A 499 does shoot the 'regular' zinc Daisy BBs very well, it's what I shoot out of mine 99% of the time. The difference between a group shot with regular Daisy BB and the uber expensive (for BBs, anyway) Avanti precision ground shot will be small and would only be a necessity to a competitive shooter IMHO.If you want to bump the MV up to over 400 fps, use a Red Ryder spring. I have posted about this before, but the difference is amazing. I routinely shoot hanging plastic water bottles set up at 30 yards, using a normal sight picture, none of the "hold way over and lob 'em in" type of shooting. I have a blast with mine. If you need a new RR spring, shoot me a PM, they're not expensive.
I have seen your post and it was one of the best posts I have ever read on the forums.. I put a small shim in my Model 25 because of that post. Believe it or not I definitely get a straighter trajectory at 20 yards with the gun now.. I also put a shim in my Red Ryder. It was very worn out and the shim gave it life and shoots harder than my brand new Red Ryder lol... I just can't bring myself to pulling apart my 499.. yes it's slow and can become boring but I love owning it being able to pick it up and shoot it every once in awhile it's a big deal to me
My 499 with Daisy regular BB's will hit a plastic practice golf ball every time at 25 yards. To be "on" at 25 yards, the rear sight must be cranked all the way up (or real close to it).I think a golf ball is slightly less than 2" in diameter.