I was taught that one pulls the engine 'backwards' first if hydraulic locking is the reason (and yes blowing out too)
Turning an engine over on the starter would seem ill advised if the above is correct.
BTW I was told not that long ago the Lycomings shouldn't be pre-start turned either way as the oil pump won't deliver and dry metal to metal contact will cause wear if prolonged hand turning occurs.
Sir George [old hand cranker] Cayley