Almost all of the re-enactors use replica muzzle loaders -- any surviving original is way too rare and expensive to carry around in the field.
The replicas are built with modern steel and can take what would be substantial overloads for the originals.
I have seen a 150 lb feral hog hit with a .58 cal ball, which penetrated completely through the lungs and ended up just under the skin on the side opposite the entrance wound. The ball had expanded to a flat piece of lead just about the size of a US Quarter.
Yep! Replica’s have some real good abilities if you aren’t afraid to use them.
I love shooting my 50cal carbine. It knocks down moose @100yards with ease. I always use either a 44 or 45 cal Hornady bullet and sabot combo depending on what I’m shooting at. Anything bigger than a deer gets a .45 of one style or another. No pistol bullets though. I find they are too short and fly apart too much, ruining meat. They are fast and kill well enough, but they really fly apart too.