.327 Federal

[funnelcake]

One of the new Ruger ~4" SP101's...trying to figure out the best way to swing for target plinking (using .313 100gr. LRN): .32 S&W Long, .32 H&R, or the Mag? I like accurate loads so will roll any of the 3 if there's an inherent advantage.

That said, all my other .32's are Colt D frames, so I have a decent supply of .32 S&W Long brass...

Anyone have any recommendations (notably using HP38/ W231)?

Thanks...Funnel

 

[Swampman]

I'm by no means an expert on the.327 Federal but my assumption is that using the .32 S&W Long brass would be akin to using .44 Russian brass in a .44 Magnum revolver.

That seems like a fairly long jump for a lead bullet, my assumption is that you'd get better accuracy with a longer case that'd support the bullet and place it closer to the forcing cone.

Again, I have no actual experience with the caliber in question and I'm assuming that my experience with the .44 will carry over (and unfortunately I know all about what assuming makes out of u & me).

 

[GooseGestapo]

Except with .32acp, I haven't seen any significant variation in accuracy between .32swl,.32hr, and .327 brass.
The single most accurate load I've found from my S-7 is .32swl and 2.0gr of Bullseye. (three different bullets; 78gr Lyman RN, 93gr LeeRN and Lee 90gr TLSWC.) two rn at .312", TL at .314".

fwiw; pay attention to the primer recommendations for particlular loads in the .327. I've had to reduce high-end loads by ~15% to avoid primer cratering.
The Federal 200 or CCI-500 are the preferred primers. All I have are Winchester (ok, but need ~10% reduction) and Federal 100.
Also, I got a bunch of Tula primers. I thought they'd be hard as "rocks". NOT!!! Very soft cup. Not as "hot" as Federal, but definitely "soft"!

 

[funnelcake]

Thanks - Given the brass stash and worthwhile load data I've got for the S&W…probably start there.

 

[TfflHndn]

I've shot all of the .32s through a Single Seven. Of course, the .32acp are not accurate due to different diameter, but they're better then nothing in a pinch. I haven't reloaded them, though. The .32 H&R and .327 are best for accuracy and my tack-driver load is in a .327 case, 100 grain coated lead from SNS, over 5.6 grains of AutoComp, crimped over the shoulder of the front driving band to get a 1.400 OAL. YMMV, but this is a great load for me.

 

[GRIZ22]

I haven't found any difference in accuracy between the 32 short, 32 long, 32 H&R, and 327 mag in a 327 gun. Yes that's a long jump for some of those rounds but a 22 lr in a k frame S&W is a long jump and seems to work out okay.

 

[RealGun]

Except with .32acp, I haven't seen any significant variation in accuracy between .32swl,.32hr, and .327 brass.
The single most accurate load I've found from my S-7 is .32swl and 2.0gr of Bullseye. (three different bullets; 78gr Lyman RN, 93gr LeeRN and Lee 90gr TLSWC.) two rn at .312", TL at .314".

fwiw; pay attention to the primer recommendations for particlular loads in the .327. I've had to reduce high-end loads by ~15% to avoid primer cratering.
The Federal 200 or CCI-500 are the preferred primers. All I have are Winchester (ok, but need ~10% reduction) and Federal 100.
Also, I got a bunch of Tula primers. I thought they'd be hard as "rocks". NOT!!! Very soft cup. Not as "hot" as Federal, but definitely "soft"!

327 Federal Magnum calls for small rifle primers because of the pressure level. There would have to be a level below full perfromance where small pistol primers would work, and the magnum part would really depend on the powder used,

 

[RealGun]

2.2-2.6 W231 according to Lyman Cast Bullet handbook for S&W Long, 100 gr lead, barely over into the 700s in velocity. Ideally you would have a lighter weight, faster bullet, like a 85 for example, but give the 100s a try. The 100 weight is what I use for real 327 Federal Magnum rounds.

 

[Hondo 60]

I have a single six in 32 H&R Mag.
The true mags are a bit stout, but the 32 S&W Long are a joy to shoot.
Even 12 yr old "lil brother" likes that one.

(although he will shoot my 44 mag too)

I haven't noticed any great dispair in accuracy with either the 32 H&R Mag vs the 32 S&W Long

 

[GooseGestapo]

RealGun; Where have you seen published data for the .327Fed using rifle primers?

Hodgdon used Federal 200, which are small pistol magnum. Alliant uses CCI-500, small pistol standard primers ???
And Hornady #8 has no .327 data.

 

[RealGun]

You need newer manuals, since the cartridge was introduced in 2007. Hornady #9 lists Federal 205 primers. The Speer book has a downloadable supplement for 327 Federal Magnum, which addresses the small rifle primer requirement more directly. It would apply to full pressure load ranges.

 

[GooseGestapo]

Well, I followed up on the info re: small rifle primers.
Speer only mentioned that THEY use small rifle primers. And this in the online supplement. The only references are to specifically the Federal 205. Also, Speer and Federal are ATK companies. Strange they didn't use the CCI srp.

I did try loading a few rounds using 118gr RNGC (Lee) and 122gr FNGC (Lyman). Not having any 205's, I used the only srp I have, Winchester.
I loaded with a charge of 12.5gr of Win. 296; the Speer starting load for the 115gr GoldDot. I fired 7rds. I can't report on accuracy, as the bullets on hand are sized .311" for use in rifles.
The primers showed no cratering.
Indeed, srp's are the way to go, just like with the .454Casull. For MAGNUM level loads at upper pressure levels.

But, the preponderance of data still reflects the use of small pistol primers.
All my .30 molds throw boolits undersized, except the Lyman. When time permits, I'll cast some more and see how far I can run up the .327.
I actually didn't get it to "magnumize", I, bought it as a "reloadable" alternative to .22lr.