Welcome to the sport, if you are planning on hunting the upcoming Utah ML Deer Hunt I suggest you spend some time at the range this weekend. 7 days and counting!
I like hot (from the tap) water and dish detergent (which are normally mild) I use a brass brush that fits my bore and cleaning patches. If your barrel is removable from the stock you can submerge the breech end in water and with a tight fitting patch on a cleaning jag pull water to the muzzle end. Repeat until it is clean. Then run a dry patch down the barrel to remove excess water and finish with a patch of BP solvent (not necessary, just the way I do it). With the barrel clean I coat it lightly with oil. You should clean other metal parts exposed to BP foulings too. Don't use bore butter to prevent rust - it is a great lube, but it is not meant to prevent rust.
Caps are corrsive, but not as much as BP and Pyrodex. Pyrodex is more corrosive, but produces less foulings.
Most BP shooters don't use smokeless solvents. Some folks believe that ML barrels become seasoned over time, and that the microscopic pores in the metal suck up lube, which makes for a better shooter, less foulings, and easier cleaning. Smokeless solvents will prevent this from happening. I don't know this for sure because I've always used the system mentioned above. I do know my guns get easier to clean over time.
Books: Sam Fadelas is the best for the beginner, and Lyman's BP manual is a close second.
Places to get info: If possible find a local ML club (and if you do post it here or email me. I live in Springville and don't know of any local ML clubs). Go to the Library and check out every ML book they have- and if you find one you really like buy it. My website as some good info for the beginner too, so surf over to it.
Good Luck, bp shooting is a blast!
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May God have mercy on the terrorist - because American sure as hell won't!