Depends on the range distance for hunting. The 10 gauge shotgun 3 1/2 inch magnum's were popular 20 years ago. Today they seem to be the thing of the past. One main reason is that ammuntion, whether it be Buckshot, Turkey Loads or Steel Shot. The price range for any of the various types are significantly higher then its top competitor the 12 gauge 3 1/2 inch. Even today finding 10 gauge rounds are difficult in and of themselves, unless your planning the trip to Cabelas.
New Inline Muzzleloaders, mainly 50 calibers are the way to go. Lets face it, if you properly sight in a muzzleloader you are only going to need 1 shot through the " engine room" to drop any small game. Plus if your hunting in fields you can take the 100 yard shot no problem. Most muzzleloaders if you put 3 pyrodex pellets in it can suffice up to 200 yards and slightly beyond, hence compensating for some sort of elevation drop.
