Make an exposed node reference filter to show only nodes created by current user
Either it's a bug by the references module or works as designed. 

You can accomplish your goal using the Entity Reference and Views Reference Filter modules.

In Views, add relationship of Referenced Entity.

Click the +Add button and add an entity reference view.

Add relationship of Referenced Entity (this is probably already done as it clones your current view) and make field title have a relationship. Remove all other unnecessary fields, if you have them, and just leave the title (make sure you select for This entity reference (override), so it doesn't affect your page view). 

In settings, checkmark ☑ content title.



Now go back to your page view and add your entity reference field as a filter.