Hammering - from "throwing the rod" (words from military instructions) compress the powder as well as grinding it into powder/dust, all of which change the
burning characteristics of the powder. Would you expect the same powder charge of 1F, 2F and 3F - or any combination of those, to all shoot into the same group?
Might do at 25 yards, but not beyond that, I'd wager.
Notice the hole - that fits over the end of the wiping stick to give it a little 'punch' with your palm on the starter handle, to seat the ball onto the powder with the same
force each time. In shooting ML's, "consistency, though art a jewel".
I also put a ring of leather under the antler for a bumper.
These are all, "holed" to fit the rod's end.