Adding a maneuverability/maneuver rate value to a bolt or moltenbolt gives it tracking, but the bolt is limited to 20 facings. I believe this is likely to also be the case for other in-engine effects as well. This is an old, old limit dating back to early versions of the game, and results in exceptionally ugly effects, limiting the value of low agility or large-sized missiles using the in-engine effects. This should be increased to 40-facings at least, preferably 120, as this is an incredibly ugly effect when it occurs and is very limiting for weapon design. It'll put a bit more load on things, but the visual smoothness should be worth it.
I’m pretty sure this affects other effects as well. I’ve been noticing some distinct granularity to the way the <Ray> in thrust effects moves when a ship is turning since their introduction in 1.2.
360 facings would be ideal for omnidirectional and tracking weapons.
I believe this is an issue with the maneuverability code.
I can't reproduce this.
If you specify (e.g.,) maneuverRate="18" it means that the missile will turn a maximum of 18 degrees per tick. If the missile has to turn a lot, then it will seem to turn in 18 degree increments. Perhaps that is what you're seeing?
If not, please attach a screenshot (or mod) and re-open. Thanks!