Bloodsaw

If I could I would suggest you PM Cayugad - he has several well written instructions for a beginning ML shooter - everything from loading to cleaning to shooting...

As for the rifle to choose it all depends on the rules in your state or hunting area and the amount of money you want to spend. I would also suggest it is better to save a bit and get a good ML, especially if you are a serious rifle hunter - you already have huge expectatiuons for performance of a gun - so I would suggest not to purchase the bottom end at least get some where in the middle - if not a real good one.

Muzzleloading is addictive - you might as well learn that now and you are hearing from a life-long centerfire hunter... and I am old...