In one game I had a situation where I could charge head on (frontal) with a cavalry squadron into an infantry column in column formation (with move order).
My opponent tested good and then released his defensive fire with one base (spending his first volley).
We agreed that indeed the infantry could miraculously form a firingline with the leading base, but what do others think of this situation?
My opinion is that they certainly would not be able to do something similar, if the charge came in from the flank, or at least out of the firing range to each side of the unit.