Another option for making cartridges for a cap and ball revolver has been getting talked up lately: "compressed powder" cartridges. Video here discussing them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyoPmklwv-Q&ab_channel=ErasGoneHistoricalMolds

Last summer I started testing a new lube for over the ball, seemed to work OK in my 1860 but was pretty stiff at temps below about 90* Farenheit. Melt 4 parts by weight of beeswax in a double boiler. Add 3 parts by weight of olive oil; stir til thoroughly mixed and no lumps remain. Add 2 parts by weight of Murphy's oil soap; stir thoroughly (being careful of the reaction when the soap is added--it foams up) until no lumps remain. Pour it into a container and let it cool.