Its in the revolver you put the caps in it.
The standard US infantry weapon was the Springfield muzzle loading percussion cap rifle fitted with a ring socket bayonet. Most of the artillery was also of the rifled muzzle loading variety. Cavalry troops used the breech loading Sharps Carbine, plus a sabre, and a percussion cap revolver. Officers also carried a revolver and a sabre in lieu of a rifle.
As with most of the battles of the Civil War, the artillery used muzzle loading rifled cannon. The infantry soldiers used a muzzle loading percussion cap rifle, with a socket bayonet, firing a .54 caliber minié ball, such as the Springfield. Officers carried a revolver and a sword. Cavalry troopers used a breech loading Sharps carbine, a percussion cap revolver, usually .44 caliber, and a sabre.
Hand loading for a Revolver could be said to be a bit risky nonetheless I'm going to give it a try.
You need to consult a Black Powder loading manual
Need a detailed descripiton of all markings and features
Unlike a current day S&W or Colt, the cylinder does not swing out to load. By flipping the loading gate open, you can load cartridges into the cylinder one at a time. When closed, it keeps the cartridges from falling out.
The artillery consisted of muzzle loading cannon with rifled barrels, firing solid shot or canister. Most infantry troops carried a muzzle loading percussion cap rifle, based on the Springfield Arsenal model, firing a .54 caliber minié ball, fitted with a socket bayonet. Most officers carried a percussion cap revolver and a sword. Cavalry troopers carried a revolver, a saber, and a breech loading Sharps carbine.
The world record time for changing cylinders with a loading gate revolver is around 2.2 seconds. This feat requires skill, practice, and precision to accomplish quickly and safely. Competitions and demonstrations often showcase the speed and expertise of shooters performing cylinder changes.
A revolver designed for a revolver cartridge cannot, but some revolvers are designed to fire rimless cartridges. S&W and others made revolvers in .45 ACP, the Ruger Speed Six/Security Six was available in 9mm Parabellum.. they use full or half moon clips to hold the rounds in place and load the cylinder, rather than the traditional method of loading a revolver.
Here is a link posted in the related links section, to the basics of loading a revolver. Remember to always keep your face and fingers away form the muzzle and the the open end of the cylinder. http://www.ehow.com/how_2074718_load-blackpowder-revolver.html
The crane is the short metal arm that holds the cylinder at the forward end. The crane moves to let the cylinder swing out away from the gun's frame for loading and unloading.