I don't hunt with a .44 cap-n-ball, but often carry one as a general purpose defensive side arm when hunting. I believe that a slug/bullet/conical is superior to a round ball, and would be a better choice. The new model Army (Remington I presume) should be able to hold 30 grains under at least a 200 grain slug, which again, I think will be superior to a round ball. The difference in penetration between the two can be quite dramatic.
It sounds like you are sighted in well, at very close range you can aim a bit low, and beyond 30 yards aim center of mass. That has always been a good way to sight in my close range weapons, or works well for me.
I have found that a stiff lube over the bullet or ball, instead of a wad, leaves room for more powder. Not anything soft and gooey like Crisco, but a good stiff bee's wax and lube mix. Over time, as in weeks, the wonder wads will deaden the powder charge, sometimes quite a bit.
What are you planning to hunt?