A follow-up to confirm the posts above:

I am sticking with the idea of AIMING with the Ring Finger to achieve a 3-knuckle landing (Small, Ring, Middle).

It is far more comfortable now that I am hitting harder, and it seems to be more powerful, mostly due to helping with shoulder and hip rotation.

One other thing (I have never seen this listed among "how to punch harder tips" in any book or forum, but do believe I have seen it mentioned casually as a separate item):

I am concentrating on hitting not just with the Ring finger knuckle but hitting a specific spot on the bag. I sport a label, bag scuff, sweat drop, whatever and AIM my ring finger knuckle at that exact spot as the bag moves.

This seems to have a bunch of advantages, including that eventually hitting someone perfectly on the chin (or wherever) will require accuracy.

A well-placed hit is much more likely to hit solidly and thus transfer more force being more effective (i.e., harder and sharper.)

It also keeps me focused and mentally as well as physically concentrating.

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HerbM