I'm applying for a permit to hunt the local base for moose. Limited to a muzzle loader. I'm new to this aspect of shooting. What caliber would you suggest? Any gun better than others on a limited budget? What loads would work?

Any suggestions or experience is appreciated.

Woops-I guess this should be under muzzleloaders not blackpowder.  That's the way today's going. Thanks for any help.

Eris...Let's hit it here anyway! For the new muzzleloader I recommend picking up a CVA Bobcat in .50 caliber. Walmart and Kmart will run them. Use Hornady Great Plains or Buffalo Bullets in the 385 gr class. 90 to 100 grains of FFg or Pyrodex RS. Use CCI Magnum # 11 caps. Sight is at 75 or 100 yards...and go hunting. Clean it with TC #13 solvent. Pop a couple of caps on it before you load to hunt! Simple and fun! Later if the ML bug bites you can move up the latter on rifles to TC, etc>
Best Regards, James