You see it in the movies all the time. The soldier loads then bounces the ramrod to insure the projectile is seated. Well that might be fine and dandy in a smoothbore musket. But you are correct.. have a witness mark and push to that mark. Deforming the ball will do you no good. Also I have to agree with the comments of a friend should have never taken upon himself to do that with your rifle. But then friends do strange things sometimes and get away with it. Keep up the good work.