For entry level (cheap) go with a percussion lock. Forget the cheap flintlocks, they have issues which make them unreliable.
If deer are your largest game a .50 caliber will do just fine. If elk are included go to 54 caliber minimum. I am talking patched round ball. As for brand of rifle? Right now, what ever you can find and afford. Everything black powder is in short supply at this moment.

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Last edited by prairie dog shooter; 09/21/22.
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