While I’ve not been snuffing for long, I often find I don’t have much trouble with my general technique (I worked in the music industry for almost 20 years, so sniffing is kind of an old habit…)
But then, every now and then, I find myself not doing it right and causing a bit of a scene.

I see Simon M mention to take it to the front of the nose, I’m not sure I really get that technique description, I’m assuming that’s largely the rate at which you’re inhaling?
I’ve had no issues at all sniffing away with many of the tins I’ve bought - but there are a couple that leave me coughing and I sure I can feel the snuff deep in my chest: Toque W&H, Snuv Crack and today, FUBAR BOSS.

Can anyone attempt to describe their snuffing motions to a first timer who is looking to reduce how much they make everyone around them laugh when they’re coughing away from a bump?

If you’re using fine and dry, empty your mouth of air, seal your lips, hold the pinch right up to your nose, and drop your jaw with out opening your mouth. It should create a vacuum and put the stuff in the right place.

Usually a bigger pinch is better to handle than a smaller one but I still end up coughing with the very fine snuffs. Wetting your fingers may help as well. Mostly it’s going to be down to practice.

If it’s a fine, dry snuff I’ve had more success when I take a large pinch, hold it under my nostril near the point of my nose and take a short, gentle sniff. I’ve found it’s less likely to shoot through my nostril and hit the back of my throat when I do this. Your mileage may vary of course .