Yes, it is normal to see a huge variation on freebore. I once did an experiment, and went around to gun stores to measure freebore on 300RUM's. I used the same bullets, same case I ordered from stoneypoint. It varied from 3.65" COL to 3.85" COL. I saw how fast they ream these things at the factory, and now comes clear to me. For a 22-250, I would be happy to have .24" of neck tension. The rule of "one caliber" in the neck has served me well for a long time.

I don't believe its BS. I have shown to myself so many times how seating depth does matter.