Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to coated articles that include anti-reflective (AR) coatings produced from colloidal silica with variable size particles in formulation, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, the AR coatings advantageously exhibit high transmission, high transmission gain with respect to uncoated articles, and high b* values, before and/or after heat treatment. The AR coatings of certain example embodiments may be temperable or otherwise heat treatable (e.g., at temperatures of 500 degrees C. or greater) together with their supporting substrates. In certain example embodiments, the particle size for the colloidal silica is 10-110 nm, and the b* values are at least about 0.8. Certain example embodiments may be used in connection with photovoltaic devices and/or the like.