New Ruger Single 7 in 327

[ejcrist]

I've been interested in the 327 Mag cartridge since it came out and I wish I picked up one of the Blackhawk's when they were for sale a few years ago. I was glad to see the Single 7 come out but I don't believe it's for me since the cylinder length is only 1.45" per Jeff Quinn's write-up in Gun Blast. I like to shoot the RCBS 32-098-SWC in my 32 H&R Single Six but I believe the COAL will be too long if crimped in the crimp groove of the Single 7 unless you crimp over the front driving band. The reason I say this is because the COAL of the 32 H&R Mag when loaded with this boolit is 1.420", and since the 327 case is 0.125" longer than the 32 H&R, the resulting 327 COAL will be 1.545". My thinking is if you crimped this boolit over the front driving band you essentially have a 32 H&R since you have about the same 32 H&R case capacity.The 327 Blackhawk's cylinder was much longer and it would've worked fine. Has anyone successfully used the 32-098-SWC in the new Single 7? If not, are there any shorter boolits that work well? I'm going to keep on the lookout for the 327 Blackhawk but so far when I've found them they've been a bit pricey.

Gene

[rintinglen]

Except that the maximum average pressure per SAAMI is about double for the 327 versus the 32 H&R, I suppose that you are right. The 32-98 cannot be loaded to crimp in the crimping groove of a .327 and not protrude from the front of the cylinder of the Single Seven. However, all is not lost. I have several molds that will work. I have an LBT 32-100 SWC that looks like a midget 358-477 that works well. My MP 314-640 100 grain works very well. I have a 98 grain RN SAECO 4 cavity that works, as well as a 311-419 that casts large enough to make the grade. I have hopes that the single cavity 311-316 that I have may also be useful, but boolits from my 2 cavity are too long to allow a proper crimp in the crimp groove. Lyman has a history of altering molds as different cherries come on line, and IIRC, my single cavity has a pug nose that may be a better match. Accurate has a 31-112 that I may end up with as well that should work very well indeed. So far, the only rounds I have tested were loaded with the RCBS 32-98 SWC and the 100 grain MP HP. I'm having issues with my gun, but a starting load of H-110 shows promise as does a 4.4 grain load of Unique. I had one of the BH 327's, but it was too heavy for the caliber in my opinion, though it was very accurate.

[like it all]

Have just gone back to 32 caliber. I'm looking for a 105+gr bullet for my Single seven. The only 32 mold I have is the old LEE 90 gr. TLSWC. My 32 H&R Single six shoots the tumble lube stuff with 231 very well as cast, but for big varmints I need a bigger bullet for 327 velocities. Any suggestions?

[jrayborn]

I have the same Lee 90 gr mold and it works well for me. I also have others up to 140 grain that turn the .327 into quite a beast :). For me I prefer the NOE 313-640. It works really well. NOE has a lot of good choices.

[Whit Spurzon]

The max OAL that my Single Seven will accept is 1.500". I've tested the RCBS 32-98 SWC in my Single seven at 1.450" out to 1.485" without detecting any variation in velocity. At that length I do crimp ahead or into the driving band. In my Single Six 32 H&R I run that bullet 1.400" which also puts the crimp into the driving band.

In both guns the RCBS 32-98 SWC is very accurate at all the velocities I've tested it, 850-1400 fps. My best load for that bullet in 32 H&R is Hodgdon's MAX load for Lil'gun for that bullet weight. It clocks just under 1300 fps in the Single Six and the Single Seven spits them out ad 1315 fps average.

Lil'Gun seems to work well in the 327 with that bullet too. I'm still working up through the data. I suspect it may come close to 1500 fps at the Max published data for that weight bullet.

That bullet also shoots very well in my 32-20 Marlin 1894. For it to cycle smoothly I need to crimp ahead of the crimping groove.

The RCBS 32-98 SWC and the Lyman 311008 are my two favorite "32" caliber bullets. The RCBS seems to shoot universally well while the Lyman bullet occasionally takes some tweaking.

I would agree the OAL limitation is somewhat of a hindrance to the 327's potential, but it wouldn't stop me from buying a Single Seven. I REALLY like mine.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k542/WhitSpurzon/Ruger/1-009_zps1c44fe13.jpg

I have mixed feelings about the "gunfighter" grips the S7 came with so I switched them to the black laminate grips. They fill my hand better and look nice too.

[rintinglen]

Hey, Whit
Really sharp looking grips--I'll be looking for a set for mine.

[jrayborn]

Ya, where can they be found?

[Char-Gar]

The various versions of the 32 in handguns has tempted me greatly over the years. However, I always back away when I ask myself "Now just what is it, the 32 will do that the 38 Special won't".

I will cop to the fact that the new Ruger seven shots look and feel like nifty little handguns.

[ejcrist]

You're right on about the pressure rintinglen - didn't think about that. I never paid too much attention to the SAAMI pressure figures for the 32 H&R since it largely doesn't seem to apply to well-built revolvers. Also, I agree with your assessment Whit. I really like the 32's and I'm not going to pass one up over a single boolit issue. I think I'm going to get the Single 7 and figure it out later. I'm sure one of the boolits mentioned will work well, and if not I could always get a custom mold cut with the crimp groove farther up toward the nose.

[Whit Spurzon]

Ya, where can they be found?
I bought mine at shopruger website. http://shopruger.com/New-Model-Single-Six-Black-Laminate-Grips/productinfo/70088/

[rintinglen]

120886
left to right, 5 that will crimp in the crimp groove: 311-316, MP 314-640 100 grain HP, LBT 32-100, RCBS 32-98 WC, SAECO 321. Two more that won't work crimping in the crimp groove, Lyman 3118, RCBS 32-98-swc.
So far, I have only had a chance to shoot the MP HP and the Wadcutter, issues with the gun prevented me from really doing any testing, but I did get the sights moved up and right a smidge to better suit me.
For those lacking scientific training, a smidge is equal to 3 "tads" and 1/2 of an english "bit." A southern "bit" is a unit of time equal to approximately 1/2 of a "little while."

[Green Frog]

Although the 32 S&W L is about a contemporary of the 38 S&W Special, it seems that the "bigger is better" attitude caught on early and the amount of experimentation and development of the latter by the general shooting community was far greater for the latter than for the former... only the most enthusiastic specialists really embraced the 32 family of cartridges. Add to this the fact that a bunch of smaller, less beefy revolvers were made for the 32, the tendency of the factories was to keep them pretty wimpy. :not listening:

If one looks at the array of 32 bullets that are currently available (or have been recently enough to still be found) and starts with the idea that a modern, full strength revolver will be used, then adds the fact that 5 different cartridge cases from 32 S&W and 32 ACP all the way up to the 327 FM can be used in it without any modification or adjustment other than POA/POI, AND if you aren't already committed to the 38, then it makes perfect sense to build a battery around a single gun. "Beware the man with one gun. He probably knows how to shoot it!" :Fire:

Froggie

[Char-Gar]

Although the 32 S&W L is about a contemporary of the 38 S&W Special, it seems that the "bigger is better" attitude caught on early and the amount of experimentation and development of the latter by the general shooting community was far greater for the latter than for the former... only the most enthusiastic specialists really embraced the 32 family of cartridges. Add to this the fact that a bunch of smaller, less beefy revolvers were made for the 32, the tendency of the factories was to keep them pretty wimpy. :not listening:

If one looks at the array of 32 bullets that are currently available (or have been recently enough to still be found) and starts with the idea that a modern, full strength revolver will be used, then adds the fact that 5 different cartridge cases from 32 S&W and 32 ACP all the way up to the 327 FM can be used in it without any modification or adjustment other than POA/POI, AND if you aren't already committed to the 38, then it makes perfect sense to build a battery around a single gun. "Beware the man with one gun. He probably knows how to shoot it!" :Fire:

Froggie

That makes good sense.

[Green Frog]

That makes good sense.

Yeah, I had had a cup of coffee to wake me up! :coffeecom

Then again, I think about this topic a lot and have been repeatedly challenged to provide justification for the 32 family. I'm beginning to feel like some kind of missionary! :brokenima

Froggie

[dragon813gt]

There is plenty of justification in lead and powder use alone. If you only load a few hundred you won't see any savings. But as you load more the few less grains start to add up quickly. At least this justification for me purchasing one :)

[rintinglen]

I fear my justification was more infantile: "I want it. I want it now."
Initially it was a booger, cases bind in the loading gate, the hammer would refuse to cock, and the action was Ruger rough. But a thorough disassembly, cleaning and lubing that revealed two dinky metal chips, and I mean "head-of-a-pin" only smaller dinky, seemed to cure the cocking problem. Cycling the action 1500 times smoothed things up.
I still have to do something about the cases binding, 327 cases will barely feed in though 32 Longs and H&R's go in with just a bit of drag, but I have high hopes for mine. Bunnies, squirrels, gophers and aluminum cans better beware.

[ejcrist]

I fear my justification was more infantile: "I want it. I want it now."
Initially it was a booger, cases bind in the loading gate, the hammer would refuse to cock, and the action was Ruger rough. But a thorough disassembly, cleaning and lubing that revealed two dinky metal chips, and I mean "head-of-a-pin" only smaller dinky, seemed to cure the cocking problem. Cycling the action 1500 times smoothed things up.
I still have to do something about the cases binding, 327 cases will barely feed in though 32 Longs and H&R's go in with just a bit of drag, but I have high hopes for mine. Bunnies, squirrels, gophers and aluminum cans better beware.

Totally agree. I'm in that camp too - I just love 32's whether they're flintlocks, wheel guns, or lever guns. I know 357/38 Specials are much more readily available (usually) and very versatile but the 32 makes for an outstanding small game and varmint getter. Plus it does great on the silhouette range and is just a whole lot of fun to shoot.

Now here's a question: If you saved your pennies for a Freedom Arms 97, would you get the 357 w/38 Special cylinder or the 327 with a 32 H&R and 32-20 cylinder? I've been tormented over this decision for some time now but I'm leaning slightly toward the 327. The reason being I use big bores (44's and 45's) for hunting anything larger than rabbits and squirrels, and 32's and rimfires for small game. Any opinions would be appreciated.

[rintinglen]

I don'y have that many pennies to spend on gun, but if I did I'd get the 357 over the 327. Now were I to hit the lottery, I'd like one of each, but the 357 is more versatile at the top end, so I think that would skew my thinking.

[FLHTC]

The various versions of the 32 in handguns has tempted me greatly over the years. However, I always back away when I ask myself "Now just what is it, the 32 will do that the 38 Special won't".

I will cop to the fact that the new Ruger seven shots look and feel like nifty little handguns.

It depends on which 32 you're referring to. The 327 is what the 32 mag should have been and it's a screamer. I can't say the 38 special is anything close to the 327 or the 32-20 in the Buckeye Blackhawk. You have to shoot them to understand. I love my 32's and my 357 Blackhawk is collecting dust.

[FLHTC]

Totally agree. I'm in that camp too - I just love 32's whether they're flintlocks, wheel guns, or lever guns. I know 357/38 Specials are much more readily available (usually) and very versatile but the 32 makes for an outstanding small game and varmint getter. Plus it does great on the silhouette range and is just a whole lot of fun to shoot.

Now here's a question: If you saved your pennies for a Freedom Arms 97, would you get the 357 w/38 Special cylinder or the 327 with a 32 H&R and 32-20 cylinder? I've been tormented over this decision for some time now but I'm leaning slightly toward the 327. The reason being I use big bores (44's and 45's) for hunting anything larger than rabbits and squirrels, and 32's and rimfires for small game. Any opinions would be appreciated.

I would get the 32. I have a Buckeye and my 327 cylinder shoots nicely in it so now I have a three cylinder 32 convertible.

[like it all]

I find that the 32's are fired by the family and myself far more often, than the 357's. Even my 8 year old grandson can handle my 4 5/8 SSM with S&W longs. When teaching centerfire handgun marksmanship to the fairer sex, it's always easier to use a lighter, smaller, less recoiling gun. With the seven I can just change the ammo power as they familiarize with the revolver. The S&W longs are in the same recoil category as a rimfire, the H&R al little stiffer, the 327 is loud like the 357, but recoils like a 38 special.
As far as hunting goes, the 32's handle everything up to small deer(120-150lbs.), the 44 mag &45 Colt mag take over at that point.

[ejcrist]

I find that the 32's are fired by the family and myself far more often, than the 357's. Even my 8 year old grandson can handle my 4 5/8 SSM with S&W longs. When teaching centerfire handgun marksmanship to the fairer sex, it's always easier to use a lighter, smaller, less recoiling gun. With the seven I can just change the ammo power as they familiarize with the revolver. The S&W longs are in the same recoil category as a rimfire, the H&R al little stiffer, the 327 is loud like the 357, but recoils like a 38 special.
As far as hunting goes, the 32's handle everything up to small deer(120-150lbs.), the 44 mag &45 Colt mag take over at that point.

I completely 100% agree. I always figured there's small game and everything else. Small game is best handled with rimfires and the 32's for the bigger small game like jack rabbits. For everything else I go with 44's and 45's. The 357 is a great round and pretty good for non-edible small game, i.e., varmints, but it's a bit on the small side for deer and other tough medium game like hogs. The bigger bores shine in the medium and larger game area.

One last question: I'm assuming 32-20 handloading is the same as bottleneck rifle cartridges. I mostly shoot boat tail jacketed boolits in the high velocity rifles so the boolit bases guide into the case mouths easily. How does that work out with the 32-20 if you're loading a plain based cast boolit like the 32-98-SWC? I suppose you'd have to be extremely careful when seating or else the mouth would crumble if everything wasn't aligned exactly. Is that true?

[Mohillbilly]

EJ Yes with care , I bevel/deburr my cases inside and out and expand with my powder thru die which also expands the mouth of the case to start cast lead boolits . I like my single sevens , and my .32 in generals . It cost less to shoot them , except for my red rider bb or my old bean shooter . I am especial glad I found .32 s early , I have an assortment of them single sixes and a marlin cowboy . I will say .22 have been hard to get at a decent price , and that I sold my three cases of .22 to my gunshop/ range . I just switched to .32 s and hepled to keep him in operation .I buy some of it back as range scrap for casting , .32 s. more power and better accuracy to boot . I doubt that I will sell my .22 s off though . I'm a wait'n on my 7 1/2 single seven it will get here soon , I also got a 16" Rossi 92 454 stainless due in next week or so .

[leftiye]

I already had a .38 special a couple of .357 mags, and a couple of .357 maxes. Something new was a natural. Plus the .32 isn't quite the destroyer a 38/357 is and is perhaps a better all around smaller game ctg.. Especially as the older .32 ctgs can be shot in it too. Actually I already had a couple of 32-20s, a .32 H&R mag., and .32 S&W longs too. The .327 was as I said a natural which I immediately had to have. So I converted a model 10 into a model 16 with a long chamber. They didn't make any guns I wanted for it back then.

[three dogs]

I really like the 32's for shooting. Heavier calibers are better for big game hunting or self defense, but the 32's are more fun than a 22 for plinking, with much less recoil that a 357 or 44. I have a 1989 vintage Single Six in 32 H&R 5.5", a Smith Model 631 4" 32 H&R, a 3" SP101 in 327, and two of the new Single Sevens. Fun to shoot and compact and easy to carry. I like 'em a lot.

[Harry O]

You're right on about the pressure rintinglen - didn't think about that. I never paid too much attention to the SAAMI pressure figures for the 32 H&R since it largely doesn't seem to apply to well-built revolvers..

I have had a Ruger SuperSingleSix in .32 Magnum for many years. Almost all of my shooting has been at higher pressures than the factory is loaded to. The gun is still just as tight as ever. You should be able to use .32 Magnum brass in the new gun with the longer bullet without any problems.

I have taken the older SuperSingleSix to 8.5gr of 2400 with a Hornady 100gr XTP bullet. I stopped there because the extraction was a little bit sticky. I polished the chambers a little bit and reduced the load to 7.5gr of 2400 and have had no problems since. These loads would probably dismantle a H&R and would probably bend a J-Frame S&W. YMMV.