Ball seating question?

So ever since I got hooked onto traditional (early 2000’s) I read lots on the how to’s with this new to me concept.
One thing that has me scratching my head is ball seating (even conical as I’ve seen).
I ram the ball down the bore until I feel it touch the powder and stop. I do give a slight little push but thats it. I see guys on YouTube ram it the ram it again and again like numerous times. I don’t get it?
Doesn’t the pure lead round ball get deformed??
Dunno ‍
Just wondering thats all.
Is there a more correct method?
What are your thoughts or experiences.

The correct method is to “throw” the rammer down and let it bounce back several times off the ball to ensure it is seated totally atop the powder.

Failure to seat the ball completely will result in a ringed barrel as a best case scenario, with the worst case being the the rifle barrel explodes, sending shrapnel in all directions, killing or maiming anyone nearby.

Smokey Plainsman said:

The correct method is to “throw” the rammer down and let it bounce back several times off the ball to ensure it is seated totally atop the powder.

Failure to seat the ball completely will result in a ringed barrel as a best case scenario, with the worst case being the the rifle barrel explodes, sending shrapnel in all directions, killing or maiming anyone nearby.

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I have used this method since my grandfather taught me, however I have heard both arguments. I have my rods marked so as to know when the ball is completely seated

My ramrod is marked for my specific load, I try to load with the same pressure seating the ball/bullet every time to be consistent, I don’t see that “throwing” the ramrod down the barrel does any good for accuracy, and the u-toobers doing it with a metal ramrod without a guide make me cringe, JMHO.

I prefer to place the butt of the rifle on my big toe, then apply pressure with the ram rod to the load until it just begins to be painful. I figure I am being consistent with the pressure, and the ball is seated down on the powder with some compression. I have heard that there is a slide hammer type of loading rod that has a spring let-off once a certain amount of pressure is exerted, but I have never seen one, and I can see it as useful for only range shooting.

If you load sprue up and your ramrod jag is concave to match the ball, then deformation will be beneficial. It will eliminate the sprue and pre-obturate the ball into the grooves. Still, you should be consistent in whatever you do.
When using my range rod I get by with just a stout push or one short rap because the rod is heavy and has a lot of mass. With a wooden rod I bounce it a couple of times until I notice the change.

I know the thought of bouncing a rod makes heads explode, for me it's squirrels mostly.

Grimord said:

I have heard that there is a slide hammer type of loading rod that has a spring let-off once a certain amount of pressure is exerted, but I have never seen one, and I can see it as useful for only range shooting.

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Such devices are designed for the modern shooters who shoot pellets an polymer tipped projectiles. You know, guys who will buy anything.

Smokey Plainsman said:

The correct method is to “throw” the rammer down and let it bounce back several times off the ball to ensure it is seated totally atop the powder.

Failure to seat the ball completely will result in a ringed barrel as a best case scenario, with the worst case being the the rifle barrel explodes, sending shrapnel in all directions, killing or maiming anyone nearby.

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Huh???

https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/forums/general-muzzleloading.31/

Tb54 said:

Huh???

https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/forums/general-muzzleloading.31/

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Smokey has a sense of humor.

Right!

Smokey Plainsman said:

The correct method is to “throw” the rammer down and let it bounce back several times off the ball

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B.S.
There is nothing "correct" about that or incorrect about what your already doing Jamie;
The key is doing it the same way each time, and it only applies to you. As long as you seat the same way each time it becomes a consistent variable,, and you can work on the others while perfecting your load.
Me(?);
Once I have the ball seated I do "compress" with the butt on my foot, it's a "feel" you get.
Had this discussion with a friend while shooting at his house decades ago. He questioned "How do you know how much?"
"Well go get your bathroom scale and let's check"
So for much of the rest of our shooting, instead of having the butt on my foot,, I put it on the scale,, and without looking, I pretty much consistently pressed enough to send the scale to 65 pounds.

I'm not saying that's the magic, or that one way is right or wrong, I'm saying that consistency is the key

For me, (with a range rod) I run the ball down the barrel without stopping until it reaches the powder and stops.
I know I am at the right place because the rod is marked.
I do not see the point in pounding the ball after it is seated.
The key as noted above several times already = BE CONSISTENT

Firm series of pushes - with my fingertips and not with my palm over the rammer. Pencil reference mark on the wood.

I use the wood rammer under the barrel for all my loading and try not to force or bounce anything. That's why mine last. ;-)

Tb54 said:

Huh???

https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/forums/general-muzzleloading.31/

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You can't wipe out stupid, but you can numb it with a 2X4.

FishDFly said:

You can't wipe out stupid, but you can numb it with a 2X4.

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Oh so you are threatening me now huh? Is this what it becomes now, huh??

Hitting a forum member with a 2x4 is NOT sporting behavior!!

No, not at all, your post though reminds me of the famous quote from the movie "Forrest Gump".

Now we talk like the government !

Jamie from Alberta said:

I ram the ball down the bore until I feel it touch the powder and stop. I do give a slight little push but thats it.

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I would suggest you are seating the ball correctly. In this game, it seems, everyone has their own way of seating. I know the repeated bouncing of the rod off the ball is common. I think that is stupid and unnecessary. The name of this game for both safety and accuracy is consistency. Like you, I seat then put a small "umph" amount of pressure on the ball. Necessary? I dunno but that's the way I do it. BTW, too much "umph" will crush powder and cause pressure increases when you shoot. Not helpful. Carry on and enjoy.

Sounds like you have a better handle on this some of the people giving advice.

Rifleman1776 said:

BTW, too much "umph" will crush powder and cause pressure increases when you shoot. .

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Another great myth based on an ounce of truth.