Like many of you, I became a .45 believer some years ago. It was a combination of things: talking with some people who had been shot with various caliber handguns and studying the charts mostly. I figured I needed all the help I could get, and bigger bullets punch bigger holes. However, lately, I’ve become more attuned to the 9mm for the same reasons everyone else has.
The 9mm’s ballistics have improved, you can put more cartridges in the gun, and the rounds are not as expensive. You know all this stuff, as it has been explained ad nauseum. But sometimes, I want to carry a revolver, and my wife always prefers to carry a revolver. Together, we determined the .38 Special is kind of anemic, and the .357 Magnum is way too much for her to handle. So, what does the job?
Finding the Right Round
For my basic handgun classes, I worked up some charts comparing various calibers. The primary comparison point was muzzle energy. Muzzle energy, or kinetic energy, is a value derived from a formula many of us learned in high school physics and promptly forgot after the exam. Fortunately, these days, all you need to do is ask Google for the formula. I did.
Kinetic energy equals one-half the mass of an object times the square of its velocity. There are calculators all over the internet, so that’s where I got my numbers. Plus, you can find them on the box of most ammunition.
Looking at one very popular brand of defensive ammunition as an example, I compared the published muzzle energy for Speer Gold Dot in the most popular JHP grain for the various calibers and got the following values:
- .327 Federal Magnum – 568 ft/lbs
- .38 Special – 222 ft/lbs
- 9mm Luger – 376 ft/lbs
- .357 Magnum – 535 ft/lbs
- .40 S&W – 484 ft/lbs
- .45 ACP – 404 ft/lbs
There are those who deny these numbers have anything to do with stopping bad guys. To me, the logic is sound. It’s a measure of how hard you get hit when one of those little bullets strikes you. It’s easy for us to understand that in the boxing ring it’s the hard punches rather than the jabs that knock a guy out. Same principle.
I’ve watched hanging paper targets get hit by .327 Federal Magnum rounds that went swishing up in the air behind where they were hung. Then, I watched a 9mm round hit the same target with no resulting motion in the paper.
.327 Federal Magnum Cartridge
The .327 Federal Magnum is a powerful little cartridge. Yes, it’s small. However, because of the velocity with which it is flung from the .327 Magnum case, it packs a wallop! Especially, if you choose a cartridge such as the Speer Gold Dot with 568 ft/lbs of energy on target.
Before doing all of the muzzle energy calculations, one of the reasons I turned to the .327 Magnum when looking for a good self-defense revolver is that most of the guns built for that particular round hold six rounds of ammo, whereas the small .357 Magnums only hold five.
Another cool thing about revolvers chambered for the .327 Federal Magnum round is they allow you to shoot .32 S&W Short, .32 S&W Long, .32 H&R Magnum, or .327 Federal Magnum cartridges. Some of these are pretty soft shooting for practice, whereas the H&R magnum or Federal magnum cartridges are serious self-defense rounds.
.327 Mag Firearms
This is a comeback round, and I’m glad to see manufacturers taking it seriously. My wife’s gun is a Taurus .327 Magnum. It fits in her purse or car’s center console quite handily. Taurus dropped that model from its lineup for several years, but it’s back.
I keep a Ruger .327 Federal Magnum SP101 with a 4-inch barrel handy as a pocket gun for a quick trip to the store or while taking our little dog for an adventure around our yard that is visited often by coyotes and bobcats. It’s just such a handy size that it presents a significant offering for defense against man or critters that may be lurking about. A revolver makes a good pocket gun for concealed carry or for backup of another concealed carry gun, and the .327 is my choice in caliber for that purpose as well.
In addition to the Taurus and the SP101, I have a Ruger Single Seven in .327 Federal Magnum and a Ruger Single Six in .32 H&R Magnum. The two .32 magnums are very pleasant shooters when using .32 S&W Long. They can also be used for harvesting squirrels or rabbits for a nice winter stew.
For a while, I thought I was alone in understanding the value of these cartridges. But now, Ruger is chambering seven different models in the caliber, Charter Arms has three models, and Smith & Wesson has two. And that’s not all.
Many of us have been waiting for a .327 Magnum rifle. The old Winchesters were chambered in .32-20 and the .327 Magnum is a similar, but more powerful, cartridge that is just asking for a rifle. Henry is the first rifle company (I know of) to build .327 Federal Magnum lever-action rifles. However, build them it did, and what a gorgeous rifle. There are four models of the Henry rifle available in .327 Federal Magnum.
Accuracy and Handling
The little Taurus revolver and Ruger SP101 are a bit snappy when shooting the .327 Magnum rounds, but they are primarily point-and-shoot defensive guns. In either gun, the double-action trigger pull maxes out my 12-pound trigger-pull gauge, but it doesn’t feel hard, and it is a smooth pull back to the break.
The single-action pull averages just over 6 pounds. There are holsters and off-body carry options galore for small revolvers. With the .327 Magnum round, you’re carrying something that will get the attention of any threat against you. Even the sound of the .327 Magnum is intimidating. It’s very loud, and it’s more of a boom than a crack.
I find practicing double-action shots with S&W Long cartridges helps me develop the trigger feel without being all over the place. Like many double-action handguns, the Ruger SP101 and Taurus both stack when you’re pulling the trigger. You reach a breakpoint where it’s easy to stop and realign your sights, before pulling the last bit through the break. I do that when practicing, but if I’m fighting for my life, I doubt I’ll take time for that last alignment.
I’ve practiced without it. I can keep all six rounds in a 5-inch spread with some of them on target. With that .327 Magnum, there’s a good chance only that first one must be on target, but let’s not take any chances with our practicing.
Ammo Availability
Ammo for the .327 Federal Magnum seems to be in stock at most places you’d buy ammo online. Also, as I scan across the various manufacturers, I see a lot of the .327 revolver models marked “In Stock.” That means your gun store should be able to get one for you. It’s a good choice for self-defense if you want to carry a revolver.
The .327 Federal Magnum had lackluster acceptance in the beginning and nearly died off. However, there seems to have been a resurgence as of late with multiple manufacturers offering models chambered in .327 Federal Mag. Does a .327 Federal Magnum have a spot in your safe? Share your thoughts in the Comment section.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in March of 2022. It has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and clarity.
In addition to .327 Federal Magnum, multiple .32 rimmed cartridge calibers can be fired in the gun, including .32 S&W Long and .32 H&R Magnum. 
Just at press time, Federal announced a 104-grain JHP cartridge in .327 Federal Magnum had been added to its HST line of defensive ammo. The left target was fired all single-action and the right one all double-action in the author’s .327 Federal Magnum SP101 offhand at 10 yards. Ruger’s SP101 is one of the seven models of Ruger revolvers chambered in .327 Federal Magnum. Ammo makers are on board with the .327 round, and the author has found it in stock throughout the shortages of other calibers. Taurus recently reintroduced the .327 Federal Magnum snub-nosed revolver after dropping it from the lineup. The author had one of the earlier ones and is glad to see .327s are back.
Let’s not overlook the Ruger LCR (enclosed hammer) or LCRx (exposed hammer) in .327 Fed Mag. They are nifty little snubbies.
With the current anti 2A push by Democrats, any firearm sells quickly. RUGER SA (Cowboy) style revolvers seem only to exist as pictures on their website. Even a 3″ 38/357 revolver is MIA from local dealers’ shelves. Originally wanted a 30 Carbine RUGER, but last one I found, about 15 years ago, seller wanted nearly $100 over factory list, and this was a rusty used model. As to the HENRY 327, also believe that they are no longer in existence. Too bad, as while a 30 Carbine Rifle/handgun combo is no longer a sensible (as in no longer available) combo, the 327 appears to be an ideal substitute combo. Us “senior shooters” could use a “softer recoiling” revolver, with a matching carbine length rifle. This works as a home defense combo or as a TRUCK Gun combo and offers the use of 32 H&R or 32 S&W for those times full power loads are not required.
Echoing other comments on firearms availability in .327.
Glad that others were able to purchase revolvers for this. Neat. If you want anything other than a snubbie, you are out of options. Ruger quit making Single 7s, GP100s and SP101s with long barrels most of a decade ago and doubtful any will ever be made again. So they may carry them in their catalog, but none are coming off the production line.
So your choice is a cheesy plastic snubbie from Ruger or a metal Snubbie from Taurus, or you can get their “long barrel” model – a whopping 3”!
In other words if you want a real revolver with a real barrel (4-6”) and gold sights, you need either a Time Machine or a lack of sense to pay the outrageous prices seen on online auctions. Pistols that sold new for $500 are being sold for $1000-1500!
So what are we to do? I’d love a 5” or 6” GP100 in blue steel and walnut, please (no fake walnut laminated grips please). Ruger catalogs it they just don’t make them anymore…
Lipseys and Davidson’s: are you listening?
Some make a good point regarding the validity of the 327 fed. It’s not hard to find but some have trouble with a consistent source to buy from evidently. Side arms in this caliber are making a resurgence so many more types are coming.
Do not disregard Taurus as an option. Their revolvers are top notch as far as reliability and comfort.
Ruger however struggles sometimes with inventory of new or niche guns. This will change with more demand as well. Another thing I never thought of until one of you posted it was the fact they also shoot other .32 variants which is definitely handy in a pinch.
Non related , Taurus makes a full size revolver that’s versatile as well that comes in two cylinders, capable of shooting 38 special, 357 magnum and 9mm Luger. These types of guns are much needed if one type of ammunition is nowhere to be found, you can look for others to shoot using the same gun.
This is critical in an volatile market or a country that’s looking at collapse like ours here in the USA.
Remember, there’s never a warning. One day we all are plinking all our supplies and the next day the resupplies are gone or legislation bans them or they tax the shit out of them to where they are too expensive.
My strong advice is to always stockpile but do it a few hundred rounds at a time. My rule of thumb is simple. Always have at least 2000 rounds of pistol caliber cartridges and 4000 of rifle cartridges, for each gun.
This takes up space and is heavyweight to have just lying around so I have watertight containers that are bury able. Having caches buried isn’t a gun but thing or a doomsday paranoia. It’s simply smart.
Remember this, if catastrophe happens, the first order is to disarm the citizens.
Having single firearms that shoot multiple calibers can just be the edge to getting through it all unscathed.
So if it’s 327, 32acp and the others, then so be it.
I have been a fan 0f the .357 for many years. I have several .357 pistols including a SAA Colt. I have had a Rossi .357 saddle ring carbine for over 25 years. I also have a Henry Brass Bigboy (beautiful rifle}. When simply pleasure shooting I use .38 special ammo. It is less expensive, less noise, less recoil, and readily available. I load the .357 ammo when I am carrying the handgun. Needless to say I believe the .357 is the most versatile caliber. Only problem is no semi-autos available. However, you should not need 20 rounds. Five or six rounds should take care of five or six assailants.
To start the 38 special cartridge is far from “anemic”. Given the purpose is to punch a hole into flesh to kill or stop it from killing you is the only thing that matters and the 38 special bullet does exactly that.
For self defense, we humans are one hit away from incapacitation. One hard know I away from immobility and one wrong twist or turn away from excruciating pain.
Not one human will ever want to get shot by any type of projectile. Having a hole poked through you anywhere on the body is awful. The 38 special is more than enough to put down it’s target. It’s a light load when compared to other similar rounds like the 38 super carry or the 357 magnum but it will still do the deed.
The 327 federal mag is a duped up 32 acp only way faster and so fast it’ll punch through some folks and keep going. The difference between the two is slim as far as destroying flesh or life itself.
Those that upgrade from the 38 special to reach further out usually go to the 357 magnum but the 30 super carry or 38 super carry is a real option and along with the 327 mag.
Point is, any bullet will mess up someone’s day and or life instantly.
Whether a 22lr/short, 25 or 32 acp or a 50ae. Trust in that you never want to know just how searingly awful any of these feel pain wise. It’ll rattle your core and have you rethinking life if you survive and wishing you were dead during recovery.
Instead of worrying about what bullets will do the job, only worry about what guns you can shoot the best, which feels more comfortable in hand and which is made to be best for your personal needs only.
My sister carry’s a 22 magnum, my mother a 9mm , my wife a .380acp and 30 super carry. Myself, I carry .380 or 9mm sometimes 357sig and a backup .32acp.
Any will fell a would be attacker at handgun ranges. Only thing that won’t is bad marksmanship, duress and chaos. So train then train more.
Train in multiple scenarios and distances. Then train some more.
Until your stacking rounds without thinking instead of grouping them with intense concentration.
Natural shooters will have no issues doing this. The not so good marksman need to undo what they’ve learned and go at it like it’s second hand.
I bought one of the first 327 fed mags when they were released.they also will chamber the 32 acp round. I have fired rounds thru car doors and rang ar 500 steel targets with mine and I am pretty sure it would seriously slow down anything it hit .with a 100 grain bullet traveling at 1500 fps it hits hard. and I like that I can carry it in my pocket. I know it isnt the every gun for every man but I am glad I have it in my stable I feel comforted by it when its in my pocket.
It’s a resurgent caliber no one seems able to find. Recoil is more manageable than a .357, but recoil is snappy, reports are loud, and ME exceeds the .357. Sounds like someone just wants to justify a new pistol. That’s fine, I like to collect calibers as much as guns, too, but the .357 punches larger holes.
Bought a S&W .327 Fed Mag during the Obummer years. It is a 3” barrel steel gun weighing about .24oz. Had a good smith install fixed rear sight, front night sight, and regulate the sights for Buffalo 100 gr hollow points at 1500 fps st 10 yds. It shoots 130 gr semi wad cutter to almost same poi at 10 yds. It has been my main EDC in hot weather with a Cylinder & Slide built BrowningHP filling in cold weather with more clothing. The S & W 32-1 will shoot .32 H &R mag, both of the police .32 rounds, and .32ACP. No problem getting ammo in s pinch.
Thanks for the article David. All fine and good. I have tried to purchase the referred-to 4″ 6-shot Ruger SP101(Model 5773) for all the same reasons you appreciate yours for.
The problem is, that they don’t exist, and probably haven’t for years. My most ‘recent’ attempt at odering one resulted in cancellation a week ago – after fourteen (14) months wait. I’ve given up. Yes the order was placed with an authorized Ruger dealer that I have successfully completed several Ruger orders with, over the years. The 5773 is not inexpensive, and apparently have little demand – or they’d be in-stock everywhere. I understand how a quality revolver is not as trivial to manufacture as mostly-plastic striker-fired pistols are. I doesn’t help that most pistol purchasers only care about (low) cost and instant gratification in taking their purchases home.
Of course dealer and manufacturer play tag with you. Call Ruger, and they tell you that they have no idea when they will be available, and that one should contact their dealer for availability. The dealer tells you to contact the manufactuter … Circular absurdity.
Again, I appreciate the article, but A) I’m not purchasing a Taurus any time soon, and B) the longer-barreled, adjustable sights 5773 would be a desireable plinker and back-country tool.
Point of my remarks, is that there is no point in your again presenting the merits of a firearem that is unobtanium.
velocity and mass very interesting, however not the total story. 45 acp in revolver not that tough to conceal, big slow-moving bullet at combat range beats velocity every time.
?.327?
I smell something fishy with 327. Ten years ago it was 40, then 10mm, then 45, then 9, then 380, back 9mm.
I’m sure it’s fine, but if it’s not sitting on a Walmart shelf. You probably should not rely on it.
Got taurus & ruger 7 which are fine but taurus trigger sucks. I would like a ruger gp100 for a reasonable price. If something is selling out how about making more available 101 in marketing. Like the keltec p17 only a few at some multi wife owned store at a inflated price. I bought my p17 a few yrs ago for 169 used a 6 dollor adaptor with a 69 dollor dot & Utah multi wife company has them for 400 woops there out! I guess the important message here is chicks dig me.
Here’s an update toward the end of 2023. Cheaper Than Dirt now has Taurus .327 Magnum revolvers and several types of .327 Federal ammunition.
Interesting chart on the muzzle energy but, you lost me on 2 other statements – 1. Judging the defensive capabilities on how the bullet hits a paper target, how about some ballistic gel tests to back that up? 2. Pocket carrying a 4” SP101, that would be too heavy and too long for me.
Ten years ago I purchased my first .327 Mag revolver. A Ruger Single-Action Blackhawk. I absolutely LOVE having 8 rounds in the cylinder! And it is one straight shooting hand gun. Additionally, it is so flat-shooting I’ve spent some time taking some rather long shots with it. Velocity is my friend out here in the wide open reaches of the Wild West, having hunted deer, elk, bear, and cougar for 55 years now. My .270 and .300 REM Ultra-Mag have served me very well for extended distances with big game. And I know the phrase “long shots” and the word, “pistol” don’t usually go together, but I have to say, the coyote who said, “Hello” to the .327 Mag round I sent from just over 80 yards wasn’t able to continue the conversation. Lucky? Wish and a prayer? Absolutely. But it has happened more than once. The only challenge is being careful to use ear protection. Past that, it cannot be beat! Next up? Lever-action rifle in .327 Mag.
Like so many, I was an early adopter of 327 Federal, picking up a Ruger revolver (hammerless) and some ammo. This round is quite powerful and I was convinced it was going to really take off.
It didn’t.
I have largely forgotten about this round since it is as rare as hen’s teeth. Since the pandemic, the round just could not be located hardly at all and if I could find some, it was either the wrong grain size and/or outrageously priced, often both. I have given up finding it in retail, however I recently found a box at a show that was reasonably priced on the high side. I really hope this article is correct in that 327 is coming back and that we’ll see it’s availability is increasing and that gun makers will start making new models. It’s a well designed round and deserves some love.
Thank you David for a well written and informative article. I’m in agreement with you those who say that the .327 Fed is the Cartridge that the. 32 H & R Magnum “Wanted to be”, but regardless of that Both Calibers share the same versatility when it comes to Handloading. “Starline” is my go-to for Brass (although their .327 is currently on Backorder). Plus they’re very economical “Powder wise”.
Also David, I’m in full agreement with you when you say that “There will be those who say that the ft/lbs of energy numbers have anything to do with Stopping Power” and that neither round is worthy of Self Defense use. Good for Them I say, more ammo for Me!
I got my Ruger Single Six with a 9.5″ barrel chambered for .32 H & R back in .92 or .93 and have loaded everything for it from 60 Gr. Winchester “Silvertips” and Speer “Gold Dots” to Bear Creek 115 Gr. LSWC’s intended for. 32-20’s.
The Bottom Line for Me is that I simply “Like” that Cartridge! So much that I bought a Charter Arms “Undercoverette” in 32 mag with my Covid Money and enjoy it equally!!
Granted, it’s not a 1911, it’s not. 45 ACP (it was Never meant to be) but in the role it was created for it performs quite well!
I am an 83 year old hard head. .45 ACP with good shot placement always works! By the way, I shoot fist sized (11 rounds) rapid fire.groups at twenty five yards, So as far as I am concerned statistics are just that.
Timely article. I have a Ruger SP101, 3″ barrel, and dusted it off last week and took it to the local range. I forgot how fun it was to shoot. Quite accurate at at 10 yards and beyond. I love how when I start shooting, people start walking by and asking about it. It has a loud bark and a kick (quite manageable). One guy thought I was shooting a 45. Also, our local “outdoor store” has ammo in stock again. I suggest trying some 32 mag as well. Not as potent as 327, but easier for some to hang on to.
ROCKIT – The CZ52 Roller Locking system has to be aligned exactly right, like the RUGER MkII, but the spring tension of the CZ52 means that it is also a pain in the A## to disassemble as well as reassemble. Unlike the MkII, a large paperclip doesn’t help to disassemble a CZ52. (A third hand would work better.) Worse, there is no “secret” or “technique”. other than brute strength, when cleaning a CZ52. As an “older shooter”. I can still strip and clean a MkII, even without using a large paperclip. P.S. – Have only seen one RUGER Single Seven in 327, and that was several years ago. Where are all these 327 revolvers???
@GRUMPY 49 “but cleaning it was worse than a RUGER MKII – .22LR pistol”. What? Of all the MK series the MKII is the best. Why? Because it doesn’t have that ridiculous magazine disconnect safety! As for taking it apart, and reassembly, once the secret is learned, can easily be done blindfolded. What is the secret(s)? After making sure it is unloaded, and magazine removed (unless you have a MKIII). To be able to remove the mainspring housing (that odd lever on the backstop), think Glock, and pull the trigger, this is why the magazine disconnect is such a dumb idea, pulling the trigger having to have a magazine in the gun. This takes the tension off the mainspring, so the lever can now be opened easily and removed. Remove the bolt assembly, followed by pulling the barrel forward and off the frame. Reassembly (secrets): Install the barrel to the frame, with the hammer in full cocked position (pull the trigger if need be to get the hammer to lay down), insert a thumb into the trigger housing, holding the barrel with the remaining fingers on the thumb hand, putting tension rearward on the barrel to keep it all together. Install the bolt. Maintaining the thumb hand hold on the barrel with tension to the rear, look into the frame where the mainspring will go, point the gun down (like straight down), and like a Glock, pull the trigger, watching to make sure the hammer falls all the way forward, and if it doesn’t give it a nudge with a tool. Now insert the Bolt stop pin on the mainspring housing all the way into the barrel receiver until it snaps, and close the mainspring BUT do not yet close the mainspring locking lever. At this point the gun will be assembled, BUT will not have any tension on the mainspring yet (This is the place where most people get to, and then close the locking lever, and the gun will not function). Now with a thumb holding the mainspring in position, lever open, point the barrel straight upward, and then let the thumb holding the mainspring in position, using gravity, let the mainspring open about a 1/4″, allowing the hammer link, and gravity drop the link into position (you can open and close doing this until you feel tension, and now there should be tension on the mainspring housing when trying to push it back into the frame. If there is tension then close the locking lever, and do a function test. If no tension yet, repeat the last step maybe going to 5/16″ etc. until tension is felt, then close the mainspring housing and locking lever. I know that sounds complicated, but once you go through the process, repeat it a couple of times to make sure you can repeat the results, then try it blindfolded. It is actually quite simple, easy, and you can impress your friends with your ability to assemble a MK pistol correctly. LOL. Only big negative of a MK 22/45 is you cannot upgrade the grips. 🙁
Time to get into the 21st century. Bigger better (grunt). Sort of cavemanish, but all things being equal, sure. Penetration, expansion. So yeah, 45 larger if it does both.
According to your own chart, 40 SW should be best round. But the two determining factors that trump everything are
1) Shot placement (duh)
2) Terminal Ballistics
IDK what numbers say such as terminal velocity, caliber etc. I want tissue samples and properly calibrated gel results. But then again, I carry several different rounds depending on the situation, and even at 380 acp, I have to refer back to #1, shot placement.
I agree whole heartedly….the 327 Fed Mag is the “tweener” cartridge like the 41 Mag! Very powerful and still manageable! Fits in perfectly between the 38 Spl and the 357, for those who want a bit more power without orthopedic surgery! The problem is finding the gun you want and then finding the ammo OR components to roll your own!
Had my LGS order me a Ruger SP 101 4.2″ barrel revolver in 327 Fed Mag for a personal X-Mas present several years ago. Was able to find American Eagle 327 ammo. Also ordered some Fiocchi 32 S&W Long ammo. For what seemed like forever, could not locate reloading brass, but recently found & purchased some 327 brass.
I found the American Eagle ammo to be extremely dirty, while the Fiocchi was very clean.
Regardless, I really like my 327 Mag pistol.
I became infatuated with the 327 Federal when it was first introduced and bought an early Ruger SP-101with the three inch barrel and a rear sight drift adjustable for windage. It was a safe queen for years but I have recently rediscovered and become infatuated with it again. Glad I bought it as they seem unavailable, at least with the three inch barrel now. The 327 Fed. is a cool cartridge.
The .327 is my everyday carry round, with handloads that launch a 100 grain XTP at 1295 fps and a solid 372 ft/lb of energy out of a 2-inch barreled Taurus snubbie. The same rounds absolutely scream out of a 6-inch Ruger GP100 at 1600 fps and give 568 ft/lbs.
I’ve had my Sp101 for about 8 or 9 years. Love the way it shoots with the magnum loads. Wish that I had stockpiled more ammo before things went crazy.
I was very interested in the 327 cartridge and decided to purchase a new revolver to fire it. I visited my local gun shop to see what ammo costs would be and found zero 327 ammo available. Zero. Not a single box of any kind. They told me they had not received any 327 ammo from their suppliers in months.
Looking at https://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ammunition/handgun-ammo/ today I don’t see 327 listed in the filters. It isn’t even a choice. What is happening with this cartridge? On paper it sounds like a great idea. But if you can’t even buy ammo for a gun it’s just a paperweight.
JB,
Only the ammo we have in stock shows in the filters/menus. Because .327 is not one of the popular calibers, and the enormous demand for 9mm, .45 ACP, etc. over the last couple of years, manufacturers have been very reluctant to take any machines offline for a production run of caliber not in high-demand. Hopefully, with the demand slow down of late, manufacturers will pay attention to some of these neglected calibers… ~Dave
I like this round as my every day carry, with a 100 grain XTP over 8.2 grains of Power Pistol powder. It hits 1256 fps out of a tiny J-frame sized Taurus 327 snubbie with a 2-inch barrel, and hits over 1500 from a Ruger GP100 with a six-inch tube. The .327 is not your grandfather’s .32 – it is a beast.
The new 30 Carry appears to be a kissing cousin, at least ballistically, to the old French 30 Long (7.65×20 Longe).
If you want anything other than an 85 gr. FMJ load in 7.62×25, you had to handload them. Found that the CZ-52 I had was very accurate, but cleaning it was worse than a RUGER MKII – .22LR pistol. Roller locking system was the worst! The semi PPs43 pistol could be converted to a SBR (with the proper paperwork) but thinking now is that the HENRY .327 rifle with a 4″ – 6″ revolver would be ideal for a “kit/backpacker” combo. As for a CCW, a new 3″ revolver would be a better choice than a surplus TOK, as it appears that new TOKs are no longer available. When new TOKs were available, almost all of them were in 9mm for US customers. As to the new .30 Super round, like to see a direct “shoot-off” between it and the .327. as they both use the same (.312″) bullets.
In a carbine look at the 223 or 7.62×39[Ruger Mini 14 and Mini 30] or for s&g how about the 5.7 Johnson in a M1Carbine?30M1Carbinecartridge is of ZERO interest to me.If I WANT muzzleblast in a revolver,I can go for the 357Mag 110 or 125 gr loads;ditto -and even worse in a snubby. With the compact 9mm autos,I no longer see the value of 380 ACP either[or 22WMR]
The Cz52 uses roller locks and it is very weak. Cracks are common. The Tokarev uses a variation of the Browning system and is very strong.
I have a friend who has a Blackhawk in .30 Carbine (Super BH maybe?). It is a magnum cartridge in a handgun. I always wanted one of those long-slide oversized 1911’s in .30 Carbine made by AMT. What a handful of power! It is significantly more powerful than the little 7.62×25.
Hey, Grumpy, I have a Tokarev pistol in 7.62×25. It’s a snappy little cartridge. The pistol seems to me to be a medium-frame with all-steel construction. If I recall, it has a unique roller cam lockup. I don’t regard it as any more robust than the modern autoloaders. I think the cartridge would make a fine caliber for a Glock, 1911, etc. jmo. God bless and stay safe.
I had a Cz 52 and got rid of it. They have a tendency to crack. I still have a Tokarev clone in this caliber and it is snappy, but so is the 327, so I consider recoil a wash. If I were carrying concealed, I think the flatness of the Tok, its magazine capacity, and faster reload time would give it an edge over any type of 327 revolver. Mind you, I’d much rather see a modern pistol chambered in 7.62×25 rather than an old design like the Tok, which either comes with no safety or has been fitted with one of dubious capability.
In a rifle the 30 Carbine will smoke the 7.62×25. I’ve run across some very hotly loaded 7.62×25 loads that come close to the carbine, but the bullet weight is still 85 grains, not 110. The few 30 carbine pistols I have encountered did not strike me as very practical due to the length of the cartridge. It makes a semi auto pistol uncomfortable to hold. It can work in a revolver or single shot, but you need to use a powder designed to burn in shorter barrels to maximize performance. With the advent of the 327, I think 30 carbine pistol has become a moot point. I haven’t tried it in a rifle yet, so I can’t comment, but presume it would be similar to a 30 Carbine.
The 7.5 FK is a bit of a puzzlement to me. The gun scribes rave about its power level, but I bet if you recommended a M1 carbine to them for hunting or defense, they would scoff at the notion. Go figure.
Like to read comments on posts like this one, and was surprised that the 7.62×25 cartridge came up. Had own a CZ-52, and reloaded 7.62×25 with 110 grain SP Carbine bullets. Agree that when using SP bullets, the 7.62×25 is a much better cartridge that most people would realize. But the recoil of the 7.62×25, and the size pistol required to handle this cartridge, is much greater than a .32 H&R or .327. The 7.62×25 should be considered equal to a .30 Carbine handgun. Likewise, the “new” 7.5 cartridge is too off the scope of any consideration. Too bad most people that have any idea of what the 7.62×25 cartridge is, only know about FMJ rounds, or think it is the older & lower pressure 7.63 Mauser (same size cartridge size). As for me. wish I purchased a semi auto PPs43 when I had the chance. Other than surplus Cold War era handguns, the PPs43 semi is the only “new” firearm made for the 7.62×25. Could have an interesting forum on the 7.62×25 cartridge, if another “new” US made handgun was available.
I can only think of a couple of reasons. The 7.62×25 is a bottleneck case of the same diameter as the 9mm Parabellum, which means the capacity of pistols chambered in the new 30 French Long, er, I mean the new 30 Super Carry, is slightly greater. The other reason is pure gimmickry. S&W and Federal hope to cash in on this new fangle cartridge.
.327 Fed Mag is almost the perfect medium bore cartridge… high energy(way better than the .30 Federal auto round) …accurate… especially in the Henry lever gun ….312 bullet , straight wall case (easily reloadable) … available cases(Starline) & bullets(Hornady)
RE: Colonal K, I have also wondered why the 7.62×25 would have to be supplanted by a .327 FM or a .30 Carry (That’s the new Federal round, right?). Why reinvent the wheel when a very potent .312 cal 80 plus year-old round is available for chambering?
I completely agree with Gerald.
I like the idea of using the 327 as a small game cartridge in a carbine or 7 1/2″ Ruger Single Seven. In shorter handguns I’ve discovered it produces a noticeable amount of recoil, comparable to that of a 38+P load. I am amused by the fact that few people seem to be using a 7.62 Tokarev caliber pistol for defense, yet, ballistically and tactically, it would appear to be a superior choice to the 327. This may have more to do with the current offerings (mostly old Tokarev style pistols) or the lack of suitable HP loads. Perhaps the 327 will breath new life into the 7.62×25 concept.
I have the original Taurus snubbie in .327FM. I don’t carry it because it has a steel frame and it’s kind of heavy compared to an alloy J-frame .38. Still, it is a worthy caliber, and if I was expecting trouble, the extra weight would not be a factor. Then again, if I was expecting trouble, I would grab my G40 in 10mm (or a 12ga or an AR). jmo
Bought a Ruger SP 101with the 4.2-inch barrel a few years ago. If you want to get the most out of both the .327 and the .32 H&R Magnum, don’t look to the snubbies to deliver the performance you’re looking for. Purchased mine for home defense. And I think it’s an excellent tool in that configuration for that purpose. I just turned 70. My wife is slightly younger. For us, a revolver makes a lot of sense. But even if you’re 25 and in great shape, you should consider this caliber for home defense, small game hunting (more on that in a bit) and just plain fun plinking time.
Here’s a huge plus for the .327, you can shoot, practice and even stockpile for your gun with many different configurations. If you buy the magnum, you can fire those rounds, .32 H&R Magnum, .32 Long, .32 Short and even…though I haven’t tried this one and can’t verify via experience, .32 ACP. Which leads me to some thoughts about those calibers.
Actually, I’ll stick to the .327 Federal Magnum and the .32 H&R Magnum. Starting with the .327, know this; it’s a real ‘zippy’ round. No matter what the load, your shooting experience won’t be all that different from firing a similarly built .357. That’s actually a good thing. You’re going to get stopping power, six shots and the confidence that comes along with it. But, like the .357, its not all that much fun to shoot which can lead to less practice time than we all need. Here’s where the /32 H&R comes in.
.32 H&R rounds are, for the most part, far more manageable than the .327’s. And the shooter doesn’t sacrifice much when it comes to downrange affectedness. So, sure, run 12 rounds of personal defense .327 through your revolver, but then follow up with the H&R (or other .32 cartridges) to your heart’s content. And, if you enjoy that, here’s an added bonus (both the .327 and .32 H&R rounds are excellent varmint stopping rounds, so you can hunt with them too! Not a handgun hunter? No problem. Henry makes a couple of beautiful and very accurate lever rifles that will take both calibers.
Lost me at a 4” barreled sp101 as a pocket gun.
If 38 Special is anemic go to +p.
If 5 shots isn’t enough, learn to shoot
Let’s not forget that the lowly, light, 32 ACP was practically the worldwide military & police cartridge before WWII. Maybe closer to WWI. It did the job. Of course, there’s always a faster bullet. I don’t think people have become harder to kill. .327 Federal blows away the 32 ACP.
I handload the 32-20 Winchester for a S&W Model 1905 revolver, & 1150-1200 FPS. It’s a fast little cartridge, fast enough. There’s never been a day that a 90 grain projectile traveling in excess of 1000 FPS wasn’t deadly. The 327 Federal is around 1400 FPS. I would definitely vote YES on the .327 Federal being sufficient for self defense. If not, I can’t think of anything that is. The 32-20 Winchester cuts long ditches in the grass like a magnum, so I’m sure the .327 is awesome.
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I own a number of S&W “J” frame revolvers, along with a number of 9mm, .380. and .45 autos. After ~50 years of shooting, I now believe that a revolver is a better choice for those of us cursed with arthritis. Racking a 9mm or a .45 slide can be an issue, and a “blow back” action .380 is not much better. Even an “air weight” S&W “J” frame can be an issue, with most ,38 rounds. (So far, a 3″ model 60 is my best option.) Personal opinion is that a revolver with a weight of about 24 ounces is “heavy” enough to be shot with minimum recoil issues when using .38 rounds. Therefore, with a sixth round, and slightly less recoil, the .327 appears to be the next logical choice. Now, when will a 3″ barrel model be available?
I purchased a Ruger LCR in .327 mag for my wife several years ago. She tried an assortment of revolvers and semi-auto pistols and she liked the handling and trigger of this little Ruger the best. She will carry loaded with .32 Colt Police because .32 mag and the .327 mag are a little much for her. I actually carry this gun more than she does now, loaded with the Federal .327 load designed for short barreled revolvers. My seven year old grandson can handle this gun loaded with the standard .32 rounds. Guns chambered in this round prove versatle for various tasks from recreational shooting to personal protection.
Having a short barreled revolver that you can run 50 rounds through for practice, then load with some serious fire power, plus one or two rounds over a .357 mag, are the best selling points for the .327 mag revolver
Interesting article, I have thought of using .327 mag and good to read good stuff about it. I did enjoy the ammo photo showing a $21.99 price tag, good luck with that these days. For grins and giggles, I shopped.327 mag at CTD and they had none. So I tried ammoseek, and found none even if I allowed reman and steel case. So I googled it and found 20 rounds of Speer Gold Dot for $39.99. The point is, .327 mag is very hard to find right now. On another subject, I have a Ruger GP100 with a 4″ barrel and find the description of a .327 mag 4″ barrel as a ‘pocket gun’ to be quite interesting. Ruger’s spec sheet for the 4.2″ barrel says it’s 9.12″ long and weighs 29.5 oz empty. Friend, that’s a hoss of a pocket gun. Nevertheless, appreciate the good article on the .327 mag round.
Yawn,I guess I’ll rain on your parade.38Spec+P[in a 357Mag 4″]-easier to find/load for,45Colt/44Spec in a snubbie,