On HC, VITA is your friend. I would suggest at least 70, probably closer to 80-90 since you are new.
After that, you will want to stat Strength or Dexterity depending on your weapon type.
Swords/Clubs/Axes - Stat all STR
Daggers/Staves/Axes - Stat all DEX
(if you use Axe, you can go either way)
As to which weapons to use, that's up to you. Personally I like Swords as they are usable on the first three classes. Whichever you pick, find ones with the most Enhanced Effect, as that will raise their damage. For armor, again, Enhanced Effect will enhance the defense of the armor, so that is a good stat to find. Scale/Leather/Chain/Plate all will work fine. For a charm, find one with some +Life early on, then switch to either +STR or +DEX depending on weapon again.
Note: Enhanced Effect only works for the item it is on. If you use an "EE" armor, it wont boost your weapon damage. Therefore it is all but useless to get an "EE" charm on a melee/tank type build. (unless it's a heal and that is a slightly different play-style)
Good luck, feel free to PM me if you need any advice, I am fairly new to HC but been playing quite some time on SC and can help point you in the right direction.
One last bit of advice, learn how to exit the Catacombs quickly by Control+Clicking the door. Practice this, for when you hit some big packs of mobs you can run fast and not die.
