177 pellets and older fingers

So I bought my first 177 about two weeks ago. Never thought I would own a 177 or a clone CO2 pistol either. But I am teaching a friend who has never shot the basics of PB handguns and the Umarex PPQ M2 seemed a good starting point. No recoil and no loud report.
Any ways, I have learned to hate 177 projectiles in less than 2 weeks. My old fumbling fingers struggle with the Liliputian sized projectiles every time I go to stick those 21 micro pellets in the magazine.
All the above is somewhat tongue in cheek but I am wondering if there is a secret to handling these minuscule wonders more efficiently.
Also, didn’t think I would enjoy shooting this thing but am having a ball shooting it in the garage with a minimalist back stop.
I’ve got two choices that help me deal with this issue - using several preloaded magazines or a flip out single shot loader
 
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I find it easier if I shake a few out of the tin onto the table top or a shop towel and then pick them up from there. If I go to pick them up from the tin it's a pain and you know what
Since I'm too lazy to have those things available I just sprinkle some on the tin lid and pick them up from there much easier than grabbing them from pile. Still a pain in the ass. That's the one thing I don't like about 177. I don't have that problem with the 25. And I'm getting a 22 coming in soon.
 
I’m 76 with fat arthritic fingers. Most of my stable consists of .177 ul springers and I shoot every day. The key to loading those tiny pellets is gripping them right every time. I have my thumb at the bottom of the skirt, my index finger on the side of the skirt and gently pinch the pellet and push it into the chamber. Yeah I drop one once in a while but not often enough to get discouraged. Takes some practice but it works. Uj
I'm 79, broke my left thumg and it healed stiff. How I load depends upon the gun and how I hold it. Underlevers I hold the lever with left hand and load with right, break barrels I load with left, side levers load with left as I hold the lever with right. Most guns even with that stiff thumb it is more natural for me to load with left hand.
 
I use a little tool I made from a rubber band and a piece of bamboo to load pellets.

12-26-23-04-using-the-Hank-single-shot-loader.jpg


Wrote it up in a guest blog for Pyramyd Air.