Convert .32 H&R to .327 Federal Magnum - Ruger SP101

[ahpd1992]

Can I convert my SP101 in .32 H&R to .327 Federal Magnum with a change of the cylinder or is there more to it than that.

I have a Taurus in 327 federal and my wife's sp101 is in 32 h&r. The 327 federal looks like it would fit with a cylinder change, is it that simple?

Any thoughts?

 

[rcmodel]

It would be if you could get a Ruger cylinder, but you can't.
They won't sell you one, or convert your gun for you.

But there is no reason a gunsmith with a .327 Fed chamber reamer can't open up the chambers in your cylinder.

rc

 

[ahpd1992]

I figured Ruger wouldn't cooperate, you might have saved me the long distance phone call. The next question is can I get a 327 reamer from Brownells?

I have to admit I dont even know what a reamer is

 

[rcmodel]

Well, if you don't know what a chamber reamer is, then you really don't want to use one one your gun.

They cost in the neighborhood of a hundred bucks, so it's not cost effective for a one-time job anyway.
Especially if you don't know how to use it and ruin your cylinder!

rc

 

[ahpd1992]

Very true, I wasn't intending on it just wanted to know what one was. They do sell reamers at Brownell's, but I wouldn't know what to do w/ it if I bought one.

I guess Il start looking for a gunsmith. It CAN be done which is what I wanted to find out.

Thanks

Tom

 

[oldgoat46]

I had it done. DO NOT DO IT. the twist is wrong for the round and accuracy suffers greatly. If you want a small magnum just go buy a cimmeron small frame 357. The 327 is an anomaly anyway. not much to it.

 

[MMCSRET]

Another factor I have read some about in the rechambering of a 32 magnum to 327 is the heat treating of the cylinder to with stand the pressures of the 327. 327 Pressures are more than twice as high as 32 Magnum SAAMI specifications. I'm quite sure the cylinder would stand a lot of the high pressure rounds, but are you willing to take a chance? Go buy a revolver specifically chambered for the 327. I did, as 32 is my favorite revolver caliber. I have revolvers chambered for six(6) different 32 caliber cartridges and like them all, with a 327 I am experimenting with raising the power level of the 32 magnum round so that it has a more likely chance of doing what it was advertised to do when it first came out.

 

[rcmodel]

the twist is wrong for the round and accuracy suffers greatly.

According to Ruger, they use the same 1/16 RH rifling twist in the .327 Fed as they used in the .32 H&R Magnum.

rc

 

[RJM]

I don't see why it would be all that difficult to do it if you can find a willing gunsmith, but why go through all the trouble? Just get your local gunshop to order a .327 sp101 and trade or sell off the .32 H&R magnum and put the money towards the new gun.

 

[ahpd1992]

Im not gonna buy a new gun for $450-500 if I can get a gunsmith to make the change for less. How much less is the big question, Il start lookin for a gunsmith in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Any suggestions would be appreciated

Tom

 

[mhblaw]

I have a Ruger NMBH by Buckeye purchased in the late '80's. 32 WCF cylinder and 32 H&R cylinder. Had the 32 H&R cylinder re-chambered to 327 Mag by Bowen for $100. Shoots great. I think the 327 Mag is a fine cartridge, although in the Ruger will probably not shoot any better than the 32 WCF. Purchased a few boxes of Federal factory ammo, 100 gr. JSP, and have reloaded the brass with various cast and jacketed bullets. The Federal load is a real "cracker", very sharp report and accurate.

 

[ahpd1992]

I went on the Bowen web site and see that they will do a replacement cylinder for a Blackhawk, but I still need to find someone to take care of my SP101

Im still lookin