David and Members,  
 
I am glad to see a number of new folks interested in long range muzzle loading at this site. One thing I haven't seen mentioned and that new shooters should be made aware of is the rapid nipple erosion caused by large loads of black powder and heavy bullets. The standard steel nipple supplied with kit rifles or commercially available finished rifles can erode to cause a dangerous condition of blow back thru the nipple in as little as 30 to 40 shots under the right conditions. The problem can be solved by using a platinum lined nipple in your long range rifle. Although these cost currently around $50 they will last for the lifetime of the rifle and provide a safety feature currently not being supplied by the manufacturers. I know Joe Hepsworth has these available and I believe his web site is listed here on this site.  
 
Pete T.

That was mean, posting that Cunard & Co. link.  My wallet will no doubt feel the pain....  Fellow has a Rinehard for sale.....oh, the humanity!