My stuff is usually ground up, so I find a decent sized nug the place a top the hole of my pipe so nothing falls in, then i sprinkle enough to fill the bowl to it's max- usually takes 3-4 good full pinchfuls. Then I give it a nudge to the left and right to pack it, and sprinkle another pinchful on top.

I find that ground up stuff burns MUCH nicer than an actual ripped off piece from a big nug. Maybe it's just me?