The Arms & Equipment in the Civil War Message Board

Smith Carbines...Combustible Cartridge?

Greetings,
I was wondering if someone familiar with firing Smith carbines could tell me if the original brass foil/paper wrapped (or even the India Rubber) cartridges were truly combustible or did they leave a residue that had to be extracted before the next round was loaded?

Thanks!
John A-G
Jackson, MO USA