I am not sure if you are trying to shoot a bottle cap at a thousand or just shooting a muzzleloader at basic ranges, but if it's the latter, don't over think it... ram the projectile firmly onto the powder charge so there is no gap. If the projectile is a hair tighter on the charge or hair looser on the charge with each shot, it will not change how your load shoots on the grand scope of things. We "general" muzzle loading shooters do not over think such things... Most of us ram-rod the projectile down the barrel followed by some loose handed tosses of the ramrod down the barrel until the rod bounces a couple times. The bounce usually tells the shooter that the projectile is seated firmly and properly. Also, as mentioned, making a little scratch mark on your ramrod for a reference, will tell you if you are seated properly on the charge every time. If your muzzle swallows up your reference mark, it means you forgot the powder charge. The KISS method is still the GOLD standard must of us should live by these days...

Glad to hear of your interest in our sport, hobby, lifestyle, and wish you the best in your endeavours!

Heck, the British were doing 1000 yards with their Enfields and Whitworths.

You nailed it Moose!