I like the dry. I used to use a vegetable fiber wad behind the bullet until I found one that was turned sideways half way down the bore. 1/16 cork is also ok if you have a wad cutting punch but the floral foam is actually easier to use. If you stick a piece of dry floral foam and or a piece of 1/16 cork on the end of a toothpick and then light both on fire they will both very quickly just simply turn into ashes and very safe to use.

What cartridge is your rifle chambered for and the reason I ask if using smokeless powder and I will use a 32-40 for example. A typical load being used lets say of AA-9 or 300MP and what I use is only 14.2 to 14.4 grains depending on the outside temp. This provides me with a 1474fps average velocity at my altitude and a 200 grain bullet. Going up from there one can start seeing pressure signs start to develop and should then be considered as being to hot of a load.

When you left Co. where are you now at? Someone here might be close enough to you to help you out and to get you started. As RWS stated don't over think it as it is really not at all that difficult and it is actually quite easy to do. If you enjoy it buy or make what you need like a Harrel Schuetzen measure, breech seater and a re&decaper so you can spend a day out at a range and loading at the bench. Once you get the hang of it and find out what your rifle likes you might be amazed at how extremely accurate your rifle will actually shoot out to 200 yds. And then hopefully you can find some Schuetzen or CBA monthly matches in your area to shoot. Or to just go out and to enjoy a real nice day at the range all on your own. And keep the questions coming we might be able to get you where you would like your rifle to be accuracy wise. Allot quicker than just trying to have to figure it all out on your own.