I've made some powder measures out of antler, but until you work up a good load, you'll find one of these useful: (it's an adjustable measure with a swing- away funnel)
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/178/1/MAS-120
(I have one, but mine has a little loop on the end -I guess this is so you can tie a cord to it or somesuch)
as regards a starter, I suppose any ball with a stick on it will work.
I like the range rods made of delrin, but some find the flexion off- putting - give one a try and see what works for you. otherwise, go with a hickory rod. watch for run out in the grain, and the suggestion about having both threads available is a good one. I don't care for the T- handles, but that's just a personal preference. if the rod gets stuck, wrap a bit of leather cord around it and secure the other end to a tree or stout branch and see if that helps. by the way, if you don't cross pin the tips, VERY BAD JUJU WILL HAPPEN TO YOU!!!
since you're starting out, I would also recommend Ditch Schoultz' method... here's a link:
http://www.blackpowderrifleaccuracy.com/
you can get this, if I remember correctly, for about twenty bucks. I will attest that this is far and away the best twenty bucks I have ever spent on anything involving shooting sports at any time. if you follow his instructions, your groups will shrink, and Dutch guarantees it! he's a heck of a nice guy, as well as a world class coach.
in his method, he describes how to make your own rod out of a rod and a door handle ... there are a boatload of glass door handles out there - if you get a pair, you have one for the rod and one for the starter ... pretty cool!
good luck with your project, and make good smoke!