New to this type of Hunting, Looking for guidance

[jcoutdoors]

Looking to start muzzleloading, I've been hunting many years but never with a muzzleloader, hoping to extend my huntin season.  Looking to buy an entry level CVA(limited funds), using Pyrodex with powerbelt bullets.  My question is what caliber (45/50)?  Most of my hunting will be whitetail/mule deer.  However, do plan a elk hunt in the future (after alot of practice/experience).  Leaning toward a removal bolt model, any other tips, suggestions, etc.

[DannoBoone]

I went nutz and got an Encore because of the interchange-
ability of different barrels. Have a nice Lyman Trade Rifle
but wanted to to an inline.

Had I had it to do over again, would seriously consider this:
http://www.hr1871.com/firearms/index.php?cat=1&subcat=29
 
You would find it to be much easier to clean than the CVA
you are considering and comparatively priced.

If you are seriously considering elk hunting with it, get the
.50. Many elk hunting states do not allow a smaller caliber
than 50. You also have a much larger bullet selection.

[PA Hunter]

I bought a 50 cal cva firebolt for around $200 from cabelas. Good solid shooter with exceptional quality solid stock and ss bolt. I use the powerbelts..

[HoCoMDHunter]

I have had excellent results with my Traditions E-bolt 209.  I bought it last year for about $165.  I have the 50 cal and shoot 240 gr Hornady XTP sabots over 100 gr pyrodex.  I haven't tried the powerbelts because the XTPs shoot 1/2" groups at 100 yards and have given me one shot kills every time.  This is the only muzzleloader that I have ever owned so my experience is very limited.  I have hunted with this in the rain and snow and it has never hesitated to fire.  I like it so much that I used it during rifle season exclusively.  If there is a flaw with the performance of this gun, I have not found it.    If you were just hunting whitetail the 45 cal w/ powerbelt would work well.  I don't know about the elk though.  The 50 cal is nice because you could shoot a flatter shooting sabot or a full bore powerbelt depending on the game.  Good luck.