If you pierced the ball through you've removed the majority of easy fixes. Considering the cost of the Traditions Kentucky rifle, and considering their customer service, it might behoove you to send them the barrel and let them fix it. It may cost less than a new barrel which might be required should you mess it up further. I'm also sure they've fixed this problem more times than most people, and they have the tools for it. The nice thing about Traditions is; they're still in business, and they will talk to you when you call them. Take the bite, chalk it up to experience, and let the pros fix it. Next time though, remove the nipple, put in some fff, and clear it that way, even works better than CO2.