csherril, I have quite a bit of short-barreled muzzleloader experience. All of mine have been T/C's. They are, for all practical purposes, the ballistic equivalent of a .44 mag or .45 Colt revolver. In the Encore, I've used a 15" factory T/C barrel, a 14" Bullberry barrel, and a factory rifle barrel cut down to 17". I've currently got two Bullberry Contender barrels in my safe, a stainless 13 1/2" barrel and a blued 10" barrel. I've harvested several hogs with the guns/barrels over the years and they are quite effective.
If I were you, I'd take a hard look at the CVA...I have no experience with those guns but I've hear good reports. Best of luck!

Darrell H