Changing the temperature of ONLY the ammo isn't the same thing as shooting the rifle and ammo when everything is at the same temperature. This is the major flaw in most so-called temperatures tests. For one thing, the temperature of the primer can change in a few seconds simply from contact with the bolt face.
That makes sense JB. Several years ago I remember you guys talking about a warm chamber making a difference.
When Dober and I did our 'test' a couple Winters back we had cold rifles and pretty sure we even let them cool a little in between shots.
As you know it doesn't take long to chill a rifle with the action open standing in a rack. Especially with that Logan 'breeze'!
Anyway with H4350/H4831sc and R17 I wouldn't be worried with shooting at a deer out to about 400 yards at say 0F or above. Velocity was roughly 50fps lower with the Hodgdon powder(compared to 70F results) and maybe 75-100fps lower with R17. Seems like accuracy was off when it got colder.
I know for a fact a scope on a 300WSM becomes more fragile when it's much colder than that....grin
Should add that 400-500 yards is long range for me, I'm sure the guys that actually practice at real LR might notice even more of a difference.