.327 Federal Magnum-Best Small Game Loads for Henry Rifle or Carbine

[vonfilm]

I would like to see suggestions for using the .327 Fed Mag case for small game loads in a rifle or carbine. Of course you can shoot .32 SWL and .32HR Magnum, but I am specifically interested in loading the big case for small game.

My first question is what would be the optimal bullet weight and velocity for rabbit and squirrels to have better killing power than a .22LR without undue damage to meat with good accuracy?

The second question, of course, is what loads best achieve that optimal level?

[Outpost75]

For use as a non-destructive small game load I would approximate .32-20 ballistics in the .327 case. I do that with the .30 Carbine Ruger Blackhawk, and .32-20, these mild charges should safely transfer to the .327, with the exception that the slower powders will need to be reduced a bit simply due to reduced powder capacity in the slightly smaller .327 case:

Group 1 Standard Pressure .32-20 Loads for Rifle or Revolver

Bullet, Little Dandy#, Pdr. Chg.____Colt Police Positive 5”______Savage Sporter 25”

Remington .311” 100-grain JSP____930 fps, 16 Sd, 45 ES________1230 fps, 26 Sd, 79 ES
LD#4, 4.9 grains AutoComp

Accurate 31-105T

LD#1, 3.2 grains TiteGroup_________858 fps, 22 Sd, 61 ES_______1133 fps, 30 Sd, 67 ES
LD#4, 3.4 grains Bullseye__________861 fps, 19 Sd, 47ES_______1173 fps, 18 Sd, 54 ES
LD#3, 4.5 grains AutoComp_________912 fps, 19 Sd, 53 ES ______1260 fps, 21 Sd, 55 ES
LD#4, 4.9 grains AutoComp________ 943 fps, 32 Sd, 71 ES_______1315 fps, 32 Sd, 118 ES
LD#10, 7.5 grains Alliant #2400_____991 fps, 24 Sd, 65 ES_______1348, 29 Sd, 69 ES DON'T EXCEED IN OLD REVOLVERS!
LD#13, 10.0 grains IMR4227_______985 fps, 25 Sd, 61ES________1280 fps, 53 Sd, 176 ES
LD#17, 13 grains IMR4198________974 fps, 21 Sd, 94 ES________1326 fps, 46 Sd, 138 ES

Accurate 31-114D

LD#3, 3.0 grains Bullseye_________741 fps, 35 Sd, 92 ES________1041 fps, 26 SD, 78 ES
LD#4, 3.2 grains Bullsye__________861 fps, 20 Sd, 54 ES________1173 fps, 18 Sd, 52 ES
LD#13, 10.0 grains IMR4227______962 fps, 27 Sd, 62 ES________1268 fps, 62Sd, 224ES
LD#15, 11.5 grains IMR4198______777 fps, 43 Sd, 101ES________1248 fps, 36 Sd, 114 ES


Cast Bullet Loads in Ruger Blackhawk and US .30 Caliber M1 Carbine

Ammunition__________Ruger 7-1/2”________US M1 Carbine 18”

Accurate 31-087B
7.4 grs. AutoComp_____1502 fps, 19 Sd, 52 ES__1759 fps, 5 Sd, 23 ES
10.8 grs. Alliant#2400__1458, 31, 84__________1705, 46, 145
14 grs. IMR4227_______1414, 64, 165_________1834, 28, 80
14 grs. IMR4198_______1176, 38, 99__________1543, 69, 178

Accurate 31-100T
7.4 grs. AutoComp_____1527, 11, 29__________1692, 16, 54 Most accurate REVOLVER load
14.0 grs. IMR4227_____1524, 12, 35__________1858, 13, 33
14.0 grs. IMR4198_____1178. 52, 125_________1526, 30, 108

Accurate 31-114D
7.4 grs. AutoComp_____1408, 30, 71__________1618, 22, 54

Accurate 31-120TG
7.4 grs. AutoComp______1313, 33, 84_________1560, 15, 57
10 grs. Alliant #2400____1310, 36, 77__________1590, 22, 68

[MT Gianni]

For edible small game the 32 long level loads are probably the best. A 30 cal., 100 gr bullet doesn't let a lot of small game walk away. The 32 H&R if pushed hard can leave them in pieces. It is plenty for 40-50 lb coyotes as well. I would download the 327 to those levels for edibles and push it to it's full capabilities for vermin.

[ddixie884]

Good thread, more please..............

[carolina sorillo]

If I still had a .327(loved them but the depression claimed them), for small game I'd use Rim Rock's 75gr fp and run it around 900fps. For coyotes and such I'd use their 115gr fn. The load I used in my 4" GP100 was with 2400 which gave me 1200fps from the GP's 4" barrel. From that Henry you can expect around 1600fps maybe more. They also have a checked 115 if you need it. I never tried it.

CS

[vonfilm]

I have gotten away from handloading in the last few years because as I get older I am doing less and less big game hunting. I also have enough handloads in cartridges like 30-06, 7mm Magnum, and .308 Norma Magnum to last the rest of my life. My wife has largely taken over my reloading space. I used to take pride in not being bothered by high recoil. I no longer feel that way and have sold my .376 Steyr Scout.
I hope now to do more small game hunting for squirrel, rabbits, and predators. I plan to focus pleasant shooting calibers and light handloads.
I purchased a Lee Hand Press to be able to load at night in the living room with the wife. I am in the process of gathering together new dies, shell holders, etc. I have lots of remaining powder, most of it suitable for bottle-necked big game cartridges. I did just get 4 pounds of Bullseye and have 600 new .327 Fed Mag unprimed brass on the way. The first of next month I will place an order to Rimrock for .32 100 gr RNFP and .32 115 gr RNFP. I also just purchased a Rossi R92 Stainless 16" Carbine in .45 Colt. This new Rossi operates just as slick and smooth as my Henry or JM Marlins. For the Rossi, I am thinking a 250 gr RNFP and 7.5 gr of Bullseye would be about right at 1100 fps.

I have 500 small rifle primers and having a hard time finding more-a sign of the times I guess.

I plant to use Outpost's 32-20 loads with Bullseye as a starting point. I would still love to read about other's reduced loads for the .32 Fed Mag.

[cwlongshot]

Your best loads are gonna be the ones you can taylor to tour exact needs...

BUT... this caliber used on small critters needs merely poke a hole. Expansion would destroy meat.

Shoot a sturdy accurate bullet. (Id still hand load a hard WC with a splash of powder that shot accurate)

CW

CW

[GregLaROCHE]

I think you have a tough nut to crack if you are really looking to harvest meat. Nothing better than a .22LR for a head shot on those those critters. If they don’t stay still long enough, think .410 shotgun. On the hand, if it’s pest reduction, that’s another story. I’d be thinking hollow points of some sort.

[vonfilm]

I have several .22LR available. Certainly some places only allow rimfire for squirrels and rabbits.

I think where I need to be is 1000-1200 fps with a 100 or 115 grain boolit- right where the original 32-20 was. This is to be my substitute for a vintage 32-20 or 25-20 that I have not found yet.

[jaysouth]

Check you game laws before hunting small game with centerfire cartridges. Not to be a wet blanket but they are illegal for small game in several states.

[carolina sorillo]

You are correct 1000-1200fps but I would drop that bullet weight down and keep the velocity below 1050fps. The report will be lower with a lighter weight bullet and light crimp. A pure lead round ball lubed with LLA is very quiet. Which makes follow up shots possible. I once had a round ball load in a Marlin .45 that sounded like someone spitting out tobacco juice. But it shot a 5 shot ragged hole at 25 yards!

I just love the "get a .22" comments in threads like this. Maybe we should all just buy a .22, a 9, a .223, a .30-06 and a 12ga and the manufacturers can stop wasting time on all those other useless cartridges! In my opinion, this right here is the beauty of handloading! You can load moderate hunting loads, full tilt max screamers, reduced low recoil shooter friendly loads or subsonic pull the trigger and watch the bullet in flight loads if you want too. Load'em how you want too, to fit your need, as long as you're being safe, don't hurt yourself or anyone else and enjoy the experimenting!!

CS

[vonfilm]

It is legal in Texas to use centerfire for small game, but many public hunting areas specify rimfire or shotguns for small game. Airguns were recently made legal for squirrel in Texas. They have always been legal for hares and rabbits which are non game animals.

I have shot round ball with success in my 1895G 45-70 and will be experimenting with round ball in the .327 Fed Mag.

As an aside I have used sized round ball in my Hammond Game Getter modified 30-06 cartridge powered by .22 nail gun blanks. This is a lot of fun. I need to get one for 45-70 and 7.65 Argentine Mauser.

Gallery loads are where the fun is at.

[cwlongshot]

Thsi is why I suggested the WC load!! Even shooting a 32 LONG WC would have ya down in the 700 fps range and a MUCH better killer on SG then a 22!! PLUS NO BLOOD SHOT MEAT!! Its going so slow, these loads will usually launch a squirrel
Or roll a rabbit!!!
I have use my 32/20 many times with a splash of PB powder and a 115 swc its about 800 fps and deadly on squirrels. Just a pencil sized hole tbru thru.

CW

[vonfilm]

Thsi is why I suggested the WC load!! Even shooting a 32 LONG WC would have ya down in the 700 fps range and a MUCH better killer on SG then a 22!! PLUS NO BLOOD SHOT MEAT!! Its going so slow, these loads will usually launch a squirrel
Or roll a rabbit!!!
I have use my 32/20 many times with a splash of PB powder and a 115 swc its about 800 fps and deadly on squirrels. Just a pencil sized hole tbru thru.

CW

I like the idea of the .32 SWL WC, but I am worried that the wadcutter might not feed in the Henry lever action.

[vonfilm]

Would 4.7 grains of Bullseye be a moderate load in .327 Federal Magnum with 100 or 115 grain cast boolits? What kind of velocity could be expected in a 16" barrel?

[Outpost75]

Here is velocity data for Bullseye powder in the .32-20 rifle and .30 M1 carbine which may give you an idea. I think 4.7 of Bullseye would be max. with a 115-grain bullet in the .327 case with that powder.

.32-20 Savage Model 23, 22" barrel

Accurate 31-114D 3.4 grains Bullseye 1178 fps, 19 Sd

Inland .30 M1 Carbine, 18" barrel

Accurate 31-100T 5 grains Bullseye, 1556 fps, 7 Sd

[vonfilm]

Yesterday I was able to get out to the club and try out my new handload in the Henry carbine. The load is 3 grains of Bullseye, Winchester Small Rifle primers, and a 100 grain Rimrock Bullets RNFP in a Federal .327 Fed Mag case. FWIW I estimate muzzle velocity of around 1100 fps out of the 16" barrel. Recoil was like a .22 LR.

Five shot groups averaged about 1/2 inch at 25 yards. They shot exactly to my point of aim and I did not have to adjust the Leupold 2-7 Compact scope. They rounds cycled perfectly. I also shot some handloads with the same boolits in .32 S&WL cases with 2.8 grains of Bullseye. These grouped almost as well and shot to the same point of aim.

I am very pleased with the results and believe this load can serve as my small game handload for the time being. I plan to load up 200 rounds in new Hornady cases for the season.

[vonfilm]

I now have a place to use my .327 small game load this fall.I was selected for a TXPWD drawn hunt for upland game(squirrel,rabbits, and hares) in the Boar's Den area of the Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge. They allow "all legal means" for taking game. Texas does not preclude against using center fire rifles for small game. Most other Texas public hunting venues do specify shotgun or rimfire only for squirrel, rabbits, and hares.

This hunt goes on between October 1-23 and costs $130.00. I call that a bargain. I talked to a ranger and she said the 2000 acre tract consisted mostly of hardwood bottomland with a lot of squirrels and limited rabbits. Their are 33 permits issed for this years hunt. She said that it never seemed crowded since hunters are not usually there every day. She did caution to check the weather as wet conditions and sticky gumbo mud will call for rubber boots.

This area is about 3 hours from my home in Austin and I hope to make it there at least 3-4 times. It should be a lot of fun if my old ankles and knees don't give out.

[scotth]

vonfilm i know this is a somewhat old thread but how did your hunt go and how well did the 327 small game loads work for you.

[Dunross]

For coon sized and smaller animals I like a 90-100gr swc or fp bullet loaded to entry level .32 H&R Magnum levels. No need for anything hotter and .32 Long levels would probably suffice. For anything larger than a coon I like a 115-120gr flat point loaded to entry level 327 mag levels.

[scotth]

For coon sized and smaller animals I like a 90-100gr swc or fp bullet loaded to entry level .32 H&R Magnum levels. No need for anything hotter and .32 Long levels would probably suffice. For anything larger than a coon I like a 115-120gr flat point loaded to entry level 327 mag levels.

are you loading these in 327 brass if so would you share some loading data. and are you using these loads in a rifle. i just got a 22 inch 327 barrel for the contender and looking for some small game loads.

[Dunross]

Yes, in 327 brass and I use them in both a Henry and an SP101. Won't have my load journal available for a few days, but the data is available in the Lyman manual or from the Hodgon site.

[scotth]

here is some good pistol data that has wad cutter data in 327 brass
https://reloadammo.com/327-federal-magnum-reloading-data/

[trapper9260]

What I use in my 327 BH I use in my 327 Handi Rifle . Works in both , working on what I will get work in my SP101 .

[scotth]

What I use in my 327 BH I use in my 327 Handi Rifle . Works in both , working on what I will get work in my SP101 .

what do you use your handi rifle for and what is your favorite load for it. i just got a new 22" 327 contender barrel from mgm so i'am looking for rifle loads with wad cutters for small game hunting mainly squirrel hunting.

[NorthMoccasin]

I don't have a 327 rifle, but my 32 H&R loves 7.5 2400 and the 115gr Lyman 31108. Velocity runs abt 1450fs and it shoots 1/2" groups at 50 yd. A grain or 2 more should work in the 327. Another good load is the 85 gr Lyman 311419 over 4.0 231.

[Rodfac]

The following are all .32-20 loads put up for use in my Winchester M92 built in 1919, with a fair bore. All show no signs of excessive pressure....but work up for your own guns if interested. All cycled just fine through my M92. All are alloyed ACWW with a pinch of tin for fill out, with 50-50 alox/beeswax lube.

Shooting done seated with a single bag off my porch rail with no rear bag support. White sloped bead front, and an older Lyman tang peep sight rear.

Lyman 311008 sized 0.312"
***3.3 Bullseye = 1/2" at 35 yds, Peep sight
**4.6 Unique = <3/4" 35 yds Peep Sight
7.0 Blue Dot = 1" 35 yds Peep sight
4.4 Win 231 = 1" 35 yds, Peep sight
9.0 SR4759 = 1" 35 yds, Peep sight

Lyman 313249 sized 0.312"
4.0 SR4756 = 1" 35 yds, Peep sight
**3.8 Win 231 = <3/4" 35 yds Peep sight

Lyman 311316 GC sized 0.312"
4.4 Unique = 1" 35 yds Peep sight
7.5 current production 2400 = 1/2" 35 yds, Peep sight

[cwlongshot]

I posted two videos past few days shooting my 327 revolvers over the chrony with factory a d hand loads.

https://youtu.be/Zgbtkq-JAYw

https://youtu.be/snTHe0Mkz7c

CW

[scotth]

i watched both videos been following your post and vids for a long time keep up the good work.

[cwlongshot]

i watched both videos been following your post and vids for a long time keep up the good work.

♥️♥️♥️ Thank you!