I understand what you are saying about the crud ring and 777. For what it is worth, I think as you use it and shoot your barrel more, the problem either goes away or becomes less severe. When I first got my Encore and shot 777 pellets, the ring was pretty tuff. After several months, I moved to loose powder and the problem seemed to be much less severe (I also went from two 50 grain pellets to 110 grains of loose ffg, a lot hotter load). Over time, and lots of shots at game and practice, the crud ring has pretty much become nothing more than an area that is just a bit more dirty than the rest.
I don't know if the pellets make the problem worse, or just by "seasoning" my barrel, the problem has lessened. But, Ido like 777, mainly for the extra 15% more energy. I have heard that Blag Mag 3 is supposed to do nicely, maybe I'll give it a try. But as long as I can pick up 9$ a lb 777 at walmart after every season, It'll take a good deal to get me to try BM3.
R
Hank