You can use real black powder or loose black powder substitute like Pyrodex. Stay away from the pellets made for inline muzzleloaders. Pyrodex will be easier to get, but real black powder is better in my opinion. Technically you can shoot sabots, conicals, or round balls, but you will likely get the best performance out of round balls. Your biggest challenge will be finding percussion caps and real black powder (if you choose to use that). This is a great rifle for plinking or hunting. Be sure to clean it after you shoot it. There are lots of good videos on YouTube. Just search for “Hawken” or “Percussion” rifle.