I think the tests referred to 'some' inexperienced candidates that are used to shooting smaller rifles than they were tested with. If a person grows up shooting a 30-06 or a 243 in the appropriate actions than when the rubber hits the road they (and anybody) will revert to habit.

The bolt will be pulled to the accostomed place and short stroked. Most of these apprentices are not shooting their own rifle but borrowed and loaner rifles. Rifles that are especially for the DG portion of the test.

If you spent your whole life on a magnum action and then had to shoot a short action in a hurry you would probably damned near break off the bolt handle.

That's what I think anyway.