Does the .327 Magnum have a future?

Question

It's a new cartridge, not a typo.

http://www.federalcartridge.com/default.asp?menu=1&s1=4&s2=6&id=171&brand=5&year=2007

Great answers so far, and the exact points I have seen made all over the 'net about this round. Not alot of people seem to be excited about it.

Answer 1

.327 Magnum is a joint venture between Federal and Ruger,but I have my doubts if it will survive.

The whole concept was to design a magnum cartridge for lightweight and small frame revolvers. Personally I think the biggest selling point they have going for this cartridge results in a 20% reduction in felt recoil, compared to a 125 Grain 357 Magnum cartridge.The 327 Magnum develops 100 fps more than the 357 Magnum. It would also allow a revolver that was 5 shot to be designed to hold 6 cartridges. Ruger designed the SP01 6 shot Stainless Steel Revolver that will be available supposedly just after January 1st, 2008. The Ruger will also chamber 32 S&W,.32 Special,.32 H&R Magnum in addition to the .327 Magnum cartridges..

Time will tell.....

Answer 2

I had started out on the 32 H&R in a Ruger Single Six and really liked it. Then got a Marlin Cowboy great little gun. Then they came out with the 327 mag. I got rid of the 32 H&R Single Six, and bought the SP101 six shots, GP100 7 shots and the 8 shot single action. To me the 327 is a really great round. The GP100 is the sidearm I carry for hunting. I was hoping Marlin would make the cowboy in a 327, but that does not seem to be in the cards. You can find some Federal ammo at a little less than $20 per 50 but it’s hard. I reload so supply isn’t an issue for me. I don’t know why it didn’t catch on. You get near 357 performances with a lot less recoil. To each his own I guess.

Answer 3

The problem that I have is Federal's rather shoddy record of producing new rounds that really end up failing in the marketplace. 9mm Federal (basically 9mm auto rim) came and went and .32H&R Magnum has few revolver chamberings. Maybe .327 Magnum will be different. It would be interesting to see that round in a medium frame revolver, despite it's appeal to the CCW crowd.

Update: Another issue to look at is how specialized revolver cartridges have become. Anymore .38SPL is the only real diverse revolver shell for those who just want to shoot a revolver (aside from .22 LR) for fun. The new round will probably be praised by reloaders (Gunblast is already dismissing early critics) and specialty freaks but igmored by those of us
who do not possess the time or money to gamble on such a caliber.

Answer 4

I doubt it, look at the .32 Magnum. Do you recall the 9mm Pitbull rovolver round Charter Arms tried to peddle in their el cheapo guns? That fell flat on it's face. The .32 caliber is not a very popular caliber among the people who can help it survive, and by this I mean the people who shoot for recreation. You will have wimps who will buy it, hoping that it will keep recoil down and improve their shot placement. They are not going to like it after firing this .327 Mag, and finding the recoil comparable to or equal a .38 spl +P round. The .38 spl. is a versitile round and many are loaded to suit everyone's liking. Not so with the .327 Mag.

Answer 5

I can't understand why Federal would create a round such as this. What in the world were they thinking? It is not any better than a .38 special +P. The only advantage is that small guns can hold 6 rounds instead of 5 due to the cartridge diameter.
I think this one is going to be a dud...how many .32 H&R's do you see at the range on a regular basis? I rest my case and Federal's too.

Answer 6

Isn't that one of Federals wildcat rounds? Supposed to be something like a hopped up 32 H&R magnum isn't it? I've personally never seen one, but remember hearing something about that caliber at the range whilst discussing the evils of handloading.
It's hard to have an opinion of the future of this caliber when it's past is so limited.

Answer 7

I'll buy one just for the heck of it, but I bought a .357 Maximum Ruger SRM and loved it for coyotes and of course they dropped the gun almost before the ammo hit the market. The upside is the gun itself tripled in value in one year. Sounds like an interesting CCW round and I see a place for it with us handgun hunters as well.

Answer 8

I wouldn't spend anything to get one. It may last a while, but I can't see it being a big seller unless aimed at the women's market and sold as having less recoil that the .357.

Answer 9

I like the .357 magnum myself. Never even heard of a .327

Answer 10

Ruger ain't shy about chambering something different, huh?
More of what the 32 H&R was supposed to be doesn't bode well for it, though the latter isn't completely dead.