vs all other actions? Or is it just for fun nowadays?
It's largely for the tradition, and the expanded season. But a small-bore bullet at high velocity may or may not expand properly when it hits the critter. You can be pretty sure that large, slow ball from a front-stuffer isn't going to shrink before it gets there.
Here in Michigan we have a line about mid state that if you are hunting under it you cannot use center fire rifles meaning we can use a muzzle loader.
You get to hunt during Muzzle loader season. Other than that? It is the challenge factor.
There is no real advantage. People use them today either for fun, or because it's the the legal alternative to a rifle in their state. In highly populated states, you are required to use a shotgun or muzzle loader instead of a center fire rifle which throws a bullet too far in an urban area. Muzzle loaders and shotgun don't shoot as far, and therefore are considered safer.
1st advantage is you get to start hunting sooner. 2nd advantage is if you hit it with a .50 cal ball it ain't gettin' up 3rd advantage is if you get a kill with a muzzle loader you've really done something. 4th advantage is they are a blast to shoot.
