Newbe to Ml looking for info

[Freezer]

  I've been a hunter for many years.  I own a number of different rifles and handguns in different calibers and hand load for all of them.  I just bought a .50 caliber Ml barrel for my Handi rifle.  I've never loaded or shot a muzzle loading rifle and have nothing but questions about it.  I bought this barrel for pig hunting on some state owned lakes. I understand I'll be limited to 150 yard shots, no problem.  Where do I start?  I know cleaning with soap wnd water is a must after shooting but how do you unload these things without firing it. Are the primer carriers good for one shot or multiple shots.  Which is better loose powder or pellets.  I saw the 25 acp conversion but is it worth another $58? What kind of ballistics should I expect and what kind of energy?  Should I be looking for a cap and ball revolver just in case?  I sure could use a book on the subject, wher should I start.

[PHATINJUN]

Just like when you started hand loading get a book . Also spend some time going back thru the posts here and else where on the internet there is a ton of information to be had. Kurt

[Freezer]

  Ok, thanks I've been on the putter for a couple hours and found most of the information I needed.  I still have one question, are the primer carriers a one time use or can they be used for multiple shots.

[Busta]

  Ok, thanks I've been on the putter for a couple hours and found most of the information I needed.  I still have one question, are the primer carriers a one time use or can they be used for multiple shots.

They can be used for several shots, H&R claimed 20 shots. I have gotten more shots out of one I tested, but you will have serious blowback from the very first shot. You will get some serious wash out of the plastic after just a couple shots, and gets worse each additional shot. The primer carriers leak pressure like a seive, and will not ignite Blackhorn 209 powder reliably, if you intend to use that?

The .25 ACP ignition works well on easy to ignite powders, but not reliable on Blackhorn 209 in my testing. I have custom made plugs for shooting BH209 that don't require the primer carriers.

[Freezer]

  Thanks that's what I wanted to hear.  Is that the 357 primer I read about?  How much and where do I get one on make one?  I'll be pig hunting open country and want this gun as reliable and hard hitting as I can get.