Hm.
Might be i´m off target here a little. As development and evolution of pills strive forwards...which happens, like it or not..
An 8 grain pill moving at just beneath 850fps should most certainly start to expand if so designed. 8 grains for a 177 caliber gun? Sure i´d say.
For accuracy in turn.
Yes. Slugs present a somewhat different ballgame, granted. The more pronounced choking of barrels inherent with the use of pellets is out, but let me assure that slugs can be had just as accurate, if not more so. Especially as ranges open up, better BC is better BC no matter how you regard it and that WILL come into effect swapping from pellets to slugs.
Granted, different power level. No argument on that one, but we just did this non reg Hatsan Factor. Using 218" slugs ranging from 30-40 grains hunting for accuracy we ended up with a combination that hits a golf ball at 90 meters (basically 100 yards) with ease.216´s and that thing won´t hit the broadside of a barn.
Can/could that be mimiced for a 177 gun at lower muzzle speeds? There´s no doubt in my mind...
..which is what i´m saying here. It´s not only a matter of if pellet or slug, development and evolution most likely can not be taken to a stop. Thus, as i regard it, it´s just a matter of time before someone presents a better mouse trap.
I agree 100% on the accuracy statement. Accuracy is king, but the thing is that it can be had using slugs too. I sincerly hope noone´s debating that?