have you tried the air pocket method?
http://www.clubstogie.com/vb/showthr...pocket+packing
also if you can afford to, invest in a better pipe. The addage you get what you pay for holds true. Getting a good pipe thats broken in and has a thin layer of cake in the bowl makes for an easier cooler smoke. You should be able to find a good estate SAVINELLI for under $30.00 to your door. A new one is only around 50 bucks a Iwan riess, so dont overspend at ebay.
http://search.ebay.com/Savinelli_W0Q...mZR40QQfrtsZ50