The reason we "notice" a lot of velocity loss in the first yard is very simple. It's because velocity is commonly measured at 3 feet in this country, but can also be measured (as it is--sometimes--in the UK) at the muzzle. We notice it because we compare the two figures and say "what the heck is going on?" Miller provides an explanation of why that happens. As to why we don't "notice" it as much at 2 or 3 or 4 yards . . . velocity isn't commonly measured at those distances, even if the drop is similar to what takes place in the first yard. You won't usually find velocity figures, other than the initial number, until you get out to 10 yards (or maybe even 20). And from there in multiples of 10. But readily apparent that the loss in velocity is significantly greater from the muzzle (or from 3 feet, if you choose) to 20 yards than it is from 20 to 40 yards.
