I bought the Ruger Air Mag just for the magnum power. I use heavier lead pellets, which I recommend as it makes a big difference quieting the shot report. The heavier pellets bring the velocity down below the sound barrier which help accuracy and noise reduction. Plus a heavier pellet hits harder and penetrates deeper. As for the alloy pellets I feel they're for bragging rights about velocity, but they don't penetrate anywhere near as good. The rifle when brand new held accuracy about 1 inch groups at 45 feet. But as it broke in, after about 100 to 150 shots or so, it quieted down and the groups tightened up nicely to about 1/2 an inch and even less. This rifle loves the heavier pellets. I shoot the Crow Magnums & Baracuda Hunter from H&N. These type pellets Hit Very Hard with a loud THWAP and the Crow Mags really mushroom out nicely driven at magnum velocities... (See Photos for both Crow Mag & Baracuda Hunter rounds) This Ruger Air Mag rifle is a killer, I can't wait to take it out for some longer distance shots to check bullet drop at different ranges... It's cool to set up different small targets and drill each one with a single shot. A warning to all though,, best have a good back stop as the heavier pellets with the magnum velocity penetrate rather well... Also with the Picatinny/Weaver scope mount it completely solves the slippage problem common on many high powered air rifles with just a dove tail. On the Ruger Air Mag there are four notches on the top of the receiver that the screws on the picatinny rail go through preventing movement. I would however suggest when getting this rifle that you degrease all screws and apply blue lock tight as the recoil on this bad boy is strong & you'll build some muscle cocking it. It does get easier as it breaks in. Once you figure out the technique it makes it easier. Once you break the barrel I use the weight of the gun to help cock it. But if you want Serious Raw Power it has to come from somewhere... And the Ruger Air Mag has Plenty of Power... One last thing, invest in a good scope that's shockproof. I can not comment on the scope in the combo package as I mounted my own scope. I like high magnification on my scope when shooting because I believe in shot placement big time... You shoot an animal in the rear and its going to run off crippled and suffer... You shoot it in the heart or head and it's dead... No More Said...