I just got my first pipe today along with some astleys #109 I tried smoking some but did'nt burn to well the tobacoo seems very moist should I let this dry out for a while?
Yes ... put a couple of pinches on a paper towel for a few hours before loading up.
You might also want to break apart the tobacco flakes. I find that cutting them up with some scissors (1/2" chunks) and then rubbing between my fingers helps a lot.
You don't want it too firm or too loose ... but faulting on the loose side is better. I tend to gravity feed - that is pouring the tobacco into the pipe until it's full - then I pack down 1/2 way. Do this again and pack down about 3/4. Then sprinkle a little on top and pack down very lightly.