RIP .327 Federal Magnum?

[mobilemail]

I like .327FM and have a couple guns I'm satisfied with. But I've only seen new ammo or brass available twice since the "Great COVID Selloff" began (not counting gunbroker scalpers). Once I was able to buy a couple boxes of AE327, and once I passed on some ridiculously priced defense ammo.

Is anyone else finding it available at less-than-scalper prices? And more importantly, how about brass? And more importantly, do you think .327FM will ever make it back into production?

[Winger Ed.]

I thinks it's sort of like the .41Mag.
A good idea, that never really found its niche application or market- at least not in large numbers.

As far as finding brass--
Unless the military or law enforcement agencies adopt it, (Which ain't gonna happen)
the brass for it it will only get harder and more expensive as time goes on.

[Jtarm]

If you don’t need magnum velocities, .32 long brass would probably be easier to come by.

[ReloaderFred]

A lot of brass and ammunition is made in "runs", which means it may be made only once a year, or so, depending on popularity. The manufacturers only have so many case forming machines, so they make what sells the fastest in large quantities, and when they believe they have enough of the popular brass or ammunition, then they'll retool the machines to make a run of a caliber that doesn't sell as well, or as fast. Retooling means taking the machines out of production for the period it takes to tool up for a different caliber, so that's taken into account, too.

It's actually basic economics. It wouldn't make sense to make a caliber that's going to sit in a warehouse for a year, when they can make calibers that are pre-sold, and don't have to be warehoused or stored, before moving out the door.

I've been in the reloading game since 1963, and I've learned over the years that when a caliber that isn't "main line" becomes available, I buy what I can afford. I attend the SHOT Show every year, and I still remember at the 2009 Show when the first day of the Show, Fiocchi Ammunition announced that their entire production capacity for that year was already pre-sold, and they couldn't take any orders. The other manufacturers were pretty much in the same boat. They make what sells the best first, and the rest are squeezed in as production availability allows.

Hope this helps.

Fred

[rintinglen]

IF you have primers, Go to Starline's website and get on a wish list, then BUY 1000 when they are available, (start saving now, if need be.)

The analogy with the 41 mag is dead on, IMO. It is a niche cartridge, albeit a neat one, but 32's in general are not very popular, much less 327's, and we who like 'em have to wait our turn in line like Oliver Twist, hoping for "more." Meanwhile, take advantage of the versatility and buy whatever 32 H&R, 32 S&W Long, or 32 S&W that you find at a decent price.

[pworley1]

Brownells has 32H&R that will work like 38 special in a 357mag.

[dverna]

Wait until the .30 SC gets to be a couple of years old. Those folks had better be buying all they can now. At least with the .327 you can use other cases.

[cwlongshot]

I agree with suggestions of rolling your own.

But understand the need for factory on occasion. I had my dealer get me some and didnt have to re mortgage ta do so. But I also got the AE for good prices just ta get brass. I dont carry mine (much) So the two boxes will last me LONG time. Plus I had some 115g GD ammo.

CW

[mobilemail]

I, too, primarily buy AE327 for the brass until brass is more readily available. It isn't killing me, I think I have about 600 pieces of brass now and a couple boxes of factory ammo. And If pressed I think I have a little .32 long.
In IL I will be able to use my .327 Henry next year for dear hunting if I plug the magazine to make the rifle single shot. For that I wouldn't mind tripping across a box of the 127gr HamrDown ammo - factory loaded ammo is a requirement for deer hunting with rifle/handgun in IL. If I don't find it, the AE327 meets the energy requirements.
Side thought - did you ever wonder how they would know if you put hand loaded ammo in a factory box, using the same kind of bullet???

And yes, I do feel better off than the .30SC folks, I think their joy in ownership is still awaiting them!!

[beechbum444]

i want a pistol in this caliber just to shoot 32, 32 s and w long and 32 H and R out of it ..........anyone else think like that ???

[gwpercle]

I like .327FM and have a couple guns I'm satisfied with. But I've only seen new ammo or brass available twice since the "Great COVID Selloff" began (not counting gunbroker scalpers). Once I was able to buy a couple boxes of AE327, and once I passed on some ridiculously priced defense ammo.

Is anyone else finding it available at less-than-scalper prices? And more importantly, how about brass? And more importantly, do you think .327FM will ever make it back into production?

Let me suggest you take a long hard look at the Lee Hand Press Kit ($65.69 @ midway usa - in stock) and a set of Lee Reloading Dies ($49.92) ... for a total of about $115.00 you can get set up to load ammo while sitting at your desk or table . The Hand Press is held in your hands ... no bench mounting necessary . The Kit contains everything to seat primers with the press . I found the Hand Press so handy I bought two ... keep in a gym or shooting bag , everything you need to reload ... I do ALL my handgun and 30-30 Winchester rifle on the hand press . With the price and availability of ammo what it is ... you just about need to reload if you want to shoot . I shoot 41 Magnum and if it weren't for cast boolits and the hand press I would do little or no shooting .
The 327 FM is in the same boat as the 41 magnum .
Start assembling a loading set up now and save your brass !
Gary

[Texas by God]

Will a trimmed .30 Carbine case work in a single action .327? Curious about that.

[Dusty Bannister]

Looking at Starline site, the 327 mag brass is out of stock and NO back order.
The 32 H&R is out of stock and unknown when available. That means it is coming, but at an unknown date. There have been comments by forum members that they placed the order and it actually was filled shortly after being placed. It is a kind of a roll of the dice how soon it might be available. Good luck, whatever you decide to do.

[elmacgyver0]

It can't be any worse than .577/.450 Martini Henry, try to buy that sometime.

[Murphy]

Wait until the .30 SC gets to be a couple of years old. Those folks had better be buying all they can now. At least with the .327 you can use other cases.

Nailed it.

Rifle season is upon us here in Oklahoma (end of November). Guys are already on my social media page begging looking for 300WSM, 7STW, etc. And people are having trouble finding 30-30, 30-06, 270? They're learning though, at least the smart ones will.


Murphy

[HumptyDumpty]

The biggest benefit for me, is that my 327 Federal pistol gives me ample room to experiment with 32-caliber loadings, in everything from 32 S&W short to 327 Magnum brass. I can really push the limits of 32 Long, for instance, and not be terribly worried about pressure or overall cartridge length.

[Bigslug]

Since it's really just a stretched version of a lot of older .32's, I'm sure Starline will continue to do occasional runs. Just be a proper hoarder when they do.

Meanwhile, there's much sense in hitching your cart to the .38/.357 horse that's actually alive, and for which there is often FREE brass left by those who don't reload. Proclaimed benefits of the .32's aside, ubiquity may well trump "neat".

[redneck1]

Historically star line has been making it about every 18 months .
But who knows when we will see it again as backordered as they are . I've been wanting to build a single shot in .327 but not till I can buy brass .

[contender1]

"Will a trimmed .30 Carbine case work in a single action .327? Curious about that."

The .30 Carbine is a rimless case,, while the .327 is a rimmed case. In general, no.

[Mal Paso]

IF you have primers, Go to Starline's website and get on a wish list, then BUY 1000 when they are available, (start saving now, if need be.)

I don't think there is a Starline wish list, you can only backorder or buy. 327 is currently Out Of Stock/No Backorders but Is Still Listed whereas some calibers have been dropped. I sent an email about 350 Legend which hadn't run for 6 months. They said "that's nice, thanks for your interest". Keep checking. My experence has been once a caliber comes up for Backorder the process goes very quick.

[Texas by God]

"Will a trimmed .30 Carbine case work in a single action .327? Curious about that."

The .30 Carbine is a rimless case,, while the .327 is a rimmed case. In general, no.I know this. I just wondered if the throat of the .327 chamber would let the .30 carbine(trimmed to .327 length) case headspace on the mouth. Like the .30 Carbine Blackhawk. I was just comparing a .32 H&R case to a .30 Carbine case and wondering.....

Sent from my SM-A716U using Tapatalk

[Geezer in NH]

I have been happy with .32 S&W Long.

[Green Frog]

Since I want to feed two 327s, a Ruger Blackhawk stainless 8 shooter and a custom built S&W K frame, I knew I would need a supply of brass. In addition to buying some Federal (and their AE) ammo as it became available at a nearly reasonable price, I ordered 100 rounds of Federal Brass from Freedom arme when they had it and 1000 rounds of brass from Starline when they made their first run of it. Other than a few rounds lost to misadventure at the bench or in the field and 100 rounds I traded to another member here, I still have all of that brass, about 400 rounds still virgin. At my advanced age brass is not a problem. I can see the bottom of my stack of boxes of primers though. :???:

As others have said, an advantage of the 327 chambering is that it accepts straight side 32 cases of any length, so options are available. Boxes and partial boxes of 32 S&W Long show up in odd places and help keep the kids fed. Of course reloading when components are available is the secret, but even components (other than brass) have gotten pretty thin on the ground here. [smilie=b:

Froggie

[elmacgyver0]

If you run across it buy it at any price.
Unless you really don't care about ever shooting it again.
In today's climate, you never know.
The powers that be want to stop all peasant, I mean citizen shooting.

[worker]

Wait until the .30 SC gets to be a couple of years old. Those folks had better be buying all they can now. At least with the .327 you can use other cases.

I agree with this.
I was slow to get on .327 band wagon, and now I cannot find the Ruger single-seven in it, and 0 ammo.
.22 TCM is going, barely, but boy do you I wish RIA would finally make it a SAAMI cartridge, they are purposefully chocking the full opportunity for this cartridge

[mobilemail]

Meanwhile, there's much sense in hitching your cart to the .38/.357 horse that's actually alive, and for which there is often FREE brass left by those who don't reload. Proclaimed benefits of the .32's aside, ubiquity may well trump "neat".

I have .357 revolver and rifle as well. :-)

[Thundarstick]

I've 8 to 10 327 FM firearms (don't have time to count them again). I bought so much brass when it was available I doubt I'll live long enough to run out, and I'm a lot younger than some of y'all!

[dverna]

I've 8 to 10 327 FM firearms (don't have time to count them again). I bought so much brass when it was available I doubt I'll live long enough to run out, and I'm a lot younger than some of y'all!

Maybe wiser too. For stocking up on brass when the time was right. Not so wise in having that many guns in a soon to be obsolete caliber....LOL

[Green Frog]

To misquote the sage Mark Twain, “Reports of its death have been greatly exaggerated.”

Will you be buying guns and ammo in 327 FM in every big box gun store daily? Probably not. But the enthusiastic supporters of 32 revolvers are “bitter clingers” who will indeed cling to them!

Froggie

[FergusonTO35]

Wait until the .30 SC gets to be a couple of years old. Those folks had better be buying all they can now. At least with the .327 you can use other cases.

This 100%. If you like the .30 SC you should buy every bit of it you can find. The cartridge will never even be as popular as the .327, and election induced shortages hit the obscure calibers hardest.

[dtknowles]

I know this. I just wondered if the throat of the .327 chamber would let the .30 carbine(trimmed to .327 length) case headspace on the mouth. Like the .30 Carbine Blackhawk. I was just comparing a .32 H&R case to a .30 Carbine case and wondering.....

Sent from my SM-A716U using Tapatalk

You have to form and turn the head on .30 carbine to get it to chamber in .327 etc. It will have a slight rim if you leave it. The base of the cartridge is bigger diameter than 32 brass because it is tapered.

If you are a glutton for punishment you can form brass and turn the heads .223 brass to make .327.

Tim

[tejano]

“Bitter Clinger”? Yep, I am one of them. :)

[Jedman]

I think the 327 is one of the more useful calibers to come out and have a real purpose. I think the current reason that it’s hard to come by is hoarding and the small production runs of this caliber.
I don’t see it going away as there are many guns chambered in it and like I said it’s one of the newer cartridges that makes sense and has a real purpose.

Jedman

[Soundguy]

327fm was a low run ammo to begin with.. after the slow gear up from covid.. manufacturers are focusing on non niche products.. 327fm SHOULD come back.. but not soon IMHO.

[Green Frog]

Since it's really just a stretched version of a lot of older .32's, I'm sure Starline will continue to do occasional runs. Just be a proper hoarder when they do.

Meanwhile, there's much sense in hitching your cart to the .38/.357 horse that's actually alive, and for which there is often FREE brass left by those who don't reload. Proclaimed benefits of the .32's aside, ubiquity may well trump "neat".

The 38/357 brass count isn’t growing very much lately. Most of us who load any revolver cartridges at all probably have a bucket or two of one or both stashed somewhere, but trying to find any current production brass or ammo is likely to be as frustrating as for 32s or nearly so. Glad my stash is large and in place!
Froggie

[Soundguy]

Agreed I'm glad I cast and reload during this covid Slowdown I have not stopped shooting any at all in fact I've maybe shot more but that's because I was prepared with powder primers lead and cases

[dtknowles]

You have to form and turn the head on .30 carbine to get it to chamber in .327 etc. It will have a slight rim if you leave it. The base of the cartridge is bigger diameter than 32 brass because it is tapered.

If you are a glutton for punishment you can form brass and turn the heads .223 brass to make .327.

Tim

.327 is the dark case in the middle. Cases formed from .223 are on the right.

305359

[dtknowles]

Will a trimmed .30 Carbine case work in a single action .327? Curious about that.

No, the head is too large to chamber. It would be a good choice as a donor case for forming .327. After forming only a tiny band needs to be turned off.

The one on the right was formed from 30 car. the one on the left is .327.

305365

Tim

[dtknowles]

This does not seem like a bad deal.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/949969267

[Soundguy]

it seems like 32HRmag has made more of a comeback than 327. 32hrmag has come out in the charter arms undercoverette and the profesional.

I end up loading more of those than anything else in the 32 revolver family.

[HumptyDumpty]

I wish that the Henry side-gates (particularly the Model X) were available in 327 Federal, I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

[JoeJames]

I have been happy with .32 S&W Long.I have too. But, I would avoid buying a 327 Magnum, because I would still just shoot 32S&W Long in it, and after all that case stretching from 32S&W Long to 32H&R Magnum and then up to 327 that's an awful lot of freebore to satisfy what may be a fad. Just my opinion.

[Soundguy]

A fad? if you can load and cast for it.. no need to be a fad...

You can generate 357mag power but less recoil.. less powder.. less lead... what's not to love..

same with 32hrmag and 38spl...

[alamogunr]

When I ordered my Ruger Single Seven about 4 years ago, I ordered 500 pcs of Starline brass. It is hard to lose brass when shooting a revolver. Any time I acquire a new gun in a new to me cartridge, I lay in a supply of brass. A case in point about semi-auto's, I stockpiled a lot of small primer, OF .45 ACP at pretty good prices since many didn't want to fool with them. Since almost all of my loading on the Dillon is cartridges that use small primers, it fit right in.

[dverna]

A fad? if you can load and cast for it.. no need to be a fad...

You can generate 357mag power but less recoil.. less powder.. less lead... what's not to love..

same with 32hrmag and 38spl...

I never believed that hype. More power and less recoil does not make sense. Every force has an equal and opposite reaction. Whatever KE is at the muzzle must give the same KE at recoil.

But placebos "work" in many "scientific" tests so I guess I must be wrong...again.

If someone likes the .327 nothing wrong with that. I have no use for it, and I do not see its magic. My arsenal is a handful of calibers and dozens of guns with up to 7 guns in one caliber. No "pizzaz" and very boring. I built it around jacketed bullets for serious work and cast if I need to shoot cheaply, or if the SHTF and good bullets are not available.

My caliber selections have proven effective for what I need doing. I will never whine about not having the right powder, or right bullets, or right cases. KISS.

Like I said earlier. If someone likes to shoot weird and/or "new and improved" stuff, they need to be smart enough to stock up when components are available. I define weird as any cartridge that cannot be easily made from readily available commercial brass. I picked on the .30SC, but there are scores of others. Heck even the much loved .35 Rem is weird.

[Soundguy]

I can fire my 327 and 357 and tell you there is a noticeable difference. The 327 develop way more velocity for one thing. Barrel rise is much less. Big pressure difference too... Probable a speed and impulse difference in the pressure wave..that would be my guess on the felt or perceived difference.

[Soundguy]

Some additional data to go with that to illustrating the pressure/velocity difference.
357mag 90gr lrn titegroup
Velocity 850-1107 fps
Pressure 6300-9000 cup

327 fed 90gr lrn titegroup
Velocity 1066-1283 fps
Pressure 16300 - 28800 psi.

We know that cup =/= psi directly..but there is some correspondence... And the pressure difference is huge..

[dtknowles]

Ballistically the .357 mag can do anything the .327 can do and more.

Loaded with the same weight bullet, loaded to the same velocity the .357 will have the same recoil and the same power as the .327. Corbon loads 110 grain bullets in the .357 that match .327 velocity. You have to load down .357 to match .327 ballistics and if you do you end up with the same recoil.

[dverna]

Some additional data to go with that to illustrating the pressure/velocity difference.
357mag 90gr lrn titegroup
Velocity 850-1107 fps
Pressure 6300-9000 cup

327 fed 90gr lrn titegroup
Velocity 1066-1283 fps
Pressure 16300 - 28800 psi.

We know that cup =/= psi directly..but there is some correspondence... And the pressure difference is huge..

Comparing a 90 gr .312 bullet to a 90 gr .357 is not realist. When evaluating the performance of a cartridge the use of the load is the most important factor.

Look at what a typical self defense loading in each caliber looks like. It is also interesting to do some work looking at recoil energy.


The formula for calculating recoil does not have the following parameters...burn rate, pressure, “impulse”, muzzle blast, or any other factors some people use to quantify recoil.

Powder mass has a very marginal contribution to recoil. If a bullet is developing say 500 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, and one load uses 12 gr of powder, it will have a bit less recoil than a load that requires 15 gr. It will not matter if the bullet weighs 115 gr or 158 gr...because the velocity of the 115 gr bullet will be greater than the 158 gr bullet to achieve the same energy. Energy is the result of mass and velocity.

What people sense as lower recoil, when cartridges are delivering the same energy in the same weight firearm is due to gun fit, muzzle blast, and what they want to believe. Gun fit will include, grip size, grip material and the distance between the center line of the barrel and where the gun rotates during recoil....the moment of the force vector. At least for unported revolvers and fixed breech weapons. Semi-autos will “feel” like they have less recoil as recoil energy is used to cycle the weapon and it is spread over a longer period of time. Semi-auto pistols also benefit from typically having the center of the bore closer to the hand and reducing the moment force (torque)

Gun writers who make unsupported claims are either ignorant or liars. It is the main reason I stopped reading most of what is currently published in magazines. They have put promoting products above educating us. And it seems YouTube has become a treasure trove of misinformation.

By the way, this is the reason for this long post. It is to educate and help others see through the fog.

Science in areas like this one, is far different than the “science” of lockdowns.

[Stacts]

I don't really buy into the hype around around .327 (As powerful as .357 with less recoil! /s) but I still want one. A 7" revolver with adjustable sights could be a very fun range toy (and maybe a bit more pleasant that .357?). Probably won't get one, but I like the concept. Not to mention that due to the plethora of .32 calibers, it shouldn't be too bad to feed it.

.327 brass Out of Stock? Buy .32 H&R. That's out too? Buy .32 long.

[Ramjet-SS]

I had Reeder convert a 32 H&R S&W 6” to 327 and add some nice embellishments including my last name. Shot today best load was a cast 120 grain HP over a good dose of WW296 4” group 55 yards. Up close I like the A-Frame 100 grain HP loaded over WW 296. In that full lug Smith the recoil is low accuracy is great and smooth as silk.

[Thundarstick]

I remember an article somewhere that concluded

The 327 Federal Magnum is the result of people wanting a 32 HR Magnum loaded to ORIGINAL chamber pressure.

The 327 FM is what the 32 H&R was SUSPOSED to be! The H&R metallurgy wasn't up to the task, so it was neutered out of the gate.

[dverna]

I don't really buy into the hype around around .327 (As powerful as .357 with less recoil! /s) but I still want one. A 7" revolver with adjustable sights could be a very fun range toy (and maybe a bit more pleasant that .357?). Probably won't get one, but I like the concept. Not to mention that due to the plethora of .32 calibers, it shouldn't be too bad to feed it.

.327 brass Out of Stock? Buy .32 H&R. That's out too? Buy .32 long.

A very good take on stuff like this. People using hype to justify getting a new "toy" is what I expect gun rags to do. Nothing wrong with wanting any caliber if that is what a person wants. Making silly claims just proves the choice was not well thought out.

BTW, I nearly bought into the .32's when I was shooting CAS. Back then I was a real "gun nut" and bought all sorts of stuff I wanted and did not need. But even then, I realized it would have been a very expensive mistake. There was nothing available that would be as slick as my tuned Colt SAA's and then I would have added a good lever action. And to do what? Clang steel and win that new pickup truck?

I already had over $5000 in CAS.38/.357 guns, plus a dedicated Dillon 1050 to load them. If I lost a handful of .38 brass at a match, once fired cases were $50-60/k and I had about 8k of them.

Even a gun nut can have rare moments of common sense.

If you get that .32, enjoy the heck out of it. All guns that shoot well are FUN!!!

[fivegunner]

Don I sure do like the way you think, Thank`s for posting

[ohen cepel]

I like the .32's and will keep them, including the .327. They are what they are, and I like them. They are not magical but have some gains to me. Have enough brass to load them for the rest of my life unless I hit the lottery and get a TON of free time to do nothing but shoot and reload.

They don't currently get a lot of support by the firearms makers. However, I think revolvers may start to make a comeback and if so, the .32's may get a bump.

I think the .327 will be around for a long time. Much like the 41mag, the predictions of its death never seem to come to reality.

[shooting on a shoestring]

My opinion the only “dead” 32 caliber is the original 32 S&W that came out in 1878. To my knowledge there haven’t been any production guns chambered in 32 S&W since the S&W Hand Ejectors came out in the 1890’s. I haven’t seen 32 S&W stocked by any big box gun shops and only a couple of mom n pops.

32 S&W Long is still popular enough to be stocked by Cabela’s and Acacemy here in Texas. I believe firearms are still in production by Hammerli and Pardini and maybe a few more. 32S&W came out in 1896. It’s not dead yet.

32 H&R is still in production for both firearms and ammunition since 1984. Although I don’t think it’s gaining market share, it’s still alive and out there.

327 Federal Magnum is much more current. It’s still in the Ruger catalog. Out of the 4 straight walled 32 revolver cartridges it’s easily the most versatile, most useful for defense from felons or critters. It’ll be around as long as people are free to keep and bear arms.

[dtknowles]

My opinion the only “dead” 32 caliber is the original 32 S&W that came out in 1878. To my knowledge there haven’t been any production guns chambered in 32 S&W since the S&W Hand Ejectors came out in the 1890’s. I haven’t seen 32 S&W stocked by any big box gun shops and only a couple of mom n pops.

32 S&W Long is still popular enough to be stocked by Cabela’s and Acacemy here in Texas. I believe firearms are still in production by Hammerli and Pardini and maybe a few more. 32S&W came out in 1896. It’s not dead yet.

32 H&R is still in production for both firearms and ammunition since 1984. Although I don’t think it’s gaining market share, it’s still alive and out there.

327 Federal Magnum is much more current. It’s still in the Ruger catalog. Out of the 4 straight walled 32 revolver cartridges it’s easily the most versatile, most useful for defense from felons or critters. It’ll be around as long as people are free to keep and bear arms.

You left out two popular .32's the 32 ACP and the 32-20. The 32-20 is my favorite 32. It is and for a long time has been the most popular 32. That is mostly because of rifles chamber for it. In my revolver it can be loaded to equal the .327 but I shoot mostly .32 S&W Long equivalent rounds. I have never had trouble finding ammo or brass, but you don't find it on brick-and-mortar stores very often. It might be harder to come by now, but I have not looked because I have plenty.

[shooting on a shoestring]

DT, you’re right.
I was only considering the straight-walled revolver rounds. And I agree with your position the 32-20 can be loaded to duplicate what the 327 does in revolvers. I have a nice S&W MP that sees loads approximately equivalent to 32 H&R just because there’s no use in running that gun hard for the heck of it. But I have a convertible Blackhawk with a 32-20 cylinder that mostly runs in the neighborhood of 1500 fps.

Yep 32-20 is alive and well.

32acp, it’s and oldie too and it’ll be around a long time, even on our continent. I think it may be more popular in the European countries than here. But here it has a following and can be used defensively. Definitely not a contender for the title “dead cartridge”.

[shooting on a shoestring]

Hey DT!
What about your 7.62x25 Tokarev?
Is that a dead cartridge?

[mobilemail]

I really like shooting .327 in the rifle more than the pistol. Even at stouter loads it is pleasant to shoot and shoots flat. It's hard for me to make accuracy claims because I'm shooting my Henry with a tang peep sight. One day I will put scope mount on it and really see what it's capable of at 100-200 yards.
I've loaded and chronied some loads with 115gr bullets, but I really need that scope mount to see what they are doing for me. With the peep sight I achieve accuracy consistent with AE327 loads.

[dtknowles]

Hey DT!
What about your 7.62x25 Tokarev?
Is that a dead cartridge?

Good point. My CZ 52 is packed for a range visit right now.

[wrench man]

When I got my Ruger Single Seven I picked up federal AE for it at Sportsman's Warehouse regularly, I can see no less than 14 boxes of it right from where I'm sitting, and I know I have a couple more around and I have a bag of Starline brass too, so the Single Seven and Henry rifle I got to go with the revolver will be well fed.
I also picked up a Single Six "Baby Vaquero" 32 H&R so I got several bags of Starline brass for it, and for bullets I can see 1100 worth sitting on the shelf too.
the 32's are alive and well here.

[cwlongshot]

Same here. I bought the gun and ordered brass and a few boxes of loaded A&E. I also ordered a 135g Bullet
Mold from Arsenal.

Fell for the caliber HARD!! Convinced my pop he needed one and bought a consecutive set of birds heads S7 Rugers and another 6box of A&E ammo. Its hot stuff but shoots well and provides good brass. Combined with the ability ta shoot FIVE CALIBERS!!!

ZERO SHORTAGE HERE! Gun is nothing but a brick if ya dont have ammo OR ability to make ammo.

MY 327's aint going no where and can be fed far past my life span.

CW

[Green Frog]

CW,
I first got interested in the 327 FM for heavier (115-125 gr) bullets, but am now starting to warm up to the idea of using lighter bullets as well. I first saw the 327 in terms of “full snort” loads, but there’s actually a wide range of possibilities there for milder loads as well.
A point not to be ignored is that just like in the ‘50s when 357 Mag brass was hard and expensive to find and loads in 38 Spl brass got fired in a lot of 357 revolvers, the 327 offers the capacity for 32 H&R and even 32 S&W L with perfect satisfaction. In fact, I had a batch of 32 S&W L that I had accidentally loaded a bit too enthusiastically… my 327s seemed to love them! ;-)
Froggie

[Soundguy]

Comparing a 90 gr .312 bullet to a 90 gr .357 is not realist. When evaluating the performance of a cartridge the use of the load is the most important factor.

.

Most important factor? the most important factor is up to each shooter. I know people who are perfect shots.. until they see a muzzle flash.. then they are horrible shots for a bit due to their eyes not liking the muzzle flash.

So YES.. muzzle flash IS IMPORTANT.

Also of importance is velocity. Much of wound channel development is due to velocity... and less due to bullet mass.

Another issue is round count.. some 32's carry 1-2 more rounds than the average 357.

Powder burn rate makes a difference in 'felt' recoil. There are differences in slow pushes.. fast cracks.. etc.. etc. Powder burn rate and charge density also has to do with fireball in a specific gun. for instance.. in a snubby.. if you use a faster powder.. you generally get less fireball... I would choose titegroup over 4227 if I was looking at fireball in a snubby...

You can look in a book and plug numbers into a program to calculate all you want.. but the rubber meets the road with gun in hand and a ladder test... some stuff works great on paper.. by the numbers.. but not so great in real life.

[Stacts]

Powder burn rate and charge density also has to do with fireball in a specific gun. for instance.. in a snubby.. if you use a faster powder.. you generally get less fireball... I would choose titegroup over 4227 if I was looking at fireball in a snubby...

Which is why you should only use H110 in sub 2" magnums. Makes for a great flash bang! :kidding:

[cwlongshot]

CW,
I first got interested in the 327 FM for heavier (115-125 gr) bullets, but am now starting to warm up to the idea of using lighter bullets as well. I first saw the 327 in terms of “full snort” loads, but there’s actually a wide range of possibilities there for milder loads as well.
A point not to be ignored is that just like in the ‘50s when 357 Mag brass was hard and expensive to find and loads in 38 Spl brass got fired in a lot of 357 revolvers, the 327 offers the capacity for 32 H&R and even 32 S&W L with perfect satisfaction. In fact, I had a batch of 32 S&W L that I had accidentally loaded a bit too enthusiastically… my 327s seemed to love them! ;-)
Froggie

The Lyman 311440 makes a dandy heavy bullet in the 327. I load with Blue Dot to 1050 from my 3.5" Birds head and just shy of 1150 from the 5.5".

https://youtu.be/tROTE5oiLEA

[Soundguy]

Which is why you should only use H110 in sub 2" magnums. Makes for a great flash bang! :kidding:

A full case of 4227 makes for some neat fireworks too when in a short barrel...

[Green Frog]

CW, I got in on a group buy (remember when they worked??) for an NOE 4 banger that was supposed to be a copy of the old Ideal 3118 (118 gr). Al fiddled with the dimensions a smidge and the final result came out at a consistent 125 gr with my alloy. It’s long enough in the nose that it comes to within a 16th of an inch of the front cylinder face of my custom S&W stainless K frame “Project 616” when loaded in 327 FM brass (Starline). It was such a nice match, I took one look at it and said, “Done!” 8-). I don’t have any experience at all with any of these extra heavy bullets some of you are using in the 327, but the fact that you can speaks to the versatility of the caliber. Too many people are still thinking of 32 revolvers as small, weak pocket pistols, but the 327 FM takes things waaay beyond that. ;)
Froggie

[Ramjet-SS]

CW, I got in on a group buy (remember when they worked??) for an NOE 4 banger that was supposed to be a copy of the old Ideal 3118 (118 gr). Al fiddled with the dimensions a smidge and the final result came out at a consistent 125 gr with my alloy. It’s long enough in the nose that it comes to within a 16th of an inch of the front cylinder face of my custom S&W stainless K frame “Project 616” when loaded in 327 FM brass (Starline). It was such a nice match, I took one look at it and said, “Done!” 8-). I don’t have any experience at all with any of these extra heavy bullets some of you are using in the 327, but the fact that you can speaks to the versatility of the caliber. Too many people are still thinking of 32 revolvers as small, weak pocket pistols, but the 327 FM takes things waaay beyond that. ;)
Froggie

My 327 is also a converted K-frame 6” the 120 grain cast GC HP is accurate and potent. I took a nice mature doe at 35 yards she did the heart flutter dashed 25 yards dropped dead. I was amazed at the internal damage from the bullet.

[Soundguy]

Impossible!?!? They..they can't do that..they lack the energy..balistics..blah blah blah.

On a serious note, nice gun..nice shot!

[RJM52]

Had a bunch of .32 H&Rs over the years but just didn't bond with the caliber...when the .327 came out I jumped in with both feet and bought or tried just about everything available.

After the "smoke" cleared...I don't PC bullets like CW does...ended up with three...
Freedom Arms 97/4.25" round butt
S&W 53 6" that was converted by Jack Huntington of JRH Gunsmithing
TC Contender 12" Octagon TCA .32 H&R that CW reamed out to .327

The FA gets 120-140 grain cast bullets
S&W gets 85-95 grain cast bullets
TC gets 85 grain jacketed bullets that are running 2200 fps...

It is too bad that S&W won't make the 632-1 3" adjustable sight guns and a nice 6" Model 16. And a Colt Cobra would be dandy...

Ruger and FA are the only reason the cartridge is still alive...as they have kept the .41 Magnum alive.

Bob

[cwlongshot]

The versatility of the caliber is something thats simply not realized.

It affords some REAL power in 327 SUPER MAG but also true mouse gun in 32 shorts!!!!!!! What a range!!! I mean really. It even can shoot 32 acp!!! FIVE different power levels from five different calibers all safe ta use shoot interchangeably in revolvers!!!

Im waiting on a long rifled chamber insert for a 12 or 20 or better yet a 410 shotgun. What a assett as a camp gun or end of days scenerio!!!

Its one down fall is its loud ya sure. But far over shadowed by everything else it brings to the table for the user.

CW

[Soundguy]

Had a bunch of .32 H&Rs over the years but just didn't bond with the caliber...when the .327 came out I jumped in with both feet and bought or tried just about everything available.

After the "smoke" cleared...I don't PC bullets like CW does...ended up with three...
Freedom Arms 97/4.25" round butt
S&W 53 6" that was converted by Jack Huntington of JRH Gunsmithing
TC Contender 12" Octagon TCA .32 H&R that CW reamed out to .327

The FA gets 120-140 grain cast bullets
S&W gets 85-95 grain cast bullets
TC gets 85 grain jacketed bullets that are running 2200 fps...

It is too bad that S&W won't make the 632-1 3" adjustable sight guns and a nice 6" Model 16. And a Colt Cobra would be dandy...

Ruger and FA are the only reason the cartridge is still alive...as they have kept the .41 Magnum alive.

Bob

What got me started was a charter arms professional in 32hr.. I loved the grips and extra round...though it's a steel frame gun and a hair heavy. Then I got a charter undercoverette... Light aircraft aluminum... Fun gun in 32hr. Lastly, a ruger sp101 3" in 327fed as the cherry on top. Love all 3. Generally load and shoot more 32hr than anything..but carry the ruger loaded with 327's. Forget what my load is without hitting the notes..but seem to remember 90gr cast lead.

[dverna]

I seriously looked into moving to the .32's. That little voice we all get told me, "Sell those .357's and get a few .32 'fun guns' and a couple of .41 Mags for real work."

But I can go from mouse phart to magnum with the seven .357's I have, so it never happened. Nothing wrong with the .32's but nothing that superior about them either. At least not enough to justify getting rid of seven guns, dies and a handful of good molds...just to start the process again.

My carry guns are all 9mm or .40's semi-auto's and I have no interest in a revolver for that job so the extra round in the .32's did not matter. But if I ever get to the point I cannot operate a semi-auto, the .32 may be the ticket. Just not there yet.

But I have become a minimalist. For someone who likes a lot of different calibers adding another good one is fun. And the .32's are good.

But calibers so not live and die on what "gun nuts" desire. They must be commercially successful. Something gun rags can convince the average Joe/Jane to have. And the current trend is to push folks to semi-autos for self-defense. The majority of shooters are not reloaders and even fewer cast. What we on this forum think is not important to the viability of a caliber.

I believe the OP is correct. The .327 will continue its decline. Not because it is a poor caliber, but because people will not buy enough guns in that caliber to sustain it. And as ammunition for it becomes more expensive, fewer rounds will be sold...a vicious circle.

Just checked on Midway and the American Eagle prices are as follows:
.38 spl $27
.357 $37

.32 ACP $38
.32 S&W Long $38 Prvi-Partizan - cheapest stuff
.327 $43

The person heading to the range to put holes in paper with a revolver, who does not reload, will be paying $10+ less for a box of .38's than anything they can feed the .327.

And if they have a 9mm, it will cost less than $18/box.

[Soundguy]

I've never understood why someone would sell all of their guns and reload and gear of a particular caliber just to move to another caliber it's pretty easy to pick up one gun of another caliber and the reloading dies and then see if you like it without having to sell you know $10,000 of guns and reloading gear just to change to a caliber. As far as guns going away actually there are more guns in 32 H&R now than there were five years ago so maybe it's coming back out 32 might make a resurgence.

[dverna]

I've never understood why someone would sell all of their guns and reload and gear of a particular caliber just to move to another caliber it's pretty easy to pick up one gun of another caliber and the reloading dies and then see if you like it without having to sell you know $10,000 of guns and reloading gear just to change to a caliber.

When you get to the point I was, you might understand. When I had my "awakening" I had well over 50 guns and two dozen calibers/gauges. (.22, .22 Hornet, .223, 243, .243 WSSM. 6 mm, 25/06, 270, .30 Carbine, .30/30, .308, .30/06, .300 Win Mag, .38/55, .45/70, .32 ACP. .380 ACP, 9mm, .38/.357's, .40 S&W, .44 Mag, .45ACP, 28 ga, 20 ga, and 12 .ga).

I was set up to reload for all of them. I had two rooms of reloading stuff and components, with "safety stock" in the garage and basement. At one time I had seven progressive machines set up.

One day I "lost" a gun. Thought I may have lent it to my son, but he did not have it. Took me two days to find it. I was ready to call the police to report a lost gun when I found it. I could not be certain the last time I had seen it or used it. That would have been an embarrassing discussion with the LEO.

That was when I realized things had to change.

It can be challenging and fun to develop a couple of loads for a new gun/caliber/mold but then what? I can only shoot one gun at a time. Does that group matter if it comes from the .223 or .243 or .25/06. Does the varmint care? Will deer or black bear be deader if hit with the .270, .308 or .30/06? How many rifles do I take out to deer camp or drag through the swamp for bear? Does the dueling tree care if hit by a .380 or 9mm?

I determined all I needed were .223, .308, 9mm, .38/.357, and 12 ga. There is nothing that needs doing that those five cannot do. I cannot have more "fun" by adding another caliber. (BTW, fun for me is shooting) Everything else I owned was a toy. I can shoot those selections from light loads to near full power with three powders...Promo, Unigue and Varget (or 4064). I need to stock only SRP, LRP, SPP and .209's.

Instead of having those 50+ "toys", I reinvested the proceeds and ended up with a lifetime supply (maybe two lifetimes) of powder and primers and added a few redundant guns in the same calibers. Made more sense to me.

I need only a handful of molds. So I can afford a Master Caster and custom molds.

For me, KISS works and I have no regrets. But YMMV.

[Soundguy]

Wow..you are better than me... Heck.. I have 5 guns in my truck. I probably have 30mumble something + molds and reload for as many calibers/ gauges as those molds can support..including dripping shotgun shot. I kind of take it as a challenge finding a gun where ammo hasn't been made in years... I like to shoot too... I just shoot a different gun each time. ;)

But agreed..ymmv

[megasupermagnum]

I'm not sure what decline you guys are talking about. The 327 is as popular now as it ever was. We are still in the shortage, so ammo is spotty. Federal came out with a new 327 load this year. Taurus came out with a new revolver this year. Ruger still makes everything they ever did. 327 ammo is on shelves. My local gun store you have a choice of 3-4 different 327 loads, plus they have 32 h&r, and 32 acp. A different store usually has 32 s&w long.

My only regret is that I didn't buy a second GP100 lipsey special when they were $650.

[Soundguy]

Charter has at least 3 revolvers out for 32hr as well.

[ndnchf]

I use 327 Fed Mag brass to make .32 Extra Long rimfire and .32 Ballard Extra Long (centerfire equivalent of the rimfire cartridge). While .25-20 Single Shot is easier to start with, I've worked out a pretty good process to use what until recently, was much easier to find .327 Fed Mag brass. I'll buy some if I come across it.

[Soundguy]

Nice!

Reminds me of making 8mm namby. The forming set I have wants you to start with 30 Remington..which is virtually a unicorn anyway. I found that you can start with 6.8spc. 6.8 has a parent case of 30 rem, and since you are cutting it below the shoulder anyway.. I always used 6.8 vs 30 rem as 6.8 was easier to find. I had an AR in 6.8..so brass was on hand.