I wonder if OP CADENCE is preparation for the Zombie apocalypse or a recruiting ground for the undead?
For firearms users worried about making your own reloads with limited tech, I would suggest going very old school and investing in a black powder musket. Black powder is much simpler to make (and is more tolerent of minor errors in measuring proportions etc.), and the honking .58 cal musket balls will do a huge amount of damage to whatever they hit.
If you want more accuracy, primitive rifled firearms from the period will allow you to reach out and touch someone that much farther away. Bayonet fans will be pleased to know that both plug and socket type bayonets are appropriate, and some historic examples are indeed swords in their own right, just in case...