I'll try to address these in order...
1. Bolt closing resistance
The resistance you are feeling is the bullet jamming into the lands of the rifling. This is verified by the fact that you clearly see the rifling marks on the bullet. Seat your bullets deeper and the problem will go away.
2. Offset Sight Holes
You are correct, the thicker recoil lug necessitates re-headspacing the barrel which is why the screw holes aren't on top anymore. If Fred had reinstalled the barrel with the sight holes lined up on top your headspace would be way long and dangerous.
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