I agree that loose powder is the way to go. I know that today's MZ's are rated for 150 grains of powder, or three pellets, but I have found that at those loads, acuracy is diminished. Most of my T/C sidelocks perform best in the 90, to 100 grains of powder range. (greatest accuracy). a few years back I bought a new T/C Encore Katahdin, in .50. It consistently shot high, even with the rear sight adjusted all the way down. I called T/C, and they sent me a taller front sight, I installed it and now it shoots fine.