My simple Ruger 77 mkII (LH) in .270 w/ old Redfied 3x9 (set at 3X all the time) has put all my meat in my freezer in the past (private property in CT). Shot a couple of deer w/ 20 ga BPS pump (smooth bore slug barrel), but didn't like the fact that they would act like I didn't hit them and took much longer than I thought it should have for them to go down. Used an old Marlin lever in .35 Rem few yrs back - hit deer and thought I missed it - turned out I hit it fine and it trotted a good ways (sold rifle shortly afterwards).
I have a Thompson Firehawk in SS w/ walnut stock - tried all the ammo I could get for it. Only stuff that shoots like the nutz are the Hornady Sabots that use the .44 cal pistol bullets. Never tried round balls though .... lol. Groups scary - tighter than some centerfire at short range. Measured loads you pour - never tried the solid powder yet. To me it just didn't seem right - it is black powder and I expect the smoke and all.
Of course the sabots aren't right either IMHO, but it is the only thing that shoots consistant.... lol.
Low power scopes are the way to go around here since there aren't many chances to take a 400+ yd shot. Simple 4X is fine or low power variable. I see way too many people buying these HUGE objective 50mm+ scopes and wonder why they can't see the deer when it is moving w/ the power set at 12X. :P