Dekuma, you are opening a realy big can of worms here, i think your going to hear allot. I too jumped into muzzleloading a few years ago.ive seen a few critters downed with a muzzleloader and my advice is learn to shoot and shoot good, dont worry about bullets and powder and this and that, whatever gun you buy call the factory rep and ask about what charge and bullet works best in that gun and shoot, shoot, and shoot some more. #1 muzzleloading excuse,'I missed'....and be realistic 150 yards is a pretty good stab with a smoke pole. open sights change everything, i myself dont like the new fiber optic sights they are to bright in dark woods, i go with the old tried and true steal sights with a brass bead, works best for my eyes. good luck and keep it simple becouse all you are doing hucking a hunk of lead...