Oops! I've been edited, was I too controversial? Gosh your moderators are strict
....
DD will steer you right. AND keep within the safe limits.
When WE make reference to loads, it is usually from one of three sources:
American artillery Assn, North-South Skirmish Association or M.C. Switlick's reference - The More Complete Cannoneer.
These have proven track records. They have a LONG track record and have made rules based on EXPERIENCE - both good and bad.
I do not think that you find any of them recommending using anything for a filler (although I have used newspaper - which burns - and I have seen a cannon such loaded explode).
If you find folks here recommending charges, see if THEY USE those charges (or are just hypothesizing) and compare them with the above recommended sources.
Good luck and WELCOME to the board! It is a pleasure to celebrate common holidays in a traditional fashion.
(Does Graybeard provide a spell-check with a dictionary of the King's English?)