As the other guys pointed out, I’d much rather have to clean one of my BPCRs than a HP rifle. BP with cast led bullets is very, very, easy to clean. Blow tube, couple of wet patches, couple of dry patches, oil and done.
The brass is a different matter, the cleanup is worse than smokeless, but this is the only issue, and even it isn’t that bad. I decap at the range (most guys do), soak in water, then clean using ceramic media in a tumbler once I get home. Brass comes out looking like brand new.
You can always shoot smokeless, but ss the other guys said, there’s just something about hitting steel at 500 meters or a 1000 yards with a bullet you cast over a load of BP.
I’d seriously try to get to a match and check out some rifles before buying anything. A lot of guys will probably offer to let you take a couple of shots if you show interest. It used to be when I started out that you had a choice between a Shiloh, C-Sharps 74, or an Italian Repro. I started out with a used C-Sharps 75 in 45-70, then a Shiloh #1 in 45-100, then a Ballard High-wall in 45-90, then a Ballard High-Wall in 40-70, then a Ballard Low-wall in .22LR. The reason I say this is because there are lots of choices now. Shilohs are easier and faster to get, there’s a couple companies making High Walls, Rolling Blocks, Steven’s 44 ½, Hepburns. All the action types have their pro’s and con’s. After messing with the 75 and 74, I’ve settled on High Walls.
Loading BP and casting good bullets has a definite learning curve, but the folks in the sport are awesome, and you will get lots of help.
Chuck