I have shot both and harvested Deer with both my Encore in-line and my Firestorm with several different loads/ bullet combinations. I really don't like T-C's Shockwave. Shot several deer with it and wasn't impressed with performance. My favorite hands down is 2 pellets of pyrodex and a Hornady 300 gr 45. cal XTP with a Harvester sabot. The 3 deer I shot with this load dropped where they stood. I have Shot approx 400 rds of various load/ bullet/ powder combinations out of each rifle. The only way to find out for sure what works for you is to experiment with your gun. The Most Important thing to do, and I can't stress this enough, is to load Exactly the same way Every Time. After the first shot I run a wet patch down the bore, turn it over, run it back down followed by a dry patch then reload. Even when hunting it doesn't take that long to do. But it is very important too do the same routine every time. Alos, it is Very Important after every shooting session CLEAN your gun thoroughly after every range session. Too many times I read on various forums of guys thinking that because they have a stainless Muzzleloader or that their using this Blackpowder substitute or that one, they don't have to worry about cleaning as well or right away. All blackpowder, Blackpowder substitues will corrode your gun. Good luck in finding what works for you. I find that it worth thr effort. Keep it Clean and consistant....