Smoothbore vs Rifled Barrel

Haven't shot too much smooth bore myself but it pretty much matches what I've seen over many years at different rendezvous.
Depending on the skill of the shooters a rifle doesn't have as big an advantage as most people think in the 10-50 yard shots on most trail walks.
Similarly, round balls don't give up much to conical bullets until you get past 150 yards or so.
 
I question his group size measurements. His claimed 9” group appears to be much closer to 15” to me.
 
Its night and day. Getting good groups at 50m with a smoothbore is a chore or at least takes significant skill. Where as even the most basic rifles can group well out to 75m with ease. Rifles arnt much slower to load once you develop a good system / load. The musket truly is a accuracy by volume volley fire tool. And in many cases a diverse hunting gun for close range.
 
I question his group size measurements. His claimed 9” group appears to be much closer to 15” to me.

Pretty tough to have a 15" group on a 12" piece of paper!
Not a particularly good shooting rifle but probably typical. I have seen round ball percussion rifles group under four inches at 100 but it's not always that easy. Percussion or flint, the shooter plays a very large part in what the rifle will do.
 
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