For loads up to about 120 grains or so, I think loose powder gives you a lot of flexibility in terms of tuning loads - and saves you a fair amount of money as well. However, the Pyrodex pellets seem to have the edge on burning efficiency when you get into the magnum charge levels. For deer hunting, at ranges of 150 yards or less, I would just stick with the regular standard loose powder at charge levels around 100 to 110 grains.I would second recommending the 250 Shockwave as a first choice bullet.