[hillbilly68]

Gents,
I have seen a couple of articles lately about the new .327 magnum and the Ruger SP101 version built around it. Anyone contemplating this as a next gun? From the ballistics and reports (Shooting Times) it looks like it is a good revolver option. Too early and and the reports are unfortunately sometimes tainted by $ and the reviewers being too close to the industry.
Anyone have one of these yet and if so, what are your opinions on the round? Anyone contemplating getting one?
thanks in advance

 

[robocop10mm]

.327 magnum

OK, a supercharged .32. I'm not going to rush out and get one. i do not see the need.

 

[crossfire]

.327 <gag> magnum

They're trying to reinvent the .30 Carbine. The supposed reason(s) why they didn't just use the .30 Carbine was that it would require full or half moon clips for extraction (which seem to work just fine for .45 ACP revolvers and Ruger actually offers them for a 9mm setup..PN#90078) and most .30 Carbine ammo comes in FMJ which isn't the best for self-defense.

 

[Zappa]

They're trying to reinvent the .30 Carbine. The supposed reason(s) why they didn't just use the .30 Carbine was that it would require full or half moon clips for extraction (which seem to work just fine for .45 ACP revolvers and Ruger actually offers them for a 9mm setup..PN#90078) and most .30 Carbine ammo comes in FMJ which isn't the best for self-defense.

Ruger already has a .30 Carbine Blackhawk, it's been around for ages.
It's NOT known for it's accuracy, but it has earned a reputation as a real flamethrower! (and it's loud too)
You don't need a rim for extraction in a single action with an ejector rod.
However, you're right about available ammo in this caliber, 110 grain FMJ is pretty lame stuff for anything bigger than a coyote.

 

[crossfire]

.30 Carbine vs .327 Federal

I was referring to the fact that what they are trying to get out of the .327 Magnum, powerwise, already exists as the .30 Carbine. All they had to do was load it with bullets better suited for self defense, which Federal is surely capable of doing; and Ruger develop full-moon clips for the SP101, which they already do for a 9mm version. Besides, a Ruger .30 Carbine SP101 and the M1 semi-auto carbine would make a nice "combo carry" package. Marketting is everything and the quickest way to get a new self-defense firearm off and running is to either connect it to military/law enforcement use or to an already existing, and popular, long gun.

 

[shoez]

I have a feeling this will fall the same way the .32 H&R went. A really good idea that will never really catch on. (Ask Charter arms about the 9mm Federal!!) The .327 still will not do anything a .38 Special plus p won't do. I even own a Single Six in .32 H&R, and I like the gun, it is not really that special of a shell. And you can thank Ruger and Ruger alone for somehow keeping it alive, I guess marketing it to the Cowboy Action shooters. It would have died years ago if not for this. It is just hard to beat the good old .38 special or .357 mag.

 

[cleek]

327 Magnum for my next gun

I'll tell you what the practicality of the .327 magnum is. If you were to own a revolver like the SP101, it would be quite a jolt shooting a full load, 158 gr. cartridge through it. This is why most guys will shoot the 110 gr round in the 357 mag version of this gun. So, this puts it on a pretty good playing field with the .327 federal magnum. The 357 will still have a more power at this level, but the 327 wins on a few points; round capacity, felt recoil, and the versatility of shooting four different cartidges. Less recoil makes it easier to manage and more accurate for multiple shots. It is MUCH better than the .32 H&R magnum. Comparing the two would be like comparing the .357 mag against the 38 Special. In summary, if you are looking for a small, powerful self defense revolver, the SP101 in 327 magnum will be a good choice and it will be with us for a while, so get used to it. I might buy one and teach my wife how to use it. She is afraid of semi autos.

 

[GettingOld]

... In summary, if you are looking for a small, powerful self defense revolver, the SP101 in 327 magnum will be a good choice and it will be with us for a while, so get used to it. I might buy one and teach my wife how to use it. She is afraid of semi autos.

Yeah, that was my thinking too. After putting a few hundred rounds through mine, I had to send it back to Ruger for repairs. Apparently they had some manufacturing problems with the cylinders. After a fairly long wait while they retooled, I'm expecting it's return within the next couple of weeks.

My original plan was to use the 85gr Hydra-shoks as my self defense round. For some weird reason that I don't understand, I shoot the 115gr Gold Dots in a tighter grouping, despite the heavier kick.

The ability to shoot low recoil .32's as well as the relatively light, compared to the .327 rounds, H&R .32 Magnum makes a great introduction and step up for new shooters.

Ironically, my wife has very weak hand strength and has trouble working the revolver double action trigger more than a few times before she quits in frustration. Now I'm thinking I may need a semi for her.

 

[GettingOld]

... I had to send it back to Ruger for repairs. Apparently they had some manufacturing problems with the cylinders....

By the way, I got it back from Ruger. I dropped in a 9 lb. Wolff spring and put the Hogue grip back on. It's really nice now.

 

[Mark F]

Gents,
I have seen a couple of articles lately about the new .327 magnum and the Ruger SP101 version built around it. Anyone contemplating this as a next gun? From the ballistics and reports (Shooting Times) it looks like it is a good revolver option. Too early and and the reports are unfortunately sometimes tainted by $ and the reviewers being too close to the industry.
Anyone have one of these yet and if so, what are your opinions on the round? Anyone contemplating getting one?
thanks in advance

I looked at it, shot it, and gave it back... You'd be way better off investing your money in a .357.

 

[Virginian]

It's a thirty two people! It was developed by a gun company and an ammo company trying to ignite interest and make money. As usual, the gun writers have never met an advertiser's product they didn't like. They have aimed the advertising at people who don't like the recoil of a 357. It is just as effective they say; yeah, as 357 wimp loads. This is the second time someone has tried to convince people that 32 is as good as 38. Even with the new math, I don't think too many people are biting. If a thirty two is good enough, then heck, why not a 22 Magnum. it's even easier to shoot, and I have seen penetration numbers.......

 

[Mark F]

I believe this one will flop.

 

[spittinfire]

I'll tell you what the practicality of the .327 magnum is. If you were to own a revolver like the SP101, it would be quite a jolt shooting a full load, 158 gr. cartridge through it. This is why most guys will shoot the 110 gr round in the 357 mag version of this gun. So, this puts it on a pretty good playing field with the .327 federal magnum. The 357 will still have a more power at this level, but the 327 wins on a few points; round capacity, felt recoil, and the versatility of shooting four different cartidges. Less recoil makes it easier to manage and more accurate for multiple shots. It is MUCH better than the .32 H&R magnum. Comparing the two would be like comparing the .357 mag against the 38 Special. In summary, if you are looking for a small, powerful self defense revolver, the SP101 in 327 magnum will be a good choice and it will be with us for a while, so get used to it. I might buy one and teach my wife how to use it. She is afraid of semi autos.

I regularly shoot 158 gr 357 mags out of a 2 1/4" Ruger SP101. I personally like the heavier bullets in 357, the lightest I go is 125 and I notice little difference in felt recoil. I see no need for another 32 magnum round, its answering a question no one asked. I think the fact that the round has been out for several years and no one besides Taurus has picked it up is an indication of what we'll see. Think 327 wasn't intended to sound like 357? Why do you think everyone is comparing the two. Its a round that is not needed and is very expensive to shoot, I personaly don't see it catching on.

 

[GettingOld]

... I think the fact that the round has been out for several years and no one besides Taurus has picked it up is an indication of what we'll see. ....

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

Ruger SP101

Smith and Wesson 632

Taurus M327

Charter Arms Patriot 327

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

.327 Federal Magnum - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ballistic performance
Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
100 gr (6.5 g) JSP 1,400 ft/s (430 m/s) 435 ft·lbf (590 J)
115 gr (7.5 g) JHP 1,300 ft/s (400 m/s) 431 ft·lbf (584 J)
Test barrel length: 3 1/16"

Compare this to a .38 S&W
.38 S&W - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ballistic performance
Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
158 gr (10.2 g) L SWC 767 ft/s (234 m/s) 206 ft·lbf (279 J)
195 gr (12.6 g) L RN 653 ft/s (199 m/s) 185 ft·lbf (251 J)
200 gr (13 g) LRN 620 ft/s (190 m/s) 176 ft·lbf (239 J)

Or a 9mm:
9x19mm Parabellum - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ballistic performance
Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
7.45 g (115.0 gr) FMJ 390 m/s (1,300 ft/s) 570 J (420 ft·lbf)
8.00 g (123.5 gr) FMJ 360 m/s (1,200 ft/s) 518 J (382 ft·lbf)
9.1 g (140 gr) FMJ 305 m/s (1,000 ft/s) 419 J (309 ft·lbf)
9.5 g (147 gr) JHP 368 m/s (1,210 ft/s) 643 J (474 ft·lbf)
7.45 g (115.0 gr) JHP +P+ 435 m/s (1,430 ft/s) 704 J (519 ft·lbf)


or a .38 Super
.38 Super - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ballistic performance
Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
90 gr (5.8 g) JHP 1,557 ft/s (475 m/s) 485 ft·lbf (658 J)
100 gr (6.5 g) FMJ 1,450 ft/s (440 m/s) 467 ft·lbf (633 J)
115 gr (7.5 g) FMJ 1,395 ft/s (425 m/s) 497 ft·lbf (674 J)
130 gr (8.4 g) FMJ 1,305 ft/s (398 m/s) 492 ft·lbf (667 J)
150 gr (9.7 g) FMJ 1,148 ft/s (350 m/s) 439 ft·lbf (595 J)
Test barrel length: 5"

 

[G21.45]

I don't usually get too excited about, 'new rounds'; in fact, I'm still scratching my head over S&W 40 caliber! (If you want a 45 acp, get a 45 acp.)

In my opinion, there is a place in this world for Federal's 327 magnum. The pistol is versatile, certainly powerful enough not to be sneered at like a normal 32, and the reduced recoil and consequent increased controllability make this caliber useful for the: young, old, and physically challenged (weak).

Neither is ammo availability or excessive cost a problem. In fact four different calibers can be used in Ruger's 327: 32 short, 32 long, 32 magnum, and (of course) ...... .

I like this new chambering and wouldn't hesitate to get it for my wife or a grandparent. (Wouldn't be bent out of shape if I had to throw it in my own pocket, too.) It's got plenty of wallop without the necessity for a really strong grasp. Why is this a bad thing?

Refer: http://www.chuckhawks.com/327_federal.htm

 

[spittinfire]

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

Ruger SP101

Smith and Wesson 632

Taurus M327

Charter Arms Patriot 327

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

.327 Federal Magnum - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ballistic performance
Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
100 gr (6.5 g) JSP 1,400 ft/s (430 m/s) 435 ft·lbf (590 J)
115 gr (7.5 g) JHP 1,300 ft/s (400 m/s) 431 ft·lbf (584 J)
Test barrel length: 3 1/16"

Compare this to a .38 S&W
.38 S&W - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ballistic performance
Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
158 gr (10.2 g) L SWC 767 ft/s (234 m/s) 206 ft·lbf (279 J)
195 gr (12.6 g) L RN 653 ft/s (199 m/s) 185 ft·lbf (251 J)
200 gr (13 g) LRN 620 ft/s (190 m/s) 176 ft·lbf (239 J)

Or a 9mm:
9x19mm Parabellum - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ballistic performance
Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
7.45 g (115.0 gr) FMJ 390 m/s (1,300 ft/s) 570 J (420 ft·lbf)
8.00 g (123.5 gr) FMJ 360 m/s (1,200 ft/s) 518 J (382 ft·lbf)
9.1 g (140 gr) FMJ 305 m/s (1,000 ft/s) 419 J (309 ft·lbf)
9.5 g (147 gr) JHP 368 m/s (1,210 ft/s) 643 J (474 ft·lbf)
7.45 g (115.0 gr) JHP +P+ 435 m/s (1,430 ft/s) 704 J (519 ft·lbf)


or a .38 Super
.38 Super - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ballistic performance
Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
90 gr (5.8 g) JHP 1,557 ft/s (475 m/s) 485 ft·lbf (658 J)
100 gr (6.5 g) FMJ 1,450 ft/s (440 m/s) 467 ft·lbf (633 J)
115 gr (7.5 g) FMJ 1,395 ft/s (425 m/s) 497 ft·lbf (674 J)
130 gr (8.4 g) FMJ 1,305 ft/s (398 m/s) 492 ft·lbf (667 J)
150 gr (9.7 g) FMJ 1,148 ft/s (350 m/s) 439 ft·lbf (595 J)
Test barrel length: 5"

I stand corrected, there are other gun manufacturers making a platform...

You left out 22 magnum.....

Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
30 gr (1.9 g) HP 2,200 ft/s (670 m/s) 322 ft·lbf (437 J)
40 gr (2.6 g) JHP 1,910 ft/s (580 m/s) 324 ft·lbf (439 J)
50 gr (3.2 g) JHP 1,650 ft/s (500 m/s) 300 ft·lbf (410 J)

I'm sorry, I'm just not impressed with the round. I don't think it answers any questions. At least not a commonly asked one.

 

[fxstchewy]

I would mainly be concerned with getting good ammo for it on down the road, what good is a SP101 with 32 H&R ?, i would rather go with the SP101 or whatever gun in .357 a proven load with the ability to shoot .38's with it..........

 

[ChuckO]

So all U people who don't care for the 327--to bad. I got the wife something bigger than a 22 and smaller than a 38. Got her a GP100 327 Fed Mag.
Very nice and shots v. good. Oh, and it had to be a wheel guln, none of
those autos for this girl.

 

[Rick1967]

I may look at one. My wife is trying to talk me into buying her a S&W Airweight in 22 mag. She wants a carry gun. I don't think so!!!! I would much rather her be shooting a 100 grain bullet than a 30, 40, or 50 grain bullet. But, the key is I want her to have something she will take to the range and actually practice with. I would rather she carry a .327 she is proficient with than .357 she refuses to shoot.

 

[freefall]

Right on Rick. I don't feel a need for a .327 but if somebody does, buy one. That's the way America works. Folks may sneer at it, but I bet nobody volunteers to be shot by it.