.327 Federal Magnum. Think it will stay or go? - The Firearms Forum

rglbegl · 03-26-2010, 05:44 PM

I have seen a couple threads about this newer cartridge. And now that it has been out for a bit, I thought it was time to ask everyone their opinion on how long this round will last.

Do you think it will stick around, or will it be another round that never makes it to super popular status?
There have been many new cartridges developed in the last couple decades, some were good, some are pretty much gone already.

So will the .327 Fed Mag make the grade, or is it gonna fade away?

PS - How do I edit the poll?
My grammar sucks!!!!! I need to make corrections.

Terry_P · 03-26-2010, 05:56 PM

I don't own one or have plans to buy a revolver in that caliber however I feel it will stick. Look at the 32 H&R Mag and how long that caliber has been around. The 327 gives shooters some variety and a powerful handgun with lower recoil.

old semperfi · 03-26-2010, 06:50 PM

there are calibers out there that have been around for a long time but are not what most of us shoot.i go simply by what is most available and least expensive in dept stores and gun stores.i do reload but i will not be buying a 50 cal ae,454 casull,or a 327 fed mag.even in reloading the brass is hard to come by.i know of a good example.......22 shorts use less brass,less powder etc however they are more expensive because they are not sold as much as 22lr.....thirty eight smith and wessen are more expensive than 38 special.they are all still around but at what cost.i guess in answer to your question, yes they will be around your choice to buy or not old semperfi

BobMcG · 03-26-2010, 09:28 PM

A good question for which I have no answer. (And the old crystal-ball is out of order.)

Doesn't make it bad thing but I haven't had any urge to own a weapon chambered for it. Heck, I don't even know anyone else around here who's found a need for it, wants one or picked one up 'cause they "just had to have one".

Alpo · 03-26-2010, 09:59 PM

That is an interesting question. I have four pistols in 32 H&R. Got them for the gun, not the caliber. Pair of Ruger Single Sixes, and a pair of Titanium Smith J frames, one with and one without a hammer. Shoot 32 S&W Long out of 'em. If I feel the need for 32 H&R power, I get a bigger gun. I don't see the use for the 327 at all. IF, and that's a big "if", I bought a gun in 327, it would be because I wanted the gun, not for the caliber. And, like my H&Rs, I'd most likely shoot 32 Long out of it.

I think it's an answer in search of a question.

jacksonco · 03-26-2010, 10:32 PM

I voted yes but a lot depends on the type of revolvers it becomes available in. If it is picked up in a SAA clone such as the Ruger Vaquero or US Firearms SAA it may very well be here a long time. It wouldn't hurt if Colt put it out in their SAA line or that Marlin or Rossi put it out in their lever guns.

runswithscissors · 03-27-2010, 12:08 AM

I am thinking it will lose a lot of interest as the 32 h&r has. I mean the h&r mag was also this hot new hip answer for the 32 cal niche, but they stopped making them in the super-single six ruger and others dropped them as well and they really don't fill too much a space between 22 lr, 22mag and 38 special in my opinion. This new 327 federal is a hot shooting caliber, but you still need a very light round to achieve the 1300+ fps and higher-this is a cool concept but I am also thinking, this really doesn't excite me enough to trade in my 357's or even my 38 spec as they both still work and kill stuff splendidly.
I really like the idea of 8 shot compact revolvers, and the 327 blackhawk is a real fun idea too, but again I already have like 6 357's and a 38 and a 22 mangle-um to fit small game needs and self defense. Maybe this 327 will be made into a marlin 1894 carbine, now that would be a good reason to have it around as a hot stepping varmint carbine with the heavier loads. Maybe.... best regards, Mike

zfk55 · 03-27-2010, 06:04 PM

Not quite, Runswithscissors.
I shoot my own reloads, 110gr and chrono at 1,325fps. ME is a nominal 450 and brass is readily available from Freedom Arms. I bought 500.

I'm a definite fan of this little 6 shot revolver. My reloads are right at the bottom end of .357 data, and it's more powerful than the 38 special or the 9mm.
My money is that the fan club will continue to grow with this revolver, a single action revolver and a carbine all in this caliber, not to mention it will shoot .32, .32 Long, .32 H&R Magnum and .327 Magnum. Pretty versatile little revolver.

zfk55

carver · 03-28-2010, 06:09 AM

I didn't vote in the poll, I couldn't find a choice that I liked. I believe this cartridge will be around for a while. However, I don't think it will become any more popular than it already is. It seems that those that have purchased it, like it. But, IMHO, it falls into the catagory of "OK it's nice, but do I have a use for it"? I haven't seen one in any of the shops where I spend my money, and I don't know anyone who has one.

Oneida Steve · 03-28-2010, 01:37 PM

In the future I see the .327 in the same situation as the .41 magnum and the .500 magnum are today. The .327 will survive, and have its core of loyal users.

EL TORO · 03-28-2010, 04:49 PM

I voted yes, viable round with great ballistics, BUT, they have got to get the rounds on the shelves...Ammo is more trouble than it's worth to find right now. S&W had a meeting with ammo companies regarding supply before the announced their 327 J frames, but I still can't find any. The appeal is 357 mag power with 38 power recoil, and it's true.

Bill DeShivs · 03-28-2010, 09:45 PM

I hear there's a new .32 super magnum coming out that's 8 inches long.....

BIGBOOMER · 03-29-2010, 12:16 AM

I didn't vote on this one because I don't want jinx this little cartridge. It seems like a lot of the cartridges I thought would make it, or should make it, have fallen by the wayside.

petesusn · 03-29-2010, 07:59 AM

Well, the 357 Sig, the 45 GAP and the 10mm are still being sold and they are not common calibers. It remains to be seen what kind of customer base the 327 will have.

mncarpenter · 03-29-2010, 08:16 AM

I have a Ruger SP101 in 327 Fed. Ruger kinda shot themselves and this cartridge in the foot by producing a whole bunch of with incorrectly bored cylinders, causing the cases to stick and stick hard enough you had to push 'em out with a cleaning or squib rod. I know, I had one, and waited nearly 4 mths for Ruger to fix, as did a lot of people. Works nice now, they replaced the barrel, cylinder and crane!

Problem was ,the gun got a lot of bad-mouthing, and few people could shoot the mag rd. This went on until about Oct-Nov of 09, and I think Ruger got their issues resolved. As they were the flagship, and only guns chambered for the rd for quite a while, interest in the cartridge all but disappeared. Bowen is converting S&W s and Ruger Single Sixes with hunting length barrels. Ballistics are sweet and recoil is minimal. I'd love to have one of Bowen's Smiths, and a Single Six to boot. I like the round, I like the SP101,as a SD gun, but I think as a varmint and pest control cartridge, in a longer barreled gun, it would be a blast. Add a short barreled lever action rifle, and it would make a nice set. I don't think there are any lever actions chambered for it ,but they're coming I'd bet.

woolleyworm · 04-07-2010, 04:53 AM

First off, sorry I've been away for awhile and haven't been in touch. All is ok and things are back to an even keel as much as can be. Way too much work ( 12-18 days on and then one day off ) as of late.

Everyone that has fired my SP-101 in 327 has given it two thumbs up. The 327 will never be as popular as the 357, but it will last. The members at the range are all very friendly and I've had the opportunity to shoot a vast variety of firearms that I wouldn't have had a chance to otherwise; so in turn, anyone that expresses any interest or doubts about the 327's viability gets offered the chance to try it for themselves. The owner of a LGS had his mind set to the fact that the 327 was little more than a cousin to the 38+p's............... Took him one shot and one shot only to determine that he was tangling with a greater beast indeed. He finished firing the next 5 shots and was determined to order one for himself. He also appreciated having first hand shooting experience in which to relate to customers that are curious also.

I loaded up 400 rounds of 32HRM today; I prefer to shoot the HRM's for practice. I've shot all 4 rounds out of the Ruger and the versatility is an added bonus. the 32SW's are well suited for introducing someone to revolver shooting as they are very very light recoil and still group ok at 50' range. The availability of target loads for the 327 is horrible, I was able to pick up 3 boxes of Federal AE last year and haven't found any since. At least I have a little brass that I can reload. I have 500+ Starline cases in HRM, so that adds to my reasoning for shooting the HRM more.

Glad to be back among friends; I've got a gazillion posts to read, so I'd better get busy.

zfk55 · 04-07-2010, 07:22 AM

Dead on, WW. Firing is believing.
I bought 500 .327 brass from Freedom Arms. I've reloaded a bunch of it to .32 data for my wife to practice with and a couple hundred to full bore .327 specs with the 110gr HP bullet. She's fired the full bore loads and can handle it, but quick acquisition and firing practice is with the reduced loads. Really a great caliber.

zfk55

View Poll Results: Is the .327 Fed Mag gonna last?
Yes. It is a viable round that will be made for many many years	12	52.17%
No. It will fade away quickly.	7	30.43%
Buy a box of it now, cuz it will be a collectors iem soon	3	13.04%
It is so cool, I am must have a new revolver	1	4.35%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 23. You may not vote on this poll

03-26-2010, 05:44 PM	#1
rglbegl Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Dana point CA Posts: 531	.327 Federal Magnum. Think it will stay or go? I have seen a couple threads about this newer cartridge. And now that it has been out for a bit, I thought it was time to ask everyone their opinion on how long this round will last. Do you think it will stick around, or will it be another round that never makes it to super popular status? There have been many new cartridges developed in the last couple decades, some were good, some are pretty much gone already. So will the .327 Fed Mag make the grade, or is it gonna fade away? PS - How do I edit the poll? My grammar sucks!!!!! I need to make corrections. --> Last edited by rglbegl; 03-26-2010 at 05:50 PM..

03-26-2010, 05:56 PM	#2
Terry_P Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NH Posts: 2,513	Re: .327 Federal Magnum. Think it will stay or go? I don't own one or have plans to buy a revolver in that caliber however I feel it will stick. Look at the 32 H&R Mag and how long that caliber has been around. The 327 gives shooters some variety and a powerful handgun with lower recoil. __________________ NRA and NAHC Life "Both oligarch and tyrant mistrust the people, and therefore deprive them of their arms." -Aristotle

03-26-2010, 06:50 PM	#3
old semperfi Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: i live in southern indiana,old country boy at heart Posts: 1,506	Re: .327 Federal Magnum. Think it will stay or go? there are calibers out there that have been around for a long time but are not what most of us shoot.i go simply by what is most available and least expensive in dept stores and gun stores.i do reload but i will not be buying a 50 cal ae,454 casull,or a 327 fed mag.even in reloading the brass is hard to come by.i know of a good example.......22 shorts use less brass,less powder etc however they are more expensive because they are not sold as much as 22lr.....thirty eight smith and wessen are more expensive than 38 special.they are all still around but at what cost.i guess in answer to your question, yes they will be around your choice to buy or not old semperfi

03-26-2010, 09:28 PM	#4
BobMcG Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Somewhere in the Twilight Zone. Contributor Posts: 1,119	Re: .327 Federal Magnum. Think it will stay or go? A good question for which I have no answer. (And the old crystal-ball is out of order.) Doesn't make it bad thing but I haven't had any urge to own a weapon chambered for it. Heck, I don't even know anyone else around here who's found a need for it, wants one or picked one up 'cause they "just had to have one".

03-26-2010, 09:59 PM	#5
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,659	Re: .327 Federal Magnum. Think it will stay or go? That is an interesting question. I have four pistols in 32 H&R. Got them for the gun, not the caliber. Pair of Ruger Single Sixes, and a pair of Titanium Smith J frames, one with and one without a hammer. Shoot 32 S&W Long out of 'em. If I feel the need for 32 H&R power, I get a bigger gun. I don't see the use for the 327 at all. IF, and that's a big "if", I bought a gun in 327, it would be because I wanted the gun, not for the caliber. And, like my H&Rs, I'd most likely shoot 32 Long out of it. I think it's an answer in search of a question. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

03-26-2010, 10:32 PM	#6
jacksonco Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Jackson County West Virginia Posts: 2,237	Re: .327 Federal Magnum. Think it will stay or go? I voted yes but a lot depends on the type of revolvers it becomes available in. If it is picked up in a SAA clone such as the Ruger Vaquero or US Firearms SAA it may very well be here a long time. It wouldn't hurt if Colt put it out in their SAA line or that Marlin or Rossi put it out in their lever guns.

03-27-2010, 12:08 AM	#7
runswithscissors V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: CEDAR CREEK, TEXAS Posts: 59	Re: .327 Federal Magnum. Think it will stay or go? I am thinking it will lose a lot of interest as the 32 h&r has. I mean the h&r mag was also this hot new hip answer for the 32 cal niche, but they stopped making them in the super-single six ruger and others dropped them as well and they really don't fill too much a space between 22 lr, 22mag and 38 special in my opinion. This new 327 federal is a hot shooting caliber, but you still need a very light round to achieve the 1300+ fps and higher-this is a cool concept but I am also thinking, this really doesn't excite me enough to trade in my 357's or even my 38 spec as they both still work and kill stuff splendidly. I really like the idea of 8 shot compact revolvers, and the 327 blackhawk is a real fun idea too, but again I already have like 6 357's and a 38 and a 22 mangle-um to fit small game needs and self defense. Maybe this 327 will be made into a marlin 1894 carbine, now that would be a good reason to have it around as a hot stepping varmint carbine with the heavier loads. Maybe.... best regards, Mike

03-27-2010, 06:04 PM	#8
zfk55 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Lost Prairie Montana Posts: 237	Re: .327 Federal Magnum. Think it will stay or go? Not quite, Runswithscissors. I shoot my own reloads, 110gr and chrono at 1,325fps. ME is a nominal 450 and brass is readily available from Freedom Arms. I bought 500. I'm a definite fan of this little 6 shot revolver. My reloads are right at the bottom end of .357 data, and it's more powerful than the 38 special or the 9mm. My money is that the fan club will continue to grow with this revolver, a single action revolver and a carbine all in this caliber, not to mention it will shoot .32, .32 Long, .32 H&R Magnum and .327 Magnum. Pretty versatile little revolver. zfk55

03-28-2010, 06:09 AM	#9
carver TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DAV, Deep in the Pineywoods of East Texas, just west of Shreveport, LA Contributor Posts: 11,254	Re: .327 Federal Magnum. Think it will stay or go? I didn't vote in the poll, I couldn't find a choice that I liked. I believe this cartridge will be around for a while. However, I don't think it will become any more popular than it already is. It seems that those that have purchased it, like it. But, IMHO, it falls into the catagory of "OK it's nice, but do I have a use for it"? I haven't seen one in any of the shops where I spend my money, and I don't know anyone who has one. __________________ Y'all be safe now, ya hear! Lamentations Chapter 5: 1. Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach. 2. Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens. 3. We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers [are] as widows. 5. Our necks [are] under persecution: we labour, [and] have no rest. 16. The crown is fallen [from] our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned! 21. Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.

03-28-2010, 01:37 PM	#10
Oneida Steve Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 1,028	Re: .327 Federal Magnum. Think it will stay or go? In the future I see the .327 in the same situation as the .41 magnum and the .500 magnum are today. The .327 will survive, and have its core of loyal users.

03-28-2010, 04:49 PM	#11
EL TORO Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: ISLE OF BONES Posts: 23	Re: .327 Federal Magnum. Think it will stay or go? I voted yes, viable round with great ballistics, BUT, they have got to get the rounds on the shelves...Ammo is more trouble than it's worth to find right now. S&W had a meeting with ammo companies regarding supply before the announced their 327 J frames, but I still can't find any. The appeal is 357 mag power with 38 power recoil, and it's true. __________________ RUGER P90 .45 AUTO "So here's to all the soldiers who have ever died in vain. The insane locked up in themselves, the homeless down on Main. To those who stand on empty shores and spit against the wind, and those who wait forever for ships that don't come in." -Joe Diffie-

03-28-2010, 09:45 PM	#12
Bill DeShivs Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Contributor Posts: 1,469	Re: .327 Federal Magnum. Think it will stay or go? I hear there's a new .32 super magnum coming out that's 8 inches long..... __________________ Bill DeShivs www.billdeshivs.com

03-29-2010, 12:16 AM	#13
BIGBOOMER V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: The Great Northwest Posts: 265	Re: .327 Federal Magnum. Think it will stay or go? I didn't vote on this one because I don't want jinx this little cartridge. It seems like a lot of the cartridges I thought would make it, or should make it, have fallen by the wayside. __________________ Use Enough Gun. Do all your hunting BEFORE you shoot!

03-29-2010, 07:59 AM	#14
petesusn Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: San Joaquin Valley, Ca. Posts: 614	Re: .327 Federal Magnum. Think it will stay or go? Well, the 357 Sig, the 45 GAP and the 10mm are still being sold and they are not common calibers. It remains to be seen what kind of customer base the 327 will have. __________________ Self Defense: A basic human right The 2nd Amendment, ratified in 1787, refers to the National Guard, which was created 130 years later, in 1917. A man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile...can respond with a great deal of pride and satisfaction, "I served in the U. S. Navy." John F. Kennedy VFW Life Member

03-29-2010, 08:16 AM	#15
mncarpenter V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Minnesota Contributor Posts: 479	Re: .327 Federal Magnum. Think it will stay or go? I have a Ruger SP101 in 327 Fed. Ruger kinda shot themselves and this cartridge in the foot by producing a whole bunch of with incorrectly bored cylinders, causing the cases to stick and stick hard enough you had to push 'em out with a cleaning or squib rod. I know, I had one, and waited nearly 4 mths for Ruger to fix, as did a lot of people. Works nice now, they replaced the barrel, cylinder and crane! Problem was ,the gun got a lot of bad-mouthing, and few people could shoot the mag rd. This went on until about Oct-Nov of 09, and I think Ruger got their issues resolved. As they were the flagship, and only guns chambered for the rd for quite a while, interest in the cartridge all but disappeared. Bowen is converting S&W s and Ruger Single Sixes with hunting length barrels. Ballistics are sweet and recoil is minimal. I'd love to have one of Bowen's Smiths, and a Single Six to boot. I like the round, I like the SP101,as a SD gun, but I think as a varmint and pest control cartridge, in a longer barreled gun, it would be a blast. Add a short barreled lever action rifle, and it would make a nice set. I don't think there are any lever actions chambered for it ,but they're coming I'd bet. __________________ *"No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is as formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women."- Ronald Reagan* *"Remember to have your democrats neutered or spayed" -Ann Coulter*

04-07-2010, 04:53 AM	#16
woolleyworm TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SW Fort Worth Contributor Posts: 4,883	Re: .327 Federal Magnum. Think it will stay or go? First off, sorry I've been away for awhile and haven't been in touch. All is ok and things are back to an even keel as much as can be. Way too much work ( 12-18 days on and then one day off ) as of late. Everyone that has fired my SP-101 in 327 has given it two thumbs up. The 327 will never be as popular as the 357, but it will last. The members at the range are all very friendly and I've had the opportunity to shoot a vast variety of firearms that I wouldn't have had a chance to otherwise; so in turn, anyone that expresses any interest or doubts about the 327's viability gets offered the chance to try it for themselves. The owner of a LGS had his mind set to the fact that the 327 was little more than a cousin to the 38+p's............... Took him one shot and one shot only to determine that he was tangling with a greater beast indeed. He finished firing the next 5 shots and was determined to order one for himself. He also appreciated having first hand shooting experience in which to relate to customers that are curious also. I loaded up 400 rounds of 32HRM today; I prefer to shoot the HRM's for practice. I've shot all 4 rounds out of the Ruger and the versatility is an added bonus. the 32SW's are well suited for introducing someone to revolver shooting as they are very very light recoil and still group ok at 50' range. The availability of target loads for the 327 is horrible, I was able to pick up 3 boxes of Federal AE last year and haven't found any since. At least I have a little brass that I can reload. I have 500+ Starline cases in HRM, so that adds to my reasoning for shooting the HRM more. Glad to be back among friends; I've got a gazillion posts to read, so I'd better get busy. __________________ . What are you gonna do, talk the alien to death? -- (on Sigourney Weaver's worry about Guns in Aliens) "Safety is something that happens between your ears, not something you hold in your hands." "I carry a small gun to compensate for my huge Blue press." .

04-07-2010, 07:22 AM	#17
zfk55 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Lost Prairie Montana Posts: 237	Re: .327 Federal Magnum. Think it will stay or go? Dead on, WW. Firing is believing. I bought 500 .327 brass from Freedom Arms. I've reloaded a bunch of it to .32 data for my wife to practice with and a couple hundred to full bore .327 specs with the 110gr HP bullet. She's fired the full bore loads and can handle it, but quick acquisition and firing practice is with the reduced loads. Really a great caliber. zfk55