I have no knowledge of cylinder types but I can help you with the reloading questions.
The forst thing you'll need is some reloading gear and some reference books. Hornady, Lee, and RCBS all make starter kits that will have nearly everything you need, with the exception of dies & components. For reference I suggest the Lyman #49. It's my go-to manual.
As far as loads & bullets, it's all about application. Cast bullets are plentiful for this cartridge, a quick online search will provide you with all the sources you'll ever need. I've used bullets from Dardas, Missouri Cast, Moyers, Friendswood, Western,and probably one or two others I can't think of at the moment with good results.
Loading cast is a little different than loading jacketed in that the bullet needs to be .001"-.002" larger than the bore to get a good seal. Standard bore on the .45 Colt is .451" and most of your cast bullet makers offer them at .452"-.454". Some also offer a gas checked bullet, but you'll not need those for a standard 45 Colt load. Those are inteded more for the .454 Casull, so save your money.
Standard load for a 45 Colt is a bullet weighing 265 gr with a velocity of around 900 FPS or so. However, lighter and heavier options are available. I load for a recoil sensative coworker that likes a mild round so my choice for him is a 180 gr roundnose on top of 6.5 gr of Trail Boss. Very mild, maybe 800 FPS
I also load for my son-in law that hunts with his .45 Colt Ruger Balckhawk. He gets a 300 gr bullet on top of 18 gr of Accurate # 9. This load is more powerful and suitable for Blackhawks and Contenders only, it runs about 1100 FPS.
The 45 Colt is most enjoyable to load for. It's extrmely versatile, it's quite forgiving, and the supply of components and data are almost endless. Great cartridge to learn on.
GH1
