When I use mink oil, I simply put the number of patches I intend to use in an outing on a plastic cutting board, and run the grease into the patches. When one side is done, I turn them over and rub the grease into the other side as well. Coating only one side wouldn't work for me. My ball/patch combo is tight in my bores, and the extra lube makes loading, even in winter, almost effortless.