Every muzzle loading shooter should have a ball puller in his possession at all times. They are available from most muzzle loader shops. They are like a wood screw and attach to your ramrod. Some shooters have one permanently mounted to a metal rod with a "T" handle to assist in screwing the puller into the ball. I would HEARTILY suggest you get one as, besides situations like you are in, a puller can come in very handy if you find yourself with a loaded rifle that (for whatever reason) cannot be shot.

Tom