Hi, have fun with your new sport. To mention again a very important safety point with blackpowder and BP subsitutes, do not measure by weight. They are formulated to be measured by volume. To be sure of accuracy, old timers made a drop tube that settled the grains. I merely tap the measure with a dowel, or whatever, and settle it up. Initially I wouldnt worry about spending the $$ for expensive premium. Try the TC Shockwaves. They are a quality round, and my Triumph shoots clover leaf holes with them at 50 yards.
A range rod is much longer also, giving more gripping room. The manufacturer suppliied (usually aluminum) rods are made for occaisional field use...totally adequate for that...but take a beating for much range use. I picked up a CVA t handle that fits my TC rod to carry in my pocket for field use. Remember to get some breech plug grease.
Several times I have been stuck with ram rods and attachments that were stuck together by soot, whatever. Two pair of small pliers in your range bag will be very helpful.
Save a wad of cash over time by cutting up thick old cotton (allways cotton) T shirts for a bazillion patches. Never enough patches. The next most important element: Time. NEVER rush your range time with MLers. They take time to get to their potential, and the reloading routine of course is a very relaxed pace.