Muzzle Loader Caliber Preferences and Suggestions

I live in SE Idaho and am new to muzzle loading. Do you have suggestions on a good caliber to start with. I will be hunting Elk and probably Deer. Idaho has some pretty specific requirements. Any suggestions on a make and model that is reliable and accurate?
Thank you for your help!
-Bob

For a first muzzleloader, I would only consider the 50 cal. It is the minimum most states use for elk. It also is the most popular, which means that it is the easiest to find bullets and accessories for

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)

txhunter58, is right a 50 is going to be the best overall. There are plenty of guns that fit the Idaho regulations. The most important is price and style. It also depends if you want to shoot a gun that is more traditional or if an inline will work for you. I bought a 50 cal Knight MK85 stainless that was new unused. I have several Hot Rod renegades and Hawkens.

For a used gun it is hard to beat any of these in stainless.
#1 Knight mk 85
#2 Remington 700 ML.
#3 Lyman Great Plains Hunter 1-32 twist with peep and globe sight.

New I would look at
Knight ultralight for an inline
Lyman Great plains hunter with 1-32 twist and peep sight with a globe for a traditional gun.

I like my traditional guns for hunting regular ML hunts. If I am hunting a short range hunt where I can use a scope I got the Knight MK 85 to do that with.

All my guns use a paper Patched Lee 500 S&W bullet. They are awesome on deer, elk, and antelope. Ron

Thank you for the feedback guys! I still don't know if I am going to be able to make the purchase this year. Ron, I am in Rexburg and would like to get together with you to talk guns when we both have some time. Thanks again!

If you're ever in the Twin Falls area let me know.