That's a great group for a Frankengasser. It is a known phenomena for gassers to have a first round flyer (not always). The theory is that the first round is loaded into the chamber differently from the rest because of action speed, etc.
I think he's spot on, and have argued this in the past.
I like my MPA chassis on my Competition bolt guns, and they are set up for the "precision" hand placement. It feels natural, allows for better cycling of the bolt, etc.
ARs have more stuff happening than a bolt gun, and needs more input...
I usually find a KOA close by, rent a cabin (usually heated/cooled) for about $70/night with Mil discount and I'm set. Bring a sleeping bag, towel, and shower shoes, good to go.
Reloading for the match season, lifting at the gym, planning hunts and fishing trips (time consuming and fun geeking out over maps), catching up on reading, build a new gun, tying flies, dry firing, etc.
That gets me through the winters.
They made one for me a year or so ago when I asked his wife at a match. She just asked dimensions, paid for it, and it showed up one day. Shoot them an email if they are still doing custom orders.
I use 77 TMK handloads over 8208 for everything except for plinking. My wife took a a Speed Goat at 496 yards with her 18" AR when the TMKs first came out. It worked, but we found the bullet on the offside hide of the antelope, and it had reached the end of its performance envelope.
They are...