Ream 32 Mag cylinder to 327 Fed

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Elerius

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Been wanting to convert a .357 M649 to 327 Federal Magnum. Hoping to get some opinions on whether I should worry about pressure if I ream a 32 Mag cylinder.

Is a 32 Mag cylinder the same dimensionally as a 327 cylinder? I know the 357 J frames are slightly thicker and a couple ounces heavier that a standard frame (as would be the M632). I doubt I'll ever find a 327 cylinder for sale by itself and I'd rather not have to buy and take apart a M632 to achieve this.
 
Depends on the gun... in Ruger single actions, it's as safe as church. I had two Ruger .32 H&R Magnums both reamed to 327 Federal, and they worked great; I still own one of them! I also have a Charter Arms "Undercoverette" in .32 H&R, and my gunsmith opined that he wasn't really excited about that conversion, so I demurred. The .327 Federal is an interesting caliber!
 
I realize that the .32 Mag cylinder is pretty thick but the .327 Magnum has over twice the pressure of a .32 Magnum. I can't help but think that the .327 Mag cylinder undergoes a different heat treat than the .32 Mag.
 
Gotta go with the above advice. There's good cause to suspect different steels and/or heat treat. Even with that, one suspects a shorter service life, probably with TLC needed depending upon how much you use the high octane loads.
 
Thanks for all the input, I guess I won't be reaming a cylinder. A M632 is like $2,000 at auction, plus the M649 and labor so I guess I won't be doing this project anytime soon. Unless anyone can help me source a cylinder
 
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You could try AnyGunParts. They sell guns that have been seized by the cops or turned in and been decommissioned by sawing the frames in half. You get all the parts that are left. I have bought stuff from them for medium size projects and they have always delivered what they claimed to have. Not real cheap, but sometimes options are limited. They do NOT tend to have a lot of real new guns.
 
robertrwalsh said:
You could try AnyGunParts. They sell guns that have been seized by the cops or turned in and been decommissioned by sawing the frames in half. You get all the parts that are left. I have bought stuff from them for medium size projects and they have always delivered what they claimed to have. Not real cheap, but sometimes options are limited. They do NOT tend to have a lot of real new guns.
Click to expand...
Do you mean EveryGunPart? I couldn't find AnyGunParts.
 
I wouldn't do it just because the noise and recoil of a 327 in a J frame is so punishing. The 32 H&R mag. is just right for a J frame. It can be safely loaded to +P if more power is needed, without going into 327 territory.
 
I have had my three model 16-4 revolvers reamed to 327 federal magnum with no issues. Heck, I got rid of all my 38/357 revolvers and ammo. I love the capability to shoot 32 long, 32 h&r and 327 out of one firearm. My grandkids shoot them a lot!!
 
The M16-4 is a robust gun with enough weight to help tame the 327 magnum. It's the smallest gun I would want to shoot that cartridge in. Everyone else is free to do as they please, of course.
 
I wanted a 327 for the cartridge versatility. Options and $$ were limited. Wanted a 4" barrel. Ended up with a second hand 4" SP101.
I had thought a GP100 had a heavy trigger, the SP was worse and the gun was so dry it squeaked. Got some Wolff Springs, Shively shims and along with some minor polishing, cleaning, lubing the action improved considerably. Ordered some KSD grips, needed minor fitting, no washers or escutcheons, got some. Grips added a welcome 1/2" in length over the OE. Ended up with a 327 that fit the bill.
IMG_5076.webp
 
I reamed a cylinder from a J frame 32 H&R to 327 federal. I stuck it in a magnum alloy J frame. Wow is that snappy. I have parts on the bench at home and plan to make it a 327 mag with a steel frame.

As far as blowing the cylinder up, I doubt it. S&W did make a J frame 327. The 632 and I seriously doubt they uses some super secret steel alloy heat treatment on them. They are also making 357 mag J frames. Their cylinder stock is as good as it can get
 
I have two K frame guns that were converted to .327 Federal using .22lr cylinders. They have been shot a lot with no issues. I don’t load my .327 rounds at max pressure so I’m not concerned.
 
Yep, as steelslaver said, S&W did and here it is, in Pro series...
1784241824127.webp1784241837243.webp

ETA:
I will add that I think the K is an ideal platform, as I reamed a 16-4 to Fed mag and my only regret is I it wasn't a longer (6 or 8-3/8") barrel to get better performance from the cartridge. I'm wondering how many would fit in the L or N size, and just for fun, how many in the X??? :unsure:
 
Last edited:
series guy said:
I have two K frame guns that were converted to .327 Federal using .22lr cylinders. They have been shot a lot with no issues. I don’t load my .327 rounds at max pressure so I’m not concerned.
Click to expand...

You’re singing my song. Hamilton Bowen did those back when he was still working on Smiths, and I had mine done by Andy Horvath. It’s apparently a fairly straightforward job, and the product is undeniably good. I agree those who suggest that the K frame is the proper platform for this caliber. I’ve shown it before, but I love showing it off!
🐸
 

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Elerius said:
Been wanting to convert a .357 M649 to 327 Federal Magnum. Hoping to get some opinions on whether I should worry about pressure if I ream a 32 Mag cylinder.

Is a 32 Mag cylinder the same dimensionally as a 327 cylinder? I know the 357 J frames are slightly thicker and a couple ounces heavier that a standard frame (as would be the M632). I doubt I'll ever find a 327 cylinder for sale by itself and I'd rather not have to buy and take apart a M632 to achieve this.
Click to expand...


Hit the time machine and......

And this is how we wound up with Outdoorsman's chambered in .357 Magnum. ;)

Best,
RM Vivas
 
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