Double braid splice problems

[seawolf]

To all those experienced splicers that have gone through the grief.
No matter what I seem to do, I always have a problem with the last 1/2 or inch. It seems that I run out of slack, even though I believe my measurements are correct.

I am practicing on sta-set by New England Ropes. 3/8 and 1/2 inch.
Does anyone find this rope a little more difficult than that of other brands to finish home the splices?

My first splices were really bad and I had the problem of bunching up the core at the end and being able to go no further or having to much slack in the cover at the eye.

The last two practice sessions, one on each size went a little more smoothly as I was being careful not to bunch the core up. It seems I can get just pass the cross over and my slack runs out. Leaving a 1/2 to 1 inch to get to the bury strand for sewing the throat.
I have been following the instructions in Brion's video regarding mesaging the rope.
I just seem to run out of slack.
I will try beating the line at the taper with a rubber mallet along with mesaging and snapping.
I have to admit the video makes it look pretty easy, and I thought if I am having this much trouble maybe I am missing something.
Thanks.
Bob
Any recommendations welcome.