RE: What draw weight should I use
Yep, 40-45 pounds is a good starting weight for most people.
An old rule of thumb is to draw thebow to anchor and hold it. Whatever weight you can hold for 10 seconds before you get the shakes is a good poundage for you to shoot. If you can hold it for longer than 15 seconds before the shakes set in, try one 5 lbs heavier.
It's a good idea to start out recurving with a bow that's a bit lighter than you can actually handle though. That lets you get the proper form grooved in before going up in poundage.
Be sure to check your state's bowhunting regs to see if there is a minimum draw weight for hunting bows. Most states that have set draw weight minimums run 40-45 pounds for deer size game.