Are you saying from a clean bore it took 6-7 shots to foul and start grouping well? If that’s the case then that’s perfectly normal. I’ve always felt like it takes 5-10 shots for a barrel to settle down.
Have you tried the CCI sub sonic “semi auto” variation? I have no issues with that in my mark iv. I haven’t had any issues with mine cycling but I only shoot that or the CCI standards in mine.
I’ve never been very impressed with Leopold glass but I have no experience with that spotter. If I were to guess the only thing you would give up to that leupold is FOV. The Kowa 55’s are 28oz and have pure fluorite glass. Pretty hard to beat.