Hello Jon,interesting findings! i thought the spring was going to be the culprit.
The barrel picture is interesting,i imagine the lead my have come from the tail ends of pellets, chopped off as they were launched into the barrel from the breech loader.
Perhaps remove a 1/2" off the tail of the barrel?
Strangest, is that until that spring went it was still an accurate shooter!
I look forward to forthcoming episodes!
Don.