We counted once, and Ruger has made/sold more handgun models in 32 caliber (32 H&R magnum and 327 Federal magnum, than any other centerfire caliber. Every one they manufactured was sold quickly. I am a big fan of the 357, but I'm not getting any younger and am considering a 327 Federal Mag.

Understanding the Context

I enjoy hand loading so ammo price and availability doesn't concern me much. Any input on the following questions would be appreciated. 1. In older posts there is talk of cylinders that were...

Key Insights

After studying 327 vs 357 loads and ballistics it is my humble opinion that the only advantage the 327 has over the 357 is recoil mitigation and the ability to shoot 32acp, 32S&W, 32S&W long, 32 H&R Mag and 327 Fed Mag. There is the argument which I agree with that the 32 caliber is a flat shooter. However, I firmly believe that with the same weight projectile (bullet) the 357 would be just as ... I agree, .327 Magnum is an excellent mid-range cartridge but, with so many well-established cartridges out there, it's just difficult to justify the expense of a new cartridge, especially with the hard-to-find ammunition that is moderately expensive! In a 20' inch barrel, 327 FM American Eagle 100 grain should be right about 2200 FPS.

Final Thoughts

Same ammo in 85 grain about 1900 FPS. I dont know WHAT ammo they was using for their test to only get 1500 FPS in a 16' barrel , but it must have been pretty cool stuff. AE 100 grains in a 16' say 2141 FPS while 85 grain say 1900 FPS. The six shot sp .327 would be the main advantage over the five shot .357, and some say that the stopping power is very similar. The big drawback is that the .327 is more expensive and not as widely available as the .357 or .38s. You can find Federal .327 fairly regularly now, but the .32 longs and H&R magnums are tougher to find.

H have some questions regarding the Ruger LCR revolvers chambered in either 327 mag vs 9mm. Reliability in the LCR. Has one cartridge been more reliable than the other in the LCR, meaning less likely to jump crimp, less malfunctions? Sound, db, blast?