I would think that with a side lock loose powder would be a better, I would think the pellet system is optimised for a hot flash up the center. With the side lock the flash would have to turn a corner.
BTW where do you hunt with your BP's personally every Thanksgiving I am in northern sask (Dore Lake 2 hrs northeast of Meadow lake) visiting the inlaws and as of last year closing my cabin
. And if I take a couple of extra days I'll buy a deer tag, lots of deer up there so tagging a meat deer is pretty easy, usually not up there long enough to be fussy . But one of these year I'll take a week and hunt the rut and try for one of those brusers that live up there.
I have been toying with the idea of using it to fill my doe tags or to hunt that december doe season around town (though I am not sure if anyone actually gives permision anymore)