Congratulations on your new rifle. I have a soft spot for HW77's. It is the model that got me started down this rabbit hole to begin with. I use an Optisan 3-12x32 CP on mine. Very nice eye box and a great (albeit a little fine) reticle. If you are shooting under thirty yards I would go with the stock iron sights. Weihrauch makes some damn fine steel optics.
I shoot mine from 20 to 80 yards. I shoot soup cans, steel reactive targets and the occasional pest if the chance arises. I honestly do not shoot it enough. I cranked it up to 18 foot pounds with a Vortek kit and Krytox before I understood springer mechanics. I plan on reworking it back down to a more manageable 15 fpe one of these days. Not the easiest rifle to work on!
I purchased mine in .177 and I had visions of using the JSB Monster 13.4's. Unfortunately my rifle hates JSB pellets and I had to settle on 10.65 H&N's.
H&N does make a .25 caliber Field Target Tropy right at 20 grains. I would start there first for your .25 ammo. Your rifle will probably shoot them the best.
Using two hands to cock the under lever will make the HW77k an all day shooter. Place the butt of the rifle on your hip and start with one hand and then grab it with the other hand pulling it downwards in a quick and sure manner. Body mechanics for the win.
The loading mechanics will get easier once you master balancing a pellet on your thumb with your forefinger pinching the bottom of the pellet skirt. Sounds weird but it works. The rifle should be pointed on at least a 45 degree angle while holding onto the cocking lever to make loading easier.
Gotta love that "Snick" sound when it fully cocks. Pavlov's dogs have nothing on me, I love that sound.
Enjoy your new rifle, they are all works of art.
This is the trouble maker that started the whole journey. 'Ware the under lever! They are cunning and dangerous on your budget!
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