I didn't read through the whole thread, but I assume a lot of it discusses bullet choice/shot placement/etc. All valid points, but I'd like to chime in with my AR experience so far, since the results seem to be similar.
I build my first AR last fall. Just a cheap PSA kit to get a feel for the platform before I figure out what I want for a 'real' calling rifle. It shoots decent enough on paper. It's not as accurate as the Tikka 22-250 I normally call with, but I didn't expect it to be. I have had a [beeep] of a time with it when calling, though. I didn't get to call a lot last winter, so my experience is limited, but I find myself taking quicker shots with it than the bolt gun. Duh, right - it's a semi-auto and carries more than 3 in the mag. But for me, quicker shots = poor shots. I've missed more coyotes than normal, and the hits haven't been placed as well. Maybe the conscious knowledge that it's a problem and some extra trigger time with it will eventually cure the issue, but for the time being I'm not sold on it. Maybe the OP's issue is similar?