Hello Dandyfunk,
If you want to make noise, then just pour some powder down the barrel, and then put something on top, then pull the trigger. You won't hit anything, but it will make a noise.
BUT if you want to hit something ( small target ) you have to be consistent.
That means everything must be the same. That means the barrel must be very similar to the proceeding shot. If your barrel is getting progressively dirty, your loading will be getting harder with each shot.
So, you first shot should be a fouling shot (no ball needed ) Then pour you favourite charge down the barrel, and then the best patch thickness and ball size.
But your patch should be moistened with some magical solution that will swab your barrel and lube the ball with each shot. Saliva works to a degree, if you shoot rather quickly after each shot, if it is left for a short while, it will dry out, resulting in a poorly lubed ball & patch combination. Reading Dutch Shultz paper on good shooting will confirm this process.
It makes no difference if you put 50-60-70- grains of powder but it must be the same, your patching & lubing is the same.
You can bang the ball with the ram rod 47 times or once, it must be the same.
If you change the powder, your impact point will most likely change.
Everybody has a secret formula that works for them, many times they will share this secret with you, so don't tell anybody else :grin:
Years ago I tried axle grease for lube, it must work, right. WRONG! Worse combination possible. The result after several shots was like tar in the barrel. ( I made a lot of mistakes in my journey of muzzleloading )
And you can't pour a cup of water down the barrel. it will soften the crud in the barrel, but it is a little hard to ignite the powder.
Your lubed patch, has to survive year round conditions. Hot, cold wet and dry.
Good luck, on your quest for great muzzleloading.
It is a fun journey.
Fred