A crack in the tote is not necessary, and I think it’s also highly unlikely (it looks sturdy as hell).
I think the logical answer is that blood dripped down the sides when he placed Kelsey’s body inside, or he sat the tote in blood when he brought it inside the house after Kelsey’s murder.
So blood on that tote not only makes perfect sense, but I’d be surprised if there wasn’t any on there.
PF returning to Nash a third time (between placement and pickup), isn’t supported by cell records. The other two times were. Logically is also makes little sense.
As for the alleged missing bullet, I don’t anticipate ever getting an answer. I think it’s highly unlikely KK fired at the tote, as that would draw attention.
Someone else could have done that (fired it) during the period of time the gun sat in MG’s car, between the time she last checked its condition (the gun’s), and when she discovered a round missing.
I’ve always believed that the gun is a red herring/nothingburger.