Many pocket pistols were loaded at home where things like short ramrods or maybe even a straight stick and powder measures were available.
In those days folks planned on only using their gun if all else failed and the idea of reloading in the field, so to speak, was not considered.
That's why things like Cane guns, a gun that looks like a walking cane but has a barrel, a percussion cap and a small trigger or button were fairly common. The owners of these guns also never considered reloading after the shot.