Actually a higher BC number, dosent necessarily equate to better anything. Higher velocity with a lower BC bullet can cause it to equal or out perform one having a higher BC. Powder creates the pressure which causes velocity, and the velocity controls the (actual) BC.
Research will show the number on the box is connected to a velocity number, increase the velocity and the number improves and vice versa. Certainly having both is desirable.
One advantage to the 26" would be it could later be rechambered to a 280 or even a 7 rem mag.
But id personally be picking a 9 twist for that. lol