The amount of distortion a bullet may get from not entering the bore axis straight os dependant on the severity of misalignment.
If a shooters load is assembled with good components, and concentric, they have a better chance that the load will peform.
As stated above by a few shooters, some rifles shoot these shorter bullets very well.
My 25-06 likes them well enough, but when the real precision work starts, the heavier 110-120 grain bullets get the nod.
I enjoy shooting at very long distances, so a long stable bullet suits my purposes better.
I am starting a project with a 25-06, 1:9" twist barrel. I will try
To stabilise A 135 grain rebated boattail bullet. I want to attempt to take the 25-06 to 1760 yards ( 1 mile). Just because.
My switch barrel rifle will get the chance to do this with the 270, 280,30-06, as well. I am even going to try to see what the 35 Whelan can do.
Joed:
Neck tension does funny things sometimes for sure! With very little bullet inside the case, and a big jump to the lands, equates to an inconsistant pressure dynamic.
If the barrel was throated for the shorter bullets,(allowing the bullet to either touch or nearly so), it would improve the internal ballistics and produce the best results for this bullet wieght range.
When a bullet has sufficient shank within the case neck to create consistant burn characteristics, a shooters potential with thier rifle significantly improves. Consistant tension is the key.
Longer bullets tend to shoot better because alignment is easier to achieve in factory chambers. A 1:10 or 1:12" twist will stabilize most .257 cal bullets sufficiently.
The lighter .257 bullets definitely decellerate badly at longer distances! (300+yards) If a shooters purpose for thier rifle is within this distance, thier golden.
If longer ranges are the flavour of the day, higher BC is simply required.
I am very fortunate to have access to a bullet makers equipment! Him and I try all kinds of fun stuff!
At the end of the day, if the 70ish grain bullets shoot well in your rifle, then good! Fly at er! If they dont, you can see here why they can be finiky.