Nothing wrong with a blued/black rifle. Nickel might give you some advantages for getting away from corrosion, but you should be cleaning your rifle well enough to stop this anyways. So, the real advantage is for looks, but IMO the wolf is as ugly as they come

I've heard good things about how well this little rifle functions. For CVA I personally would go with it's big brother the Optima, or even better a T/C "Starter rifles" get replaced or stuffed in a corner. I would get the best I could afford the first time.

Loads...hell, for 100 yards you could be killing deer fine with 80gr charges and a bore-sized bullet.

Extra-important for muzzleloaders, be sure the rifle you intend to buy is legal to use in your state.