IRONSIGHT
I had a similar experience the first Saturday of the regular season. I was carrying my flintlock and when a big doe presented a good shot, I decided to open muzzleloader season early. It was a good hit, but a little high, very little blood. She only went 100 yds, but had it not been snowing, it would have been tough to follow.
Like you, I was using a 50cal. While it's more than adequate, I have read , that many fellows choose a bigger bore, for a better blood trail. That might be a good excuse for me to buy another rifle!