I'm looking to get into Blackpowder and have some questions. What is the best gun to go with for around 300? I was looking at the CVA Optima., is there any other suggestions for a gun? What will be more effective, especially for longer range shots .45 or .50. Is barrel length an issue for range shots? What is better, pellet pyrodex or straight powder? What are the advantages and disadvantages between shooting a sabot with ballistics or just a regular ball? Is there anything I'm missing?

Sorry for the huge amount of questions, but if I do this I want to make surfe I do this right.

Thanks