When you're saying the pushrod punched a hole through the lifter, can you describe what that looks like or post a picture?

Did the lifter have a hole through the bottom of it and look a bit concave where it meets the cam?

1970 Plymouth 'Cuda #'s 440-6(block in storage)currently 493" 6 pack, Shaker, 5 speed Passon, 4.10's
1968 Plymouth Barracuda Convertible 408 Magnum EFI with 4 speed automatic overdrive, 3800 stall lock-up converter and 4.30's (closest thing to an automatic 5 speed going)