it's fun, in a strange kind of way, to get the rifle shooting to your desired vel. that's part of the fun of Qb's: the ability to "tune-n-tweak" the rifle to shoot how you've put your mind to making it.
A suggestion that may not go over well; we all get the "need for speed". Think about backing it down to 650--660fps (in .22 I assume). At that speed using good pellets (Crosman Preimers or Benjamin Black Tin Diabolos) will have about 500fps/8 foot pounds left at 50yards. That's enough to do in any squirrel or rabbitif the pellet lands in a spot to intersect the "good stuff" inside.
For giving up that 50fps (and about 4/10ths inch drop at 50yards) will get a smoother cycling, easier to cock, somewhat quieter, longer shot string rifle...it will still work fine out to the 50yard/1" group distance QB's seem to limit out at....and is a lot friendlier rifle to operate.
For the noise, either live with it or look up one of the custom brake/shroud makers.
