327 magnum... am I just crazy?

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Tallball

Tallball

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I have other kinds of 32 caliber revolvers, but only one 327 magnum revolver, an SP101.

Until recently I had access to a lot of 32 S&W long and some 32 H&R magnum ammo that my FiL would reload, so I never shot much actual 327 magnum ammo out of it.

I've shot something like three boxes of factory 327 ammo through it, including finishing up half a box or so with a friend a couple of months ago.

This is the part I don't get: I've read a lot of posts on this forum about 327 magnum revolvers, and I don't feel that most of the members here are out of touch with reality or constantly prevaricating. (Notice I said "most.) ;)

According to the posts, a lot of people seem to feel that 327 magnum has a lot of recoil and "flash".

But... I've shot about 150 rounds of 327 ammo. (I think it was all 100 or 115 grain lead nose or FMJ.) The recoil and "flash" have been underwhelming to me. My friend thought the same thing when he fired off a few cylinders. Frankly, to me it feels like less recoil than a 38 special from my friend's SP101, or 9mm out of my other SP101. It's not even in the ballpark of shooting 357's out of one.

So what's the deal? Have I maybe only shot weak ammo? Is it because my friend and I are large middle-aged guys who have shot guns a lot? Or am I just out of touch with reality?

Please educate me on this subject. :)

Ruger SP101 327

Ruger SP101 327

 
The ballistics I've seen for 327 magnum, while better than run of the mill 38 special, don't seem to be real barn-burners. 115g @ 1300ish fps? Moderately hot 9mm numbers. Respectable, don't get me wrong, and out of a short barrel I'd imagine there would be a fair amount of flash and recoil. Now, it looks like the OP has about a 3" ruger, that would mitigate the recoil somewhat, as opposed to a 1¾" LCR or something.
 
Tallball said:
I've shot about 150 rounds of 327 ammo. (I think it was all 100 or 115 grain lead nose or FMJ.) The recoil and "flash" have been underwhelming to me. M... Frankly, to me it feels like less recoil than a 38 special from my friend's SP101, or 9mm out of my other SP101. It's not even in the ballpark of shooting 357's out of one.

So what's the deal? Have I maybe only shot weak ammo? Is it because my friend and I are large middle-aged guys who have shot guns a lot? Or am I just out of touch with reality?
Click to expand...
The issue is sound pressure.
 
It is a high pressure cartridge, about 10k PSI over a .357 or 44mag (from memory) so that does get some people I think.
Could be milder ammo that you had, or the longer barrel on your gun than some with a snub LCR which I think would be a bit of a flash/noise maker with hot ammo in it.

I like the .327 a lot and don't mind it with any load. However, 4.2in or so is as short as I go with it as that is what I have on hand.
 
I'm guessing they were designed for backup use in small frame guns? In a small framed 2" wheelgun with 6 or so rounds of 327 one could do a hell of a lot worse. In your decent size framed gun, the recoil shouldn't be much, even with full powered loads.
You're not crazy. The round is what it is. I'll bet it's very accurate and controllable while performing well terminally for what it was designed.
Wouldn't want to be a man or beast on the receiving end of one.
 
I honestly didn't know the cartridge had a reputation for recoil. In my use of it - admittedly not in a small or light gun - I didn't notice unusual recoil.

I did notice the thing was obnoxiously loud. Perhaps that "enhances" felt recoil for some folks.
 
They are highly sought after for their very mild temperament even at full tilt. Its definitely not going to wow an experienced shooter and be a *** was that at the range. Look bigger for wow like 460 or 500 mag. They make my hands numb after a cylinder full.
 
Big different shooting a SP101 in 327. Which is a great pistol for that round. If I can find a three inch with adjustable sights in the shop, it’s mine! Try the same 327 in a light LCR with a <2” barrel! Lots of noise and flash!
 
OP, what .327 ammo did you shoot?

The 85gr factory ammo I’ve shot are a LOT lighter loaded than the Federal 100 Gr Loads.
The 100gr Spt American Eagle run 1,500fps+ from my 5.5” Ruger Single 7.
For a reference, the 110gr full power .30Carbine run 1,550fps from my 7.5” BlackHawk. It’s reputedly loud and blasty, but I haven’t really noticed. I’m familiar with the recoil and blast from a .357mag with 125gr magnums, so I don’t find the .327’s full power loads to be an issue.

I’m very fond of the .327mag. And all it’s shorter friends (.32Long, .32H&Rmag.)
 
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Slight off post.
IMO the .327 Magnum is best served in a carbine instead of a handgun. I feel its a great garment and pest format for ranches and barns. Sorry for the OT.

As for the flash and recoil, in a heavier revolver the recoil isn't all that bad but the flash can be more than most, especially if you shoot reloads using a powder like H110/W296.
 
Tallball said:
I have other kinds of 32 caliber revolvers, but only one 327 magnum revolver, an SP101.

Until recently I had access to a lot of 32 S&W long and some 32 H&R magnum ammo that my FiL would reload, so I never shot much actual 327 magnum ammo out of it.

I've shot something like three boxes of factory 327 ammo through it, including finishing up half a box or so with a friend a couple of months ago.

This is the part I don't get: I've read a lot of posts on this forum about 327 magnum revolvers, and I don't feel that most of the members here are out of touch with reality or constantly prevaricating. (Notice I said "most.) ;)

According to the posts, a lot of people seem to feel that 327 magnum has a lot of recoil and "flash".

But... I've shot about 150 rounds of 327 ammo. (I think it was all 100 or 115 grain lead nose or FMJ.) The recoil and "flash" have been underwhelming to me. My friend thought the same thing when he fired off a few cylinders. Frankly, to me it feels like less recoil than a 38 special from my friend's SP101, or 9mm out of my other SP101. It's not even in the ballpark of shooting 357's out of one.

So what's the deal? Have I maybe only shot weak ammo? Is it because my friend and I are large middle-aged guys who have shot guns a lot? Or am I just out of touch with reality?

Please educate me on this subject. :)

Ruger SP101 327

Ruger SP101 327

Click to expand...
Others might not be referring to a barrel that long, one that is sure to mitigate recoil and flash. Like 357 Magnum, this cartridge loaded full spec is too loud and high in pressure for carry ammo (without hearing protection). 38 Special then may remain the most practical, but 327 Federal loaded subsonic allows carrying 6 rounds rather than 5 in that size gun.
 
Tallball said:
I have other kinds of 32 caliber revolvers, but only one 327 magnum revolver, an SP101.

Until recently I had access to a lot of 32 S&W long and some 32 H&R magnum ammo that my FiL would reload, so I never shot much actual 327 magnum ammo out of it.

I've shot something like three boxes of factory 327 ammo through it, including finishing up half a box or so with a friend a couple of months ago.

This is the part I don't get: I've read a lot of posts on this forum about 327 magnum revolvers, and I don't feel that most of the members here are out of touch with reality or constantly prevaricating. (Notice I said "most.) ;)

According to the posts, a lot of people seem to feel that 327 magnum has a lot of recoil and "flash".

But... I've shot about 150 rounds of 327 ammo. (I think it was all 100 or 115 grain lead nose or FMJ.) The recoil and "flash" have been underwhelming to me. My friend thought the same thing when he fired off a few cylinders. Frankly, to me it feels like less recoil than a 38 special from my friend's SP101, or 9mm out of my other SP101. It's not even in the ballpark of shooting 357's out of one.

So what's the deal? Have I maybe only shot weak ammo? Is it because my friend and I are large middle-aged guys who have shot guns a lot? Or am I just out of touch with reality?

Please educate me on this subject. :)

Ruger SP101 327

Ruger SP101 327

Click to expand...

Assuming that picture is of the gun you are shooting .327 out of, have you shot .357 mag out of a similar firearm with bigger grips and a longer barrel? I ask because my snubbie .357 sp101 with the boot grip was uncomfortable to shoot .357 mag out of, but now I have a k6s with a slightly larger grip and a 3" barrel and felt recoil is much more tame. I've never shot .327 mag and have no dog in this fight, but a larger grip and longer barrel can make a big difference.
 
I have a 3" SP101 in 327 and never noticed the recoil to be substantial. The muzzle blast when shooting with no hearing protection however is painful. I use mine as a field pistol rather than a defense gun so most of the time I have it loaded with 32 H&R rounds which work well for my purposes.

ArchAngelCD said:
Slight off post.
IMO the .327 Magnum is best served in a carbine instead of a handgun. I feel its a great garment and pest format for ranches and barns.
Click to expand...

I agree with you here. I think the full-power 327 loads are excellent carbine rounds and serve that purpose well.
 
Kleanbore said:
All people who are not wearing ear protection, and pets. The damage is permanent.
Click to expand...

You have me out of context or misread what I said. I was not, nor ever, telling people to shoot without protection.

I was referring to the blast and pressure being more noticeable with a high pressure round than something like a .38 from the same barrel length. I think many people bought .327s not really understanding what they were getting into.
 
Dunross said:
I have a 3" SP101 in 327 and never noticed the recoil to be substantial. The muzzle blast when shooting with no hearing protection however is painful. I use mine as a field pistol rather than a defense gun so most of the time I have it loaded with 32 H&R rounds which work well for my purposes.



I agree with you here. I think the full-power 327 loads are excellent carbine rounds and serve that purpose well.
Click to expand...
Okay, but who makes a 327 Federal lever gun you would care to own?
 
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