I have several cap and ball pistols, a Ruger Old Army, 2 1851 brass frames in .44, and a .36cal 1851 steel frame. You DO NOT want to use laser cast bullets in your 1860!!!! They can and will make for a dangerous situation by increasing the pressures beyond what the open frame can handle. If you want to use this as a backup or primary hunting gun, I would recommend a pure lead cast conical, and 20-35 grains of FFF Black Powder. As far as the ins and outs, here is a brief summary of what I have learned over the last 15 years or so of shooting these guns: Pyrodex is a killer to remove. Don't use it. It contains chlorides--read bleach--that are harmful to metal if not completely removed. I have a pitted barrel to prove it. The best bullet lube I have ever used is a mixture of Crisco and bees wax. Melt it together until you get a lube that is solid at room temp, about like refrigerated butter. Sorry I don't have the exact ratio, it is written down somewhere in my gun box... As far as a load goes, each pistol I own is different. The best way to find the load is at a range, and a few shots at a time with a known powder measure. As far as cleaning goes, if you use Black Powder, water is amazing. Lots of patches, a toothbrush and hot water works wonders. When I am satisfied the gun is clean, I oil the internals with a good quality gun oil, and the barrel with the crisco/beeswax mixture. I take my pistols down to parade rest every other shooting session, and I find that if I try to extend that things get a little dicey. Another tip I read from Elmer Keith that I find really useful, is I put a "wonder wad" between the powder charge and the bullet, and I find that I see better groupings. As for nipples, you may find that a better quality nipple will benefit your pistol, I see quite a bit of variation in the quality of the factory nipples. As far as the lead dangers go, they exist. I deal with the danger by keeping my lead out of reach of little hands, locked up. When I am working with lead, I make sure that no one who is not aware of the danger can come in contact with it, and I do NOT melt any lead indoors. Springs do break as sltm1 mentioned, but they are easy enough and cheap to replace.
Saved the most important part for last: These pistols are a true joy to learn how to shoot and maintain, and the experience remains fun year after year. Good Luck and Enjoy!