I try to load that way exactly the same every time. Bouncing the rod, as you see Ross doing is not in my repertoire of loading practises - nor is blowing down the bore. The ball must be seated the same each and every time - but - you shouldn't crush the powder nor damage the projectile - which bouncing will do. US soldiers were taught to bounce the rod to ensure the ball or bullet was down. If the rod's tip fits the ball or bullet, damage to that projectile will be kept at a minimum - however - it does compress the powder directly beneath the projectile and also crushes the granules to a fine powder - this changes it's ballistic properties, shot to shot. There are a few people at rondy who bounce the rod - their shooting does not challenge me. If rod bouncing is the way your stick floats because it is historically correct, then by all means do it. The rod's tip should be almost a scraping fit the bore exactly, and the nose should fit your projectile perfectly, else damage will happen and if ill fitting of rod, the damage will be "all over the map" from side to side as well.
Taylor puts the short starter's hole on the top of the rod, and pushes it down firmly using both hands. This works for him and he's a strong competitor - always. In my own chronograph test of loads, I find the system I use gives me very consistant velocities. If I just push the ball down too the powder by feel, until it 'bumps', velocity falls up to 100fps average and shot to shot velocity extremes are more than doubled.
Accuracy with muzzleloaders is about 50% shooting, and 50% loading. I don't know where I read that over 30 years ago, but I believe it. Consistency, though art a jewel.
