1 simple answer: Cesaroni.

In terms of "very nearly 100%" ignition, just pick the CTI loads that have the ignition pellet in the top grain. Bonus that they come with a very good ematch to light them.

I haven't done staging, but for airstarts they rock!
-Ken

How do you tell if there's a pellet in it?

I plan on using Blue Streak, as they're supposedly easy to light.

far from an expert.... all of my air starts have worked, all my deployment charges have gone off (when I had the electronics set correct.)

Maybe not when I wanted them to but all have worked. Learning curves.

With that said. I have used 'Perfect Flite and Missile Works' with xmas
bulb charges for ejection. And a battery set up with the Perfect Flite that
puts a lot of juice to e-matches.

With the perfect flight I use a N6PT NiCad
(at a 5A draw it still is putting out 5.6 volts)

I also have a 6 cell NiCad that is putting out 7.6 volts at the same
5A draw.

The PET2 can handle input from 8v to 12v more than enough for the
same results.

Meaning...more than enough to light just about anything.

All my air starts have been J motors with supplied e-matches
or igniters.

Three flights lighting three J and two flights lighting two J

'No two stage yet'

I learned the more juice the less worry of not lighting. Also using
supplied e-matches and igniters took worry off me making them.

All this info was learned from this forum. many others who helped
me, know much more.

My batteries are very loanable, and my electronics. + I have a charger that is for RC
but runs off my van.

8) Steve, all of the blue streaks thru 54 have a pellet in the top. Glue the match to the pellet.

I never looked! But, I will now!