25 yards. Other aquantances of mine have seen better results - however the value of such a practise is in question. A single round ball kills exceptionally well - better than a much lower velocity slug ie: a .45 round ball on deer for example, kills faster, than a 300gr. to 350gr. .45 slug. Why? - it just does - the shape of it, the cavitation through the soft tissues and velocity all promote it's killing prowess.

Increase that to .50 cal, and you have a calibre that was on the larger end of the 'ordered-from-back-East' flintlock and caplock rifles of the early 19th century. The round ball, a single ball, killed very well.

Black bears are easy to kill - just about as easy as a deer. Considering Alberta isn't known for Pennsylvania or Queen Charlotte Island-type black bears, a single ball is all that's needed. Indeed, a common ball size, ie: .38 to .47 cal. killed those out-sized black bears just fine in Pennsylvania - for close to 300years now. Most of the guys back there hunting with their flintlocks, prefer .45 cal. Some like their .40's.