I use full moon clips from Ranch Products. I have not had probelms getting loaded rounds into the clips but for removing the empties, I made a demooner from a piece of 1/2 thinwall tubing. Just filed a step on one end to rest against the clip. Slip over the empty and twist, empty is now out of the clip. I have heard of fellows using golf club shafts for the same purpose.
As for using 45 AR casings, I use them both and don't notice a bit of difference when loading or fireing. It is nice to have options.