Thanks for the replies fellows. Sorry, been offline for a few days. I'm using non-combustible paper cartridge tubes, realizing now that is probably not workable in the long run.
I guess if worse comes to worse, I can dump powder down the barrel like the musket boys, but doesn't look very good when you're close to the spectator line...

But I guess when the officer is calling "fire at will, pour it on 'em" having to be slow and cautious to not throw a charge in on a glowing piece of paper doesn't look very realistic either

Last edited by jeffdwhite; 04/16/17.