327 mag revisted

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10pacesmike

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After searching all of the 327 mag threads, it seems they continually compared the 327 to a hot 9mm or 38+P. Looking at the performance on some of Mr. Quinn's reviews on his website, his data is exceeding 357 magnum performance for ft/lbs of energy in many loads, and with bullets of impressive weight.

Examples of a few from barrels between 5 and 7 inches:

118gr hard cast at 1656 for 719 ftlbs (5.5" blackhawk)
135gr hard cast at 1534 for 705 ftlbs (5.5" blackhawk)
120gr hard cast at 1615 for 695 ftlbs (5.5" blackhawk)
113gr hard cast at 1691 for 718 ftlbs (6.5")
135gr hard cast at 1588 for 756 ftlbs (6.5")
113gr gas check at 1752 for 770 ftlbs (6.5")
100gr american eagle factory load at 1649 for 604 ftlbs (6.5" barrel)

Couple these relatively high BC bullets with the lightweight screamers (60gr XTP at ~2200fps) and this seems like a cartridge that can do it all.

I'm about to send a single six off to Alan Harton for conversion (new cylinder, 6" barrel).

I can only imagine the velocity/capability out of a levergun. I think the 135gr would make a dandy deer cartridge from a 18" barrel.

If this cartridge suffers from anything, I think it's mismanagement of platforms. I think the cartridge itself seems absolutely brilliant.
 
I just put a couple hundred rounds thru my SP101 again yesterday; love the cartridge, love the gun. I handload two different loads for mine. I run a light 90g SWC target load, then a fairly heavy 100g magnum load. The gun definitely has multiple personalitys depending what load you run thru it!
 
I have one load in my 327 using my cast Lyman 311316 gas checked over A#9 that works very well and a very hot 32 Magnum with a cast 100 gr. that works well in 327 guns but is not safe in any 32 Magnum chambered gun. The cartridge, 327, is fascinating to work with, tremendous potential and still a work in progress. I find that the heavier bullets are more accurate with less deviation than anything under 100 grains and the 115 cast is the best in my revolver.
 
My only complaint so far is the difficulty in finding components. I was able to get brass from Freedom Arms. Bullets seem to be forever on back order anywhere I look. I have been running the Rainier 100gr FP's with 2400, seems to be a good pairing so far. I'd really like to get some Hornady XTP's but they have been unavailable for a long time.
 
I think as time goes by, the round will show itself to be very versatile and useful. I've yet to hear anybody who's actually used the round say anything bad about it. The negative comments tend to come from folks who have no experience with it.
 
I used a couple hundred Hornady 100 gr. XTP/HP and found accuracy to be better with the cast 115 gr. sized .313 and loaded hot. I'm of the opinion that the cast boolit will better the jacketed every time and the added weight is also a plus. The 85 gr Hornady and the 90 gr. Sierra were both very disappointing, I haven't loaded any Speer, I tried the Rainier and it was good if I ran it hot, well above what they recommend for plated projectiles.
I've run well over a thousand rounds thru my 327, using 327 and nearly as many 32 Magnums.
 
Shooting those cast lead bullets at such high velocity, don't you have a problem with leading in the barrel?


Just chrono'd the Speer gold dot 115 grain bullet load out of my S&W 3" with the ported barrel, and was delighted to see it at 1400 fps.
 
No leading in the barrel or the chamber mouths because the 115 grain bullet is fitted with a gas check and both the 100 gr. in the 32 mag and the 115 gr. in the 327 are sized to prevent leading. I slugged the bore and checked the chambers and .313 is the answer; NO LEADING; YAY ME!!!!!!!!!!!!
I drive 158 gr. soft 357 Magnums at max velocity from several revolvers and have no leading; same reason.
I cast my own and they are tailored to the guns and function beautifully. I have a 41 Magnum that works that way too. I've got a 44 Special that is causing me serious problems, but it will come around.

Also; I do not, ever, ever, ever, load and shoot commercial hard cast store bought lead bullets.
 
That's interesting. I've been thinking about starting handloading, and starting with the 327 since I'm kink of taken with the caliber. And I love the idea of casting my own bullets. But I don't know enough yet about bullet types and sizes to prevent leading with cast bullets. I may have some questions later!


Kind of ironic, I'm so busy running my business suppyling to the ammunition industry, that I haven't had time to reload. But the kids are grown and out, and I'm thinking of getting into it soon. I'm beginning by reading the "ABCs of Reloading."

What's the difference between what you cast and what you can buy that prevents leading?
 
Mostly it is a matter of sizing to fit the bore and chamber mouths, the gas check helps but I don't use a gas check when the bullet is not designed for one. Most of my molds are discontinued designs made by Ideal and Lyman. I was introduced to casting in 1956 and became heavily involved as time, job and location allowed. the bullet that I use for my 327 is Lyman # 311316. It was discontinued some time back, I originally purchased it for 32-20 but have since used Ideal # 3118, basically the same but plain based. Its a whole different world, casting, Check out Castboolits.gunloads.com.
 
Nice revolver nonseven! I've looked at that revolver many times, but never have quite convinced myself it belongs in my stable. Someday, I'm sure.
 
I still prefer the 32 H&R Magnum for my cowboy load and dont see much of a need for a caliber I cant get readily available unless I spend my weekend reloading instead of shooting.
 
That S&W 632 has taken over as my carry gun.

The caliber is so versatile, giving the gun many personalities.

It seems like the dividing line is between the 85 grain and the 115 grain, both at about 1400 fps. The 85 grain is strong but still a little tame, the 115 grain starts to pack a wallop with the recoil.
 
If ya check out the Marlin Owners forum you will see a member has had his 1894CB .32 H&R Magnum re-chambered to .327 Federal
 
I just bought several hundred XTPs in 100 gr 327 fed from Powder Valley. You may want to check there.
I really like my SP 101 in 327 fed mag. I am going to start reloading for it as soon as I get enough empties, I already have the reloading equipment.

I don't have a problem buying the factory ammo here in NC, but I did have to backorder a couple hundred new factory cases, they should be here in another couple weeks.

Much superior to the 32 H&R mag. in many ways. Equal or better then the to 357Mag in a few ways, as long as you compare apples to apples.

It's like a smaller extension of the 357 mag, it picks up on the lower end were the 357 leaves off.
I think it will do well as soon as it catches on more. Definently a hot little load.
 
I liked the concept of the 327 magnum. I considered buying a revolver chambered for it, but my reality is that I could see no serious benefit shooting it over a 38spl or 357 mag. But I can see that some like it. Go for it!
 
I am the marlin owner that had the 1894 converted to .327 and am real happy with it:) Brockmans did the work and also had different sights put on it.
2011-11-06_16-38-36_973.jpg
This group was at 50 yards.
2011-11-06_16-45-51_452.jpg
There are no markings on the rifle showing it was changed.
I also had two model 16-4's converted, I wish S&W would make a L frame with 8 shot capacity!!
 
I shoot .327 thru my Enfield No4 through the use of a adapter & it shoots spot on.........With this right here.
 
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I got a 632 for the wife last year and promptly fell in love with it and .32's in general.
I've used mostly .32 long and .32 mag cases. I love the versatility of being able to load anything from .22 lr equivalents (76 gr cast/2g Unique) to serious defense loads which don't kick so much that they're painful to practice with. Glad to see some other fans of this wonderful chambering. I'd love to have a Marlin 94 in .327....what's Marlin waiting for?
 
My last new S&W purchase last September was, finally - after 18 months of awaiting S&W's producing them - a 632 Pro:

007.jpg

My 32-J speedloaders, leftover from my 4" .32 H&RM SP101 days, work great - usually loaded now with 115gr Gold Dots in .327 Fed Magnum. They - and the AE 100gr JSPs in .327 Fed Magnum are pretty bouncey - and hit coincident POA/POI at 7-12yd with the three tritium night sights in a row, the middle one over the bullseye - a 'combat' sight picture. If you don't like the S&W 'Infernal Lock', fear not - they left it off this model, Mine sports '60 Pro' grips - an improvement, at least to me, over the rubber grips. Not inexpensive!

Stainz
 
I've got a 327pc snubbie--21 oz, 8 shot .357. I'd love to see a 10-shot .327 on this platform. Lot's of potential for this cartridge if the manufacturers would cooperate.
 
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