and run the battery down with no success, a hand swing of the prop will no longer work to start it, you're going to have to use ground power
I did not explain myself well. Many starters on Lycomings, once engaged, will not disengage the pinion from the ring gear, until started with the starter motor. With the pinion engaged, and coasting as you pull through, you likely cannot pull it through fast enough to get it started.
Thus, if you suspect that the starter will not start the engine, and you might have to hand prop it, don't attempt a starter start at all, to prevent getting the starter locked engaged.