.327 Federal

[RJM]

If you want a handy very well, probably the best made sixgun in .327 federal magnum, you can get a Freedom Arms model '97 with pretty much any barrel length you want and different sights to match.

 

[Daizee]

The .327 beats the .30 carbine by 7000psi, which means you can use faster powders to get more velocity with less wasted powder in a shorter barrel - similar to the difference between a .22WMR and a 5.56x25mm.

actually, I hadn't realized the overall dimensions were so similar.

-Daizee

 

[sheepdog]

...I'd like to see the .327 in a Marlin rifle/Vaquero set...love those same-cartridge combos!!!

 

[unspellable]

30 m1

The 30 M1 has a tapered case which is more trouble to reload than a straight case. It's also rimless which makes it awkward in a swing out cylinder revolver.

The 327 almost does it. Rimmed, straight case. But why couldn't they have made it standard magnum case length at 1.29 inches?

Of course then my next problem would be you can't get a recessed chambered, pinned barrel, six inch S&W Model 19 chambered in 32 caliber.

 

[Daizee]

Of course then my next problem would be you can't get a recessed chambered, pinned barrel, six inch S&W Model 19 chambered in 32 caliber.

You mean a Model-16?
(just ream the chambers a little deeper. I wonder if it would be safe at .327 pressures. maybe, if the K-frame used to handle the .357 in its day...)

http://www.gunsamerica.com/93410943...re_S_W_Model_16_4_32_H_R_Mag_Free_Shippin.htm

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=150784281

mmmmm.... donut.
In fact I'd have to save my donut money for a long time to snag one of those babies.

-Daizee

 

[01]

It is well known that light-weight bullets at high velocity expand rapidly and reduce penetration, causing shallow surface wounds which often fail to reach the vitals.

As a defensive round the .327 will prove inadequate to penetrate heavy clothing and reasonable cover.

The 115 grain 327 bullet has a sectional density of 0.168, which is greater than the sectional density of both the 230 grain 45 caliber bullet and the 180 grain 40 caliber bullet. 115 grains is NOT "light" for a bullet with a diameter of .312".

The 115 grain 327 bullet not only has a sectional density greater than a 230 grain 45 bullet, but it moves about 300-500 fps faster. It should have amazing penetrative potential.

There is a comparison poster available on the ATK website (http://le.atk.com/pdf/GoldDotPoster.pdf) that compares the preformance of different Gold Dot bullets, and it shows that the 115 grain 327 Gold Dot bullet is capable of both excellent penetration and expansion. When shot into bare gel, the 115 grain 327 bullet penetrated to 14.75 inches with an expanded diameter of .627". By comparison, the 135 grain 38 Special Gold Dot bullet penetrated to 11 inches with an expanded diameter of .576". The 115 grain 327 bullet not only expanded nicely, but it is shown to have penetrated deeper in bare gel than all the Gold Dot bullets in 38 Spl, 9mm, 40, 45, and 357 Sig that were tested! Only the 357 Magnum bullets penetrated deeper.

 

[Manco]

There is a comparison poster available on the ATK website (http://le.atk.com/pdf/GoldDotPoster.pdf) that compares the preformance of different Gold Dot bullets, and it shows that the 115 grain 327 Gold Dot bullet is capable of both excellent penetration and expansion. When shot into bare gel, the 115 grain 327 bullet penetrated to 14.75 inches with an expanded diameter of .627".

That's pretty decent, alright. I use a different .40 S&W load with more controlled expansion, and it averages around .615" in diameter and 15" of penetration in bare gelatin, which is very similar terminal performance, at least in lab tests.

The 115 grain 327 bullet not only expanded nicely, but it is shown to have penetrated deeper in bare gel than all the Gold Dot bullets in 38 Spl, 9mm, 40, 45, and 357 Sig that were tested! Only the 357 Magnum bullets penetrated deeper.

While the .357 Magnum loads penetrated more deeply, that's only because they expanded to a substantially smaller final diameter. At this point I have to say in all fairness, however, that these are weak .357 Magnum loads. The 125 grain load is actually slower than the 158 grain load , and falls between the 9mm's and 9mm+P's velocities and energy levels. Granted, these are combat or self-defense loads, and the 125 grain one might have been fired from a snubby for all we know, but the end result is just not real .357 Magnum performance--even the .357 SIG load beats it out easily.

Sorry about the digression, but I guess this is a reminder to look up as many different loads as you can before judging the effectiveness of any caliber, whether it's .357 S&W Magnum or .327 Federal Magnum.

 

[Steve in Merritt Island]

Smith & wesson is now into the act

Smith now markets two models in this caliber. The only one that I find "interesting" is the two inch Model 632, albeit at a price. A very stiff one indeed: $900+! But cute none the less. Have no idea what I would do with it.

I already have a Ruger Bisley in .32 H&R and find myself shooting it mostly with Starline .32 long loaded with 105 gr. cast originally designed for the .32 Colt New Police (don't know what the "old" police were shooting up to that point).

Great article, and even greater idea: a good, lightweight carbine in the .327. A nifty little single shot or even a Marlin, with the loading gate Ed alludes to, would quite the ticket! one of these and a pocketful of cartridges could provide an afternoon of enjoyment in the pine flats.

 

[rogertc1]

327 round is good for people who can't shoot a real magnum handgun. Old age, woman , or medical conditions.

 

[ahpd1992]

Smith now markets two models in this caliber. The only one that I find "interesting" is the two inch Model 632, albeit at a price. A very stiff one indeed: $900+! But cute none the less. Have no idea what I would do with it.

I already have a Ruger Bisley in .32 H&R and find myself shooting it mostly with Starline .32 long loaded with 105 gr. cast originally designed for the .32 Colt New Police (don't know what the "old" police were shooting up to that point).

Great article, and even greater idea: a good, lightweight carbine in the .327. A nifty little single shot or even a Marlin, with the loading gate Ed alludes to, would quite the ticket! one of these and a pocketful of cartridges could provide an afternoon of enjoyment in the pine flats.

I like it, if you can find one. I have a Taurus snubby and love it, but I like the hamerless J frame revolvers. And yes, the price is typical S&W "outrageous"

 

[black_powder_Rob]

I am inlove with the idea of a lever gun in 327 fed. Now lets see if any mfg.s produce any.

 

[harmon rabb]

why doesn't someone make an 8 shot .327mag revolver? that would be pretty sweet.

 

[RJM]

Ruger now makes an 8 shot blackhawk in .327 fed mag, they are also making a 7 shot gp100.

 

[Steve in Merritt Island]

Interesting round, but currently in search of a purpose

Went shooting with a bud last Thursday at a nearby range. He brought out his new SP101/.327. While firing next to him, I must admit that the "bark" is very impressive. Can't say much as yet about the bite, but interesting possibilities here. I do think that whatever its purpose, it would do it better in a rifle (A pair of Marlins? A 20" SRC and a button mag 24-26" would sweet!).

Must admit I am content shooting hand-loaded S&W Longs from my Ruger Bisley and my Colt Police Positive Special (in N.P.).

 

[Smaug]

You buys clamoring for a Single Six in 327 Fed Mag don't seem to have considered the possibility that it is not strong enough for the 327 Fed Mag. It was designed for 22LR and 22Mag, which are quite a bit less powerful.

I think their strategy was to not risk too much, and to succeed, they had to risk more.

They seem to be aimed toward new shooters who are not vested in 38/357 yet and who will really believe that it has the same power with less recoil.

For sure, there are those of us who would buy a Marlin 1894 or Single Six (if it is possible to build it) but how many? Enough to pay for tooling costs and some kind of positive profit? I doubt it.

Remember that we gun nuts who post on online fora are in the minority. For each one of us, I bet there are 20 silent consumers.

I think the 45 GAP had more going for it, (esp. for self defense handguns) and it was a big ol' failure.

Those of us who want a field gun seem to be OK with either a 357/38 lever action currently available or a 22 Magnum, which has a flatter trajectory, cheaper ammo, and is well up to the task for small game. There's no question that those two rounds are here to stay.

 

[Justin Holder]

I think it was a mistake to make the Blackhawk an 8 shooter. If it was a six shot you could have a second cylinder fitted in 32-20win. I'm still interested in the cartridge, I just haven't seen the right gun made in it yet.