I can't hunt with 55gr. 90-110 grns seems to provide the same amount of accuracy, cloveleafs at 25. I don't shoot competitively so its really a waste of time to start that low.
It's not going to matter what your powder charge is when you go hunting if you can't put the ball in the right place. Starting at one grain per caliber size; ie-55 grains for your .54 is one of the best ways to find the most accurate load for your rifle. Jumping around in between 90 & 110 grains isn't going to help you find anything but frustration. Start at 55 grains, shoot three times without changing anything and note where the ball is hitting, placing your target at 40-50 yards so you can see the impact. Increase by 5 grains and shoot three more times, always aiming at the same spot using the same diameter ball, patch thickness, etc. At some point your should see the groups start to tighten up. It's only when the groups start increasing in size do you back off 5 grains and you have found the optimum powder charge for your rifle. Then, you can start chaging other variables such as patch thickness/lube, ball diameter or adjusting your sights. Then you can be sure that you will be able to put a RB through the vitals of your game animal and put it down as quickly.
Why would APP be your last choice?
I have used APP when I did CAS and don't care for it at all. I would always recommend using traditional black powder to anyone after comparing it to any substitutes, both for cost, cleanup and performance. I've been shooting it in my .36 and its a one hole punch out the x type squirrel gun. My 45 is the same way. Plus it cleans up super easy and I can shoot for hours without cleaning between shots with no apparent loss in accuracy.
Anyway, the ball seems to push down the barrel pretty well, should it be tighter? like I really need to push hard to get it seated? Should I lose the wad? I've heard some say that the ball obturates and fills the rifling better?