Hi all..New to Muzzleloading...

[doegirl]

I just brought home my first muzzleloader, an Austin and Halleck 320 with a Mueller 3X9X40 scope.  It has not been fired yet and yes, I do see that some prep work needs to done to the firearm prior to shooting (per manual).  I do need to get some powder and accessories, and have a couple questions:
1. The whole powder deal is confusing.  What brand should I start out with -pyrodex pellets or something else?
2. I'll stick with the projectiles that came with the gun for now.  For you A+H owners who have had some luck with a particular brand, weight, whatever: feel free to share that info.
3. I'm not interested in "magnum" shooting.  How much "charge" would you consider to be an ethical minimum for hunting whitetails?
4. A good lube for the breech plug?
thanks for the help in advance, I like what I see here!

[Redhawk1]

Welcome to Graybeard.

You will have to experiment with different powders and bullets. Shooting a Muzzleloader requires a little work to get an accurate load. I personally like triple7 and precision rifles bullets.  

[upnorth]

Welcome!!!  Pyrodex is a good start, just be sure to clean your entire rifle after shooting. Triple 7 is a good choice too. If your just starting out, stay away from the new powders.Start with the basics. I prefer loose powder. gives me more flexibility, and you get more shots per pound with loose.
    Try thr PR bullets. My encore will keyhole 3 shots all day with Cecil's 175 gr, duplex dead centre bullets. I'm not a fan of jacketed bullets at all.
     My personal charge is 90 grains of pyrodex rs select.
     Breechplug lube; I prefer the t/c gorilla grease.

The best thing  is to experiment, and have fun!! The A+H is a nice looking, well made rifle. Feel free to ask any questions at all!!!

[Redhawk1]

Welcome!!!  Pyrodex is a good start, just be sure to clean your entire rifle after shooting. Triple 7 is a good choice too. If your just starting out, stay away from the new powders.Start with the basics. I prefer loose powder. gives me more flexibility, and you get more shots per pound with loose.
    Try thr PR bullets. My encore will keyhole 3 shots all day with Cecil's 175 gr, duplex dead centre bullets. I'm not a fan of jacketed bullets at all.
     My personal charge is 90 grains of pyrodex rs select.
     Breechplug lube; I prefer the t/c gorilla grease.

The best thing  is to experiment, and have fun!! The A+H is a nice looking, well made rifle. Feel free to ask any questions at all!!!

Maybe I misunderstood what you wrote, you put keyhole. Which in my book means not good, or are you saying your groups a real tight and work well. I shoot the PR 195 gr, duplex dead center bullets, and my accuracy is the best it ever has been.  

[upnorth]

Sorry!!!! I meant I can touch 3 rds all day. I guess keyhole is a bad reference!!! I shoot at the same range as Cecil,  and he gave me some great advice on the 175 gr bullets. After some experimenting on a cold day, I was able to put 3 rds in one ragged hole.

[Redhawk1]

Sorry!!!! I meant I can touch 3 rds all day. I guess keyhole is a bad reference!!! I shoot at the same range as Cecil,  and he gave me some great advice on the 175 gr bullets. After some experimenting on a cold day, I was able to put 3 rds in one ragged hole.

That's great, I do love the PR bullets.  

[AndyHass]

I killed a lot of deer with 85gr pyrodex.  I'd suggest using 777 to a newbie, it's easier to maintain the gun.  For a minimum, I'd say 75 grains as long as you stay fairly close (inside 100 yds).  You could shave off a few more grains, but the recoil is already so light there shouldn't be a need.
    I used to use jacketed bullets at 85gr, but I'd suggest trying some pure lead ones.  They'll get you more expansion an lower velocities.

Have fun!