.50 caliber Thompson Center Omega (stainless/synthetic stock).
Topped with the new Nikon Omega Muzzleloader scope.
Use a non-corrosive powder like Black Mag, Clean Shot, American Pioneer or Hodgdon Triple 7.
I personally will not shoot regular black powder or Pyrodex, because they are so corrosive, dirty and hard to clean.
For bullets, I'd try 250-300 grain bullets in one of the sabot styles like Thompson Center Shockwaves, Hornady SSTs or Hornady XTPS. For sabots, try either a MMP or Knight.
By the way, I've always had much better accuracy using .45 caliber bullets in the black sabots than I have .44 caliber bullets in the green sabots. I believe the thinner wall of the black sabot gives it the better accuracy.
If you are getting an inline with a scope and shooting artificial black powder that comes in a cake/pellet....WHY BOTHER!
That is not a real muzzle loader. It is by name only that some of what you use goes down from the muzzle. Might as well use a conventional rifle since that is what it really is. If you want the fun and experience of shooting a BP muzzle loader, then do so. That combinational you are starting to reel off will never give you the experience...or more importantly the fun/pleasure. That is the only reason I shoot a muzzle loader, for the fun. It is a blast (pun intended). I might use it hunt with one day. We'll see.
If you want to continue deer season for an extra week or so, shame on you for not trying to do it correctly. There are plenty of deer just as dead with a real ML as with a conventional rifle. Don't be afraid, try something a little different...a real ML.
Cleaning is no different then a conventional rifle. Hot water if you want to, Ballistol if you want, normal stuff that you clean a rifle with...if you want. What's the big deal? You do clean any rifle you just shot right? This one just has a barrel a little longer then usual.
okay, I'll get off my high horse now
hmmmm any applications for Pot Stirrers?
Chris