I have an old Zouave I have had since 1971, it is somewhat of an over killer, but I shoot 80 grains of FF and 575 bullet form a lee mold. I have shot up to 120 grains for more distance. I have always filled the cavity with Crisco. I have carried the old rifle so long I am going to have to do some stock repair. I have used the musket cap nipple, but went back to the #11 nipple because the over flash was burning the stock. Didn't notice any difference in percussion performance. It has killed deer, rather demolished the front quarter of a deer. The rifle is fun to shoot, but burns lead and powder quickly. As far as accuracy, it will break a plow shear in half at a hundred yards (90 grains). I have loaded it scatter shot and patch and ball. This weapon has no authenticity for being used, but is manufactured for war use, easy, quick loading and will demolish it's target.