327 Federal is the best small revolver cartridge for defense??

Cal44

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I posted this on another forum.

Let's see if I get hit with different brickbats here. :)

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I'm coming to the conclusion the above is the true.

Reasons:

o The 327 Federal is a 21st century design and operates at higher pressure than other magnum revolver cartridges (e.g 357, 41, 44 Magnum). About 9000-10000 PSI higher.

o The 327 Federal is new enough that no older, weaker guns need to be considered by ammo manufacturers.

o Being smaller in diameter, most guns can hold an additional round. For example, J frames and LCRs chambered in 327 Fed hold 6 rather than 5 rounds of 38/357.

o Although 38/357 guns shoot a larger diameter bullet, it's not that much larger (.357" vs .31") and, in general 327 Federal's slightly lighter rounds move at a higher velocity and are therefore more likely to expand.

o Although high end 357 Magnum ammo can generate higher muzzle energies, the 327 Federal SD loads, with their higher pressure and higher velocity are equal to most 357 Magnum defense loads from short barrelled guns. I'd give 357 magnum an edge in SD against bears and such due to higher power, but typically reasonable 4 legged defense guns are bigger than what people want to carry concealed in town. Plus few can shoot the high end 357 magnums in a snub well.

o The 327 Federal gun can also shoot 32 H&R Magnum for people who want less recoil and noise in a SD gun, and can shoot 32 Long for practice. The existence of a lower powered option is an important advantage shared with 357 Magnums, but absent in the 9mm world.

o Ammo, at least around here, is becoming more available and I'm finding at least some 327 Federal loads available in most LGS's.

What's really needed to make 327 Fed more popular for SD is more small, light carry guns.

We could use a 6 shot 327 Federal Scandium J frame similar to the M&P 340 and 340PD.

Right now, that market it left to the LCR 327 and the SP101 3" version (just re-introduced).

The cartridge got off to a false start when it first came out mainly for lack of ammo, but it seems to be making a comeback now that both practice and good SD ammo is available.
 
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Cal44,

It sounds like you've got yourself convinced.

I hope you enjoy yours.
 
I am inclined to agree with you in a light J frame 327 being better than a 38 special. The extra round, the lighter bullet giving less felt recoil, yet substantial power are all pluses over a 38 J. If they came out with an alloy framed 327 I would probably get one. Beat my 36-1 and my 640-1. My only alloy J frame is a pre model 38 Bodyguard that is to nice to carry.

I presently carry a 2 1/2" 325. A 6 shot 45acp. Light powerful , just a bit bulky and recoil is substantial.
 
Cal44,

It sounds like you've got yourself convinced.

I hope you enjoy yours.

I wasn't really asking a question.

I was trying to start a debate.

Debating stuff is what we do here on cold Sundays in December, isn't it. :)
 
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327 Federal operating pressure at 45K might have had S&W take a second look at marketing them. CA backed off them also. The round needs a stout frame like the SP101.
 
I agree with the OP on all points. It wouldn't take anything away from those who are not so inclined, and it would be a welcome addition for those of us who are. A stainless or titanium cylinder J frame could handle that round.
 
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You ask for a J Frame lightweight for the 327. I see no reason the 431PD and 432PD (for the 32 H&R Mag) couldn't be reamed out for the 327. As far as I know, the cylinder is heat treated steel capable of handling the 327 Federal.

Wouldn't these satisfy your need? I have lots of arthritis in my hands, but can handle the 32 H&R in these alloy frame J Frames without any problem.

 
I would dispute that OP assertion, if it were worth the effort. :)
Denis
 
Cal44,

Debating leads to knowledge...according to Socrates. We already have that knowledge. The .38 Special FBI load is that only way to go in short barreled revolvers. I'd much rather have five rounds of the FBI Load than 6 rounds of anything smaller. But neither are optimum for saving my life.
 
I posted this on another forum.



Let's see if I get hit with different brickbats here. :)



------------------------------------------------



I'm coming to the conclusion the above is the true.



Reasons:



o The 327 Federal is a 21st century design and operates at higher pressure than other magnum revolver cartridges (e.g 357, 41, 44 Magnum). About 9000-10000 PSI higher.



o The 327 Federal is new enough that no older, weaker guns need to be considered by ammo manufacturers.



o Being smaller in diameter, most guns can hold an additional round. For example, J frames and LCRs chambered in 327 Fed hold 6 rather than 5 rounds of 38/357.



o Although 38/357 guns shoot a larger diameter bullet, it's not that much larger (.357" vs .31") and, in general 327 Federal's slightly lighter rounds move at a higher velocity and are therefore more likely to expand.



o Although high end 357 Magnum ammo can generate higher muzzle energies, the 327 Federal SD loads, with their higher pressure and higher velocity are equal to most 357 Magnum defense loads from short barrelled guns. I'd give 357 magnum an edge in SD against bears and such due to higher power, but typically reasonable 4 legged defense guns are bigger than what people want to carry concealed in town. Plus few can shoot the high end 357 magnums in a snub well.



o The 327 Federal gun can also shoot 32 H&R Magnum for people who want less recoil and noise in a SD gun, and can shoot 32 Long for practice. The existence of a lower powered option is an important advantage shared with 357 Magnums, but absent in the 9mm world.



o Ammo, at least around here, is becoming more available and I'm finding at least some 327 Federal loads available in most LGS's.



What's really needed to make 327 Fed more popular for SD is more small, light carry guns.



We could use a 6 shot 327 Federal Scandium J frame similar to the M&P 340 and 340PD.



Right now, that market it left to the LCR 327 and the SP101 3" version (just re-introduced).



The cartridge got off to a false start when it first came out mainly for lack of ammo, but it seems to be making a comeback now that both practice and good SD ammo is available.



My ask is for a K frame 6 shot in 4,6 and 83/8” in the amazing 327. I have 3 Ruger single actions.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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Since the Fed .327 doesn't have a track record yet, isn't hard to form an opinion? How many gunfights can you document this being used in? Do you remember Super Vel and their light bullet .357 magnums in K framed S&Ws? So, I'll have to wait and see if I concur on this.
Steve
 
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You ask for a J Frame lightweight for the 327. I see no reason the 431PD and 432PD (for the 32 H&R Mag) couldn't be reamed out for the 327. As far as I know, the cylinder is heat treated steel capable of handling the 327 Federal.

Wouldn't these satisfy your need? I have lots of arthritis in my hands, but can handle the 32 H&R in these alloy frame J Frames without any problem.

One of my most commonly carried guns is a 431PD. I carry it with 32 H&R Magnum hollow points.

I've heard of people reaming out the cylinders of M30's and M31's to enable these 32 long guns to shoot 32 H&R Magnum.

This seems reasonable because 32 H&R Magnum is not really a magnum and isn't very high pressure.

But the 327 Federal might be called a "Super Magnum" with pressures higher than any handgun cartridge short of 454 Casull.

So I really don't want to shoot 327 Federal in any gun not factory made for it.
 
Cal44,

Debating leads to knowledge...according to Socrates. We already have that knowledge. The .38 Special FBI load is that only way to go in short barreled revolvers. I'd much rather have five rounds of the FBI Load than 6 rounds of anything smaller. But neither are optimum for saving my life.

FWIW, there is a SWC HC round out for 327 Federal. 135 gr.

I ordered some, but haven't tried them.

I'll stick with Speer Gold Dots as those have an established record in other Calibers.
 
muzzle energy is a lie, formula drastically over states the effect of velocity versus mass.
Dont believe me ? take your light fast 327 to a bowling pin match. Let me see know how you do against all those slow less muzzle energy 357 magnum 180 gr loads.
 
I will not state that a 327 is as powerful or as much of a "stopper" as a 357. Heck I carry a 45 acp gun. I look at my 357s as plinkers. But, a 327 115 gr bullet traveling at greater velocity as a 110 gr 38 spec +P, has got to be as effective and because it has the same weight and a smaller diameter it would have a better sectional density and should penetrate a bit better. Given this a 6 shot vs a 5 shot J frame of the same power, I'll take the 6 in a small light convenient to carry package.
 
Mass vs Velocity will continue to be debated down the years. I had a 4" CA Target Patriot and could not reach stated velocities with American Eagle ammunition with the 4" gun while many guns are sold with a 2" bbl. I no longer own one. In fairness I bought it more for a trap line, kit gun, small game gun at which I think it excels. When I changed grips and got the accuracy back in my single six 32 Mag I decided it could go.
 
I've been interested in the 327 mag since I first read about it a few years ago. Not because I am an expert ballisitician and think it might be the best thing in a defense pistol since ______. But because I'm a wheelgun man and love the mags. I would like to see something like a current m60 chambered in 327 for carry and as one other member stated, a new K-frame in 327 would be very cool.

I own a m36-7 and don't find the weight of it's conventional steel construction hard to carry at all, most times when I do carry it I forget it's there. Never owned or tried a lightweight J-frame though. Still think a 3" barreled m60 clone would be sweet in 327.
 

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