Is powder temperature sensitivity over blown?

[LRRPF52]

Here’s a comparison of the 123gr SST with a 100fps difference between 2 loads, the faster one fired at 80 deg F, the slower one fired at 20 deg F:

2460fps mv, 80 deg F, 100yd zero confirmed at 80 deg F:

200yds 2119fps 1226ft-lbs -4” drop .6 mils
300yds 1959fps 1048ft-lbs -16” drop 1.5 mils
400yds 1807fps 892ft-lbs -37” drop 2.5 mils


2360fps mv, 20 deg F, 100yd zero confirmed at 20 deg F:

200yds 1983fps 1074ft-lbs -4.7” drop .7 mils
300yds 1810fps 895ft-lbs -18” drop 1.7 mils
400yds 1647fps 741ft-lbs -43” drop 3 mils

400yds in the latter example is well below the expansion threshold of the 123gr SST.

Both loads are capable of generating expansion with that bullet out to 300yds, with only 2” of drop difference between them at 300yds.

If you use a 50yd zero for both of them, they both maintain a point blank zero placing the shots within a 10” vital zone out to 225yds with no dialing or need for reticle holds.