prm,
The very first group I shot with my 6.5 Creedmoor Predator looked like your first group--but was 5 shots, not 3. Unfortunately, I haven't been quite able to duplicate it--but usually come close.
One good "technique" with RAR's is to buy a strap-on adjustable cheekpiece. In fact this is a good idea with a lot of rifles. When the RAR first came out, Ruger offered a free Tac-Ops strap-on adjustable rest, but RAR's started selling so well, so quickly, the free offer disappeared. However, I have several of 'em (not just Ruger labeled), and they work well. The price is usually around 35-40 bucks and worth it, especially for an RAR (or any other rifle) with the scope mounted higher than many shooters are used to.
