Most accurate springer for under $550?

[Orin]

I can get 1.5-2" groups with my .177 TX at 80 yards, benched, and I'd consider myself an average shooter.  Not that the FPE is really there to hunt with at that range, but it definitely has "bottom of pop can" accuracy at 50 yards.  With Baracudas/Kodiaks, I'll take head shots on pigeons up to 30 yards, where I can easily keep my groups under 3/4" (usually closer to 1/2"), and after that it's chest shots out to around 60 yards.

My .22 Trail XL is very hold sensitive, and I still haven't put it to good use for hunting because I don't trust it past about 15 yards.  I haven't given up on it yet, though...

- Orin

[rkr]

Get a FWB 300 and install a merlin spring in it. Should be within the budget and you can shoot matchsticks with it. Merlin spring will get you in the 650 fps range.

[ac12basis]

CP
The less hold sensitive rifles are LOW powered. The more power, the more vibration, and thus more hold sensitive.  A custom tune and custom fitted guiderod will reduce vibration and thus hold sensitivity, but it will not eliminate it.
IMHO, power + not hold sensitive in a spring rifle is asking for the cake and to eat it too.
The only way I know of to get power and not be hold sensitive is to go to CA/PCP, where it does not have the moving mass and vibration of a spring rifle.