If you don't have a patch puller and you've dumped water down the barrel, you have a mess. If you have no patch worm, then try a brass bore brush of a caliber smaller then what your using. I've pulled them out with 30 caliber brushes for my rifle. The big thing is as you move the brush down the bore, keep turning it clockwise and it will hook the material normally and allow you to haul it up.

That patch worm Triple Se7en has pictured is still the best way.. just like he said, gentle pressure and turn clockwise... I've smashed a few myself...