I rather say that there are several types that come under 'Napoleonic', so I would like to stress the difference-

Skirmishers (like light infantry, grenzer, jeager...) very low % of marching - most in sort of action.

Line infantry - very few firing, most marching or advancing.

In colonials - most of them to form a square, firing, loading and large proportion 'at ready'.

I think that is what makes big difference.
Even within the type (like within US and CS infantry during the ACW) there are differences - ones with bad rifles had to fight charging, while others relied on firing their more advanced weapons...

Somewhere I heard that unit of Prussian landwehr was charging throughout the battle because they never fired a shot before were sent to action. For that unit no firing poses would be a norm, for they just never fired a single shot...

Cheers!

Email