I know this is off topic, but this observation is one I have made about the use of muzzleloading rifles in populated areas. Many people believe that muzzleloading rifles are inherently safer because of ballistics. In my opinion, the real safety benefit comes from more careful placement of the shot, because there won’t be a follow-up shot. A bullet in a deer won’t harm a person a half-mile away, even if it passes through and through.

I can’t say how many times I’ve heard a statement like “I emptied the magazine as fast as I could work the bolt. I can’t understand how I missed.” Well, I would have been surprised had he not missed. It doesn’t happen that way as often with muzzleloading rifles.