Considering Cowboy Action

[Contenderizer]

I am considering getting involved in Cowboy Action Shooting and plan to visit one of the local SASS clubs nearby to see if it is as much fun as it appears. Sure would be nice to get the wife involved also.

Anyway, for some reason I am leaning toward black powder (my decision isn't set in stone) and I have some questions:

Do all of the local clubs have black powder competition? Does it make sense to start with BP - or is it easier to get started with smokeless? Which is cheaper to get into (I'll reload in either case and thought I would use 45 LC for revolver and rifle)?

Shotgun might be the problem for me - I have no idea what start-up costs might be for BP in shotgun and I have no reloading equipment for shotshells in either powder. Are factory shotshells available in BP?

Lastly, I see that some of the clubs shoot 22 Cal. Is this for the beginner, kids and ladies?

Thanks in advance for your advice and help.