I have a similar issue - fingers are a bit large to get a .177 pellet in my PS. I use a pair of plastic tweezers - the sort that stamp collectors et al use. Couple of quid on eBay. Works for me - you grip the pellet by the skirt. Takes a bit of a knack to do it quickly, but easily learnt.

have a Nikon EFR on my ProSport.

Sorry to learn you're having to give up. I'd be interested in your TX if you're still selling. Am in London but prepared to travel if price/gun is right. New, they look to start at £400 or so for beech. Re. price for pre-owned, probably a good idea to have a look at Gunstar and similar to get an ide...