I am muzzleloading for the first time too, you may want to check your states laws on hunting with a muzzleloader. I am in Washington state, and I can't use the encore, or the omega. Washington state law states that the primer/cap must be exposed to the elements. I can't even go with a 209 shotgun primer. In Washington we can't use scopes either, so before buying a gun, make sure it will be legal to hunt with.