Yeah
.327 Federal Magnum may be a great cartridge, but again, we're interested in more than just the amount of energy it produces.
Also, someone said "energy equals mass times velocity squared" earlier....which is not the case. Kinetic energy = 1/2 mass x (velocity squared)
Momentum is simply mass times velocity. Which is more important? Both!
The .327, being a "fringe" cartridge, is not that interesting to me, as I MUCH prefer to stick with popular cartridges. As a hand-loader you might think that strange, but I can only load for so many calibers and I want to be able to supply my friends with practice ammo. Further, it simply is not as energetic nor does it posses the momentum of the immortal .357. AND, it operates at an insane pressure of 45,000 psi, compared to the 36,000 psi 44 mag and the 35,000 psi .357.
That creates all sorts of limitations, especially
with cast lead bullets, that do not exist with the .38 or even the 9mm. I suppose one could just use a drastically reduced load....
Nah, I'll stick with the beforementioned.
Methinks one could compare this to a 9mm vs .45 acp debate; it may be that the difference in energy (or momentum) is mitigated with proper bullet design, and the 9mm is at such a disadvantage because so many armies use 9mm FMJs (as they must by international treaty) and have limited success. For me it is clear; the 9mm is a superior cartridge, factors being equal, because of the higher pressure. And as I said, I think I'd be happy with .38 +p, and when the time comes to pick up a revolver it will probably all come down to what I can find a good deal on.