It's time to clear up the nonsense about the loads that Sam Fadala allegedly recommended in his book, "Black Powder Hunting" (1978).
In the paragraph where he supposedly recommends a one-to-one powder to bullet weight ratio, he in fact refers to the practice as a "romantic notion", "another old-time axiom", and a "theorem". He says that "tested, this theorem has proved quite successful", and then goes on to say that above 50 caliber it "leaves a lot to be desired". He also, as noted by someone else here, was referring to loads for round balls.
He tested the "romantic notion" with a 50 caliber rifle with a 30-inch barrel and it chronographed at 2400fps. He also began the test with a .58, but that " barrel length and common sense dictated a cessation of the test at 200 grains of FFG", where he was getting 1800fps.
Later in the chapter he says, "Step one, then, in arriving at that sought-after perfect hunting load for the black powder muzzle loader is to consult the manufacturer as to maximum charges, and which powder granulation to use.", and in the same paragraph, "The maximum recommended by the maker of the rifle is never exceeded. He should know what his product is capable of."
The "romantic notion" that Dr. Sam recommended dangerous loads appears to exist only in folks' faulty memories.
