In the old Civil War muskets, the paper cartridge end was usually bitten off, exposing the powder. Then powder and paper was shoved down the bore of the rifle. On the top end of the paper was the minnie ball. So loading was made faster and it gave a little more grip to the minnie ball. I never personally tried it, but watched a person do it on TV. Really interesting. What was so shocking was the terrible accuracy they got with them rifles. Of course they were not shooting for a 2 inch group. All they wanted to do was hit a man sized target. And with lines of fire, it was more volume then accuracy.

Anyone else ever see that on TV when they shot at the silhouettes of plywood men from a line. The re-enactors were able to get two almost three shots off in a minute. I was kind of impressed with that.

Of course with the open end and powder exposed, and I am wondering if they did not use a nitrate paper (flash paper) that the musket cap would set the whole thing off, sending the minnie and what was left if any of the paper wad, down range.