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In some cases, there were paper cartridges available for pistol rounds - at least, I've been informed of this. This would take care of the issue of pouring powder and then loading the ball, as the paper was soaked in nitrate and dried before being used to make the cartridge. Just smash the whole thing in the chamber with the loading lever. If the paper didn't break too easily, exposing the powder directly to the cap, then the cap should have ignited the paper, and thus, the powder. I don't know how common the paper cartridges for the revolvers were. This still leaves the issue of getting the caps on, though - it's tricky enough to get the things on one at a time without a capper. I can't imagine it was easy to get those little things on each nipple while guys are either shooting at you our charging with bayonets, knives, musket butts, fists, and sheer determination to kill the hell out of you......
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