Well I'm not an expert at this at all, but this is how I do it and it seems to work. The Encore 12 ga. muzzleloading shot gun recommends only using 120gr black powder or equivalent. First remove the ported choke ( or nothing will fit down the barrel ) pour in the pre measured powder, then use an over powder card, I buy from www.ballisticproducts.com . Then I push in a shotcup. I've used the TC brand, which is pricey, I've also used a Winchester 12 ga. wad, inexpensive but didnt work as well as I wanted it to. So I use the Turkey ranger cups from BPI. I then use the powder measure to measure the same volume of shot as the powderand pour it down into the shotcup. At last I push in another over card the secure the shot. Reinstall the choke and prime it. When you start looking to purchase components you'll see many different cards, thicknesses, materials, etc. Same for the shot cups. I dont believe you need to use a shotcup. But I'm guessing the groups are tighter with one. I believe a good place to start with loads is to have equal volume of powder and shot. I used 777 last season, but I'm switching to pyrodex or Black powder this spring, so I'll probably have to tweak the load some. Good luck hope this helps.