Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns .327 Mag?

Talk to me about the .327 magnum. I think I may have a GP100 in my near future and I am trying to figure out if I want it in the .327 or the .357.

I have seen a few posts about it here and there but not much that blew my skirt up.

Biggest use would be trail carry and plinking. Wouldn't do much (if any) hunting with it--that is reserved for the .44 Redhawk.

Basically a modern version of my favorite trail gun....the .32-20! This makes a fine "walking around" gun. It is mild enough to use on edible small game without destrying it, yet is powerful enough to use on larger (deer/hog) size animals with very careful shot placement.

With a good hard-cast bullet I don't rate the .32-20 (or .327) very far behind the .357 as both are marginal for larger game and require exact bullet placement.

Buddy has the 6" version of the GP100 in .327. A real tack driver and not quite as snappy as a .357 with very comparable ballistics. PLUS you can shoot .32 S&W short or long in it as well as .32 H&R mag. A very versatile revolver IMHO.

Wish somebody would make a Shotshell load for the 327...

Along the same topic, how hard are components to find. I noticed midway doesn't have brass. Also, I just got back from Bass Pro and they had 0 factory ammo.

Is this par for the course for the cartridge?

Yep, the ammo and brass is still scarce but the rest of the components are the same as the other .32 revolver cartridges.

I had not problem buying the loaded ammunition from mMdsouth Shooters Supply from early on.
Midsouth was out of ammunition once.
The shortage is in components with the heavier bullets in short supply.
I bought a heavy for the caliber bullet mold from NEI, good mold, good bullets.
I have 4� GP100 (GP141) and it is a good shooter for called critters but heavy for a belt revolver.
What we need is a good K-frame S&W or Single Six Bisley for the 327. You can have them made but it would be nice to have an off the shelf handgun that is truly a belt gun with good sights.
I bought my brass from Freedom Arms. Fair price and good availability.

this was my thoughts from the beginning

I'd like a T/C Contender in .32 H&R Magnum (rifle length).

The .32 H&R Mag resembles to me what a rimmed .30 Carbine might look like. Actual caliber is .311-.313 inches. Not .323 or ".32."

I have worked these loads up, not from some stupid load book, but from scratch by trying many possibilities of bullets and powder in an antique 32 S&W long Colt revolver.

They should be excellent loads in a 327F, giving maximum performance without sticky cases:


6.5 gr 800X 85 gr Hornady, 1.29", easy out
13 gr LIL'GUN 85 gr HNDY, 1.29", easy out

Of course, in a 327F cylinder, the brass could be 327F brass and the bullets could be seated .16" longer at 1.45".

I know a dealer who has a case of factory ammo, 50 round boxes for, I think $28. Not sure why a loading manual would be stupid for working up a load.

Dick

Hey Dick, let me straighten you out.

When the world's greatest chefs compete, they do not bring copies of Betty Crocker's cook book.

But for a 13 year old girl wanting to bake a cake, it is a good idea.... likewise for a 50 year old mildly retarded cook.

ClarkM,

Why the belligerant attitude? Someone piss in your Wheaties?

I have had a 32 H&R since they came out.
I really like that little cartridge for just the things your thinking about. trail carry,small game and plinking.

I bought a 327F in an SP101 when they became available.
It takes the 32H&R to another level. Longer range plinking.

I sent the SP to Bowen and had an action tune, and S&W J frame rear sights installed. Didn't exactly fill my needs so I sold it to my son and had Bowen build a custom 327 on a single six frame. This is my favorite gun at this time.

Where I have differed in other posts from most is that I feel the 327 is most suited to lighter framed revolvers vs full size revolvers such as the GP 100. If you're going to carry a full size you would probably be better served with the 357.

I like the light weight of the single six sized guns for everday knock around type use. the 327 adds much to its versatility.

Just my opinion and I do admit being partial to the 32 cal handguns.

FWIW, CDNN has the SS 3" Taurus .327 Fed with pink grips for $270. Grips can be replaced. Good luck.

Better yet, .32 H&R, then you could use it in both. And if they were smart, they'd use #11 or #12 shot and it would be devastating.

Clark - Those "stupid" books very good places to start. The makers of those "stupid" books have available to them state of the art facilities and equipment to ensure the loads they come up with are perfectly safe.

It has been proven time and time again that by the time you "see" pressure signs in your reloads, you're WAAAY over SAAMI pressure limits. Stick to the books, or better yet, the very latest loads on the manufacturers web sites, and you'll be much safer.

There is nothing wrong with creating loads the old fashioned way by carefully working up to reasonable velocities (as referenced by referring to factory ammo and the "stupid" books).

I just can't understand why you call reloading books "stupid". To ignore the sound logic in a loading book sounds kinda stupid to me.

He is a wannabe Elmer Keith WITH a big mouth (keyboard) WITHOUT the brains! I have him on ignore and I sure hope NOBODY ever tries his "load data"!

That and I think he is probably a phuc-ing liar too boot.

Aw come on T LEE, don't candy coat it; tell us how you feel:)