Bennybone:
Since no one else has responded, I'll offer my opinion. I'm certainly not an expert in regards to your accuracy questions, but like you, I do read a lot, and can pass on what I have read on various forums and (more importantly) magazine articles by professional gun & ammo testing writers. Please forgive the randomness of my reply to your points.
First of all, I think you are expecting too much from your VZ(s), especially with the ammo you are using. You say you are getting an average of 4 MOA using wolf / golden tiger / herters / silver bear ammo, but are expecting 2 - 2 1/2 MOA. You admit to having concerns with imported ammo having inconsistent powder measures. Have you tried using USA made commercial ammo, either match or hunting grade? Either should have more consistent powder measure than the cheaper Russian brands you mentioned. It would also be a quicker than experimenting with handloads.
Second, you should bear in mind that whether its a D-Technik or Century rifle, you are still shooting what was originally a 1950's Assault Rifle, with its inherent limitations such as a heavy trigger, short barrel, loose chamber & rifling tolerances, etc. A more modern / commercial rifle should have tighter tolerances, better trigger, etc. leading to better inherent accuracy. I suggest doing research as to whether a heavy or match-barreled 7.62X39 AR or perhaps a recent production model Ruger Mini-30 will give you the < 2 inch MOA you seek, especially with American commercial ammo. Both are easy to accessorize and are optics-ready.
Before giving up on your VZ, check the tightness of your scope mount and ring screws, to eliminate them as an issue. Since that 1st shot is completely off the target to where you can't find it, shoot at a closer distance until you CAN find it. At least that way you can quantify the problem. I also suggest going back to the iron sights, to see if your 1st shot POI is still off from the 2nd-5th shots, like it is when you use the scope.
I don't know if the VZ platform in general has the accuracy you desire (see my next post). My VZ 2008 seems to have a relatively consistent but wide POI at 25 yds. If you do decide to sell your VZ 2008, let me know. I'm only about 200 miles away
Cary