I've tried many different pipe packing methods but for the past couple of months what seems to have great results no matter what type of tobacco is what I'm calling "roll, stack, and pack". I take a pinch of tobacco and roll it into a ball and drop it in. I take another pinch and stack it on top of the first "ball". Then on the third rolled "ball" I lightly pack. This has worked great for ribbon, flake, plug, and chunky cut tobacco. I'm no expert but it seems like it creates air pockets and produces a great burn. Give it a try and let me know how it works for you.