Bigwill: There is no apparent delay at all. In that respect its just like firing a modern metallic cartridge. Being sub-sonic in muzzle velocity (but so are many modern pistols) and due to the burning rate and inefficiency of the powder, the muzzle report is more of a "whump!" than a crack. (but a Walker can throw super-sonic lead) Handling is about equal to other revolvers. Power of the .44 Colt is very similar to classic loads in .38 Special or a .38 S&W, but with a larger .44 cal ball, and recoil is comparable. Obviously, the longer and heavier the individual gun, the more gentle the felt recoil, all else being equal.
The trigger pull will depend on the individual gun of course, but in terms of design there is little difference, other than the lack of a transfer bar safety or a hammer-block safety, as found on most modern revolvers. These are very basic instruments, built as designed 150 years ago. You therefore cannot leave the gun loaded and capped with the hammer sitting on a cap-- this could easily cause an unintentional discharge. However, there is no reason the trigger could not be made as light and crisp as any new Smith & Wesson or etc..
Powder fouling will cause the cylinder to become slightly harder to rotate (modern guns are not altogether immune to this either, but it is vastly less likely) and hence the hammer harder to cock as you fire more and more shots, but keeping things lubed up nice will help. The caps will open up, tear, and fall off after firing, and sometimes get stuch in the action, causing a "stoppage". Its part of the technology that you have to be looking out for this.
I tried a few paper cartridges in my replica Colt, but due to the dimensions of the gun, the cartridges cannot be dropped straight into the chambers without bending them so much that they tend to tear. I though it was a great idea, but its not a benefit for this Colt. I hear they're great for some of the other guns. Loading loose powder isn't all that bad once you get into the rhythm of it. I pour directly from a 30 grain spout, rather than use a separate measure. The brass spouts can be easily trimmed to any size for your own loading preference.
