The dabbing you did to the female flower was almost certainly successful. Just a gentle dab or two, here and there, is plenty. I sometimes worry that I'm damaging the female structures with too much agitation, but it all seems to work out OK. I would just suggest a few light dabs are plenty, as long as the male flower is visibly dusty with pollen grains before you start.
I don't know if pruning the tip will help. It will certainly encourage the growth of side runners. I would just make sure to cut off any more female flowers. I like to let them open and have their day in the sun just so the bees can have their fun. Hey, if you want the bees to work for you, you've got to provide them with the goods.

It worked! I have a nice softball sized pumpkin! The other one on the vine hasnt opened it's flower yet but I bet tomorrow or thursday....And i will do it again!

man those pumpkin vines are crazy!