Not Ranked
I never had knock offs on my Cobra, but did have one of the rare sets on my '63 split window Corvette (very rare wheels). They had the lead hammer.
Where I believe either kind of hammer will work, because this indeed is not rocket science, the lead hammer is best. It is for a very simple reason involving the dynamics of how the energy goes from the hammer to the spinner. The rubber deforms (as you know), but that has the effect of allowing the energy of the moving hammer to be released, and not getting to the spinner in a consistent and predictable manner.
The lead, while protecting the spinner, does not deform, and passes more predictable, consistent, and effective force to the spinner. In all fairness, even simple things sometimes have specific reasons for being the way they are.
As I said, tho, either hammer will work, so I don't mean any offense at all, but the lead (or soft metal) hammer has a reason for being.
edit: Then there's Bob's very good advice about safety wire, which can prevent an accident. But it is the hammer which will produce the desired loading.
Regards
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