I've never had much trouble with BB sized shot but with #9 I have great difficulty, usually drop two before finally getting one on. Fred Bridge advised me to have the leader behind the shot (in the opening between the thumb and forefinger on the palm side) when holding the shot between thumb and forefinger and then pulling it into the slot and gripping it with thumb and forefinger, too, until I can crimp it down. Once its slightly crimped, you can release the grip enough to mash that sucker down tight. It works, but its still a pain.