What were the military benefits of the 1811 Hall rifle?

Answer 1

In 1811, the Hall rifle was a different type of weapon then most any of its kind. It was viewed as one step ahead of the normal musket of the time. The Hall was a single shot breech loading rifle that fired a round ball. As a breech loading weapon, it of course made ramming down a muzzle obsolete. The Hall could thus be fired three times as fast as a normal musket of the time.

Answer 2

To add to Chuck's very good answer- it could also be loaded while prone. (Lying down) Most muzzleloaders required that you stand up to reload- making you a target for the enemy.