So Im thinking I need a Big Bore muzzle loader. I come back to this every so often. Ive got a few smoothbore muskets and even a repro Baker rifle; but I want something more. Looking at my options theres the Pedersoli Gibbs African Hunter in 72cal for about $2000. October Country makes a few from 62cal to 75cal (prices vary with final design). Finally The Gun Works make 8 and 4 Bore rifles for $4750.

I thought I might be Ok with the Gibbs; but suddenly 72cal is looking small. Theres just "something" about a 4 Bore. Looking at the pics of the 4 Bore, I wonder if its not TOO big, sorta like a porn star; you think its a good thing but its more Mutant than High School Sweetheart. The 8 Bore looks like a better balanced overall gun, but the ball is ONLY 80 caliber....

If I was sure Id take it to Afrika for DG, Id almost surely choose the 4 Bore; but Im more likely to use it for Bears and Wild Boar, so any of the smaller options would be OK, except they arent 4 Bore.

The practical side of me says if I really need more than a 72cal and are any of the others worth the xtra $3000. Thats why I hate the practical side. So Im back to wondering if 80cal is better than 72cal?

This is crazy