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GOB,
I am glad you asked. You can't get much more economical than shooting Round Ball out of a .36 caliber muzzleloader. If you cast your own balls, the cost drops even more.
The 13th Printing of the Lyman Black Powder Handbook dated November 1999 says on page 88, regarding 28", 32", 37" and 43" barreled arms:
A .360" RB weighing 71 grains and .015" patch can be used with 3F Goex from 25 to 70 grains. The 25 grain charge gives 1329 fps and 278 ft. lbs. ME and a 100 yard ME of 84 pounds. The 70 grain charge gives 2224 fps and 789 ME and a 147 ft. lb. at 100 yards.
At 70 grains per shot, you will get 100 shots out of a pound of BP; at 35 grains you will get 200 shots. Try both .010" and .015" patches for the balls and get a few spare flints. I sharpen dull flints on a whetstone since I never mastered knapping.
Adam
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Adam Helmer
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