HI, I am new to this sport too, matter of fact, I have to go to Cabelas today and pick up my new TC Omega. Anyways, I have been told by many, that loose powder is better, becouse you can tweek your load better than with the pellets. I like the idea of the pellets myself, they just look easier to use, but I plan on shooting many different combinations out of my gun at first, so I can find out what my gun likes better. Good luck.