from what I can tell, it would be legal to use one of my kentucky pistols in the muzzleloader season, but would a cap & ball revolver be legal? I guess technically it doesn't load from the muzzle but I can't find a yes or no anywhere. I have a .44 1858, a .50 traditions ky pistol, and a .45 cva jukar ky pistol
extra shots aren't a bad thing

IIRC handguns are not allowed at all in early season, but OK in late season. beyond that, the last time I asked cap/ball revolvers would be a legal handgun-but keep in mind it's about like using a mid-level .38 Special. Pick your shot, have fun.

Looks like any handgun is legal in late season, but muzzleloading  handguns only in early season.
I the question is "does the iowa DNR consider a cap & ball revolver to be a "muzzleloading handgun"?"
My understanding is that a .44 round ball with a 30 grain charge is about equivalent to a .45 ACP
I suspect my .50 kentucky pistol with about a 45 grain charge would pack a substantial punch

Things changed since the last time I checked-I could swear I read something about NO handguns allowed for early season. I'd email DNR and ask-when I asked them about shooting waterfowl with a bow I had an answer within a couple days(maybe even the next day).

The gun will definitely do the job, so if you find out it's OK, we need pics!