Bullet fit / loading pressure to apply?

[MaddH]

This sounds a lot like the infamous Triple 7 crud ring (see this thread for great photos: https://www.frontiermuzzleloader.com/threads/fighting-the-triple-7-crud-ring.12490/) Are you dropping your breech plug and ensuring that the barrel is mirror clean, all the way down to the flash hole?

Yep drop the breech plug every time

 

[TXLonghorn]

Same charge and same bullet= same mark on your rod. Every time.

Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Consistency is your friend with these modern muzzle loaders.

 

[MaddH]

Update, I met with a seasoned muzzy guy and he confirmed what you guys were saying. Went out today and all went well and loaded fine with no tamping. Thanks to al, who responded. My grandson shot way tighter groups today