3 months later on the 327 1.87'

I should add that .327 is a lot easier to shoot in my Single Seven, which is almost twice as heavy as the LCRX. Even with the Seven, though, I'd rather not shoot a lot of .327.
 
Anyone who has been here knows I'm a fan. The LCR 327 is my absolute favorite all-weather EDC. I find it comfortable to carry in a pocket holster. I've owned smaller guns in .380 but for the amount smaller they are, they really aren't that much easier or more comfortable for me to carry. Despite their weaker power, those smaller guns in .380 also tend to be less fun to shoot and harder to shoot well. I've owned a few subcompact 9mm guns but their shape makes them more awkward for pocket carry. With six reasonably powerful shots and relatively mild recoil, the LCR 327 is "just right" for daily carry.

The only times I don't carry the LCR 327 are out in the woods or during the winter. If I'm wearing enough to comfortably carry a double-stack semi-auto with more than twice the capacity, that's what I'll do. Even then, I'll still grab the LCR 327 if I'm in a hurry.
 
6 rounds in the same sized gun that usually holds only 5 is a good thing. .32 H&R is NOT equal to or better (power wise) than most .38 +p as noted above.

I'd like the LCR .327 for the versatility and J frame sized package.
 
Anyone who has been here knows I'm a fan. The LCR 327 is my absolute favorite all-weather EDC. I find it comfortable to carry in a pocket holster. I've owned smaller guns in .380 but for the amount smaller they are, they really aren't that much easier or more comfortable for me to carry. Despite their weaker power, those smaller guns in .380 also tend to be less fun to shoot and harder to shoot well. I've owned a few subcompact 9mm guns but their shape makes them more awkward for pocket carry. With six reasonably powerful shots and relatively mild recoil, the LCR 327 is "just right" for daily carry.

The only times I don't carry the LCR 327 are out in the woods or during the winter. If I'm wearing enough to comfortably carry a double-stack semi-auto with more than twice the capacity, that's what I'll do. Even then, I'll still grab the LCR 327 if I'm in a hurry.
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I think what you shoot in it is part of the story. Was wondering.
 
I think what you shoot in it is part of the story. Was wondering.
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Absolutely. In the LCR, I've been shooting the 85-grain American Eagles and the 85-grain Hydra-Shoks. The Hydra-Shoks are my daily carry round. I don't have a chronograph but I've been pleased with their effect on fruit, cheese, water jugs, etc. Looking around the web, I see some variation in the numbers but these should get up around 1200 fps. Felt recoil is nearly identical to bargain .38 +p fired from the LCR 38.

There are hotter and heavier factory loads but some have noticeably more recoil. At least for me, that "just right" status for the LCR is achieved by the 85-grain loads.
 
Not trying to switch the topic from the gun to the caliber, but.....

I am very interested in 327FM. I have been strongly considering an SP101 3" in this caliber. I have a 2" SP101 in 357 but (1) like the balance of a little more pipe an (2) am intrigued by this new comer

The part I am having trouble getting past is - while I do not mind reloading, Dillon does not sell EITHER caliber conversions (for the Square Deal B) OR even standard dies (I also have a RL550) for 327 Fed. So my options are to either buy dies elsewhere and load on the 550 (or a single stage) or load 32 H&R on my SDB and just carry factory. Both are less than ideal but not quite deal breakers yet.

The other reason for my hesitation is - It really just seems like a "wonder 9". Not doggin on the round, I actually want one, but ain't it just doing the same thing a 9mm +P could? I mean if went down to 90gr on 9mm, couldn't I squeak the same FPS and ME out of it? And if that IS the case, why do I stop carrying my 9mm. I comfortably (in a Vedder) conceal a P10c w/an RMR. I have 15 in it and a spare 15 on deck. I guess where I'm going is - giving up capacity for 357 is an arguably fair trade. Giving up capacity for (pretty much) the same caliber makes me wonder if I'm thinking straight.

To see how bad my capacity addiction is, I walked the dog carrying my SP101 instead of my CZ. Felt kinda weird, not sure I'm going to be able to adjust. I'd be totally sold on 327 if I could just sling a rifle in the same caliber all day :D
 
Black Wolf said:
I am very interested in 327FM. I have been strongly considering an SP101 3" in this caliber. I have a 2" SP101 in 357 but (1) like the balance of a little more pipe an (2) am intrigued by this new comer

The part I am having trouble getting past is - while I do not mind reloading, Dillon does not sell EITHER caliber conversions (for the Square Deal B) OR even standard dies (I also have a RL550) for 327 Fed. So my options are to either buy dies elsewhere and load on the 550 (or a single stage) or load 32 H&R on my SDB and just carry factory. Both are less than ideal but not quite deal breakers yet.

Not doggin on the round, I actually want one, but ain't it just doing the same thing a 9mm +P could? I mean if went down to 90gr on 9mm, couldn't I squeak the same FPS and ME out of it?
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Dies that load 32 S&W Long and 32 H&R Magnum would load the 327 Federal. I use Lee 32 H&R Magnum dies on my Dillon 650 and load all three calibers. Not sure about the SDB, but you could ask Dillon.

From a 3" barrel SP101 you can expect a 100 grain Federal factory round to clock at ~1400 fps. They produce 1550 fps from my Ruger 4.2" barrel and 1313 from my 1.87" LCR.

Those are the details. Good luck with your decision.
 
Kimber, Colt, Charter, Armscor make carry size revolvers in 6 shots. Nowadays 38+p 125 and 158 can fly at over 1000fps out of a snub barrel
 
I think the thread is as much about the caliber as the gun. To your point about high capacity auto vs 6 round revolver, the question really becomes hi cap semi auto vs revolver, regardless of caliber.

People talk about how the big advantage of the .327 is that you can get six rounds of a cartridge that is very well suited to personal defense in a gun the size of a j-frame. One extra round is not that big a deal to me. I just like revolvers and I'm OK with carrying a 5 or 6 shooter (with a speed loader on my belt). The other thing I like about the caliber is that the guns can accept such a variety of cartridges. I can load my LCRX with .32 mag and have a light weight gun that's fairly easy to shoot and still has a decent personal defense round.

But it seems that your decision (along with countless other shooters) is whether you feel good about carrying a 6 shooter. That's a tough one. But I would say buy the Sp101 and shoot it because it's fun to shoot. Decide whether you can be comfortable carrying it after you've shot it for a while. I don't think you would have any trouble selling it if you decided you didn't like it.
 
74A95 said:
Dies that load 32 S&W Long and 32 H&R Magnum would load the 327 Federal. I use Lee 32 H&R Magnum dies on my Dillon 650 and load all three calibers. Not sure about the SDB, but you could ask Dillon.

From a 3" barrel SP101 you can expect a 100 grain Federal factory round to clock at ~1400 fps. They produce 1550 fps from my Ruger 4.2" barrel and 1313 from my 1.87" LCR.

Those are the details. Good luck with your decision.
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Already did ask Dillon. Not just a negative on the SDB conversion kits, they specifically said THEIR standard dies, in 32 H&R can not be used on full length 327 cases. Something about their dies having a different thickness. Yea, I could put Lee dies in the 550 I guess.
 
reteach said:
I think the thread is as much about the caliber as the gun. To your point about high capacity auto vs 6 round revolver, the question really becomes hi cap semi auto vs revolver, regardless of caliber.

People talk about how the big advantage of the .327 is that you can get six rounds of a cartridge that is very well suited to personal defense in a gun the size of a j-frame. One extra round is not that big a deal to me. I just like revolvers and I'm OK with carrying a 5 or 6 shooter (with a speed loader on my belt). The other thing I like about the caliber is that the guns can accept such a variety of cartridges. I can load my LCRX with .32 mag and have a light weight gun that's fairly easy to shoot and still has a decent personal defense round.

But it seems that your decision (along with countless other shooters) is whether you feel good about carrying a 6 shooter. That's a tough one. But I would say buy the Sp101 and shoot it because it's fun to shoot. Decide whether you can be comfortable carrying it after you've shot it for a while. I don't think you would have any trouble selling it if you decided you didn't like it.
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I believe you are 100% correct!

The real question I'm struggling with is - am i comfortable carrying only a revolver. Funny thing is I think I like them better. I cut my teeth on single actions, grew up on a nice piece of property and always had my Single Six on my hip. To this day, the auto I have been the most proficient with (not counting 1911's) was a Sig P250. It was DAO but not like most, it had a light smooth consistent pull. Sometimes too light, consistently got light strikes with Tula. Point is, it shot like a tuned revolver and I ran against guys rocking Kimber 1911's.

I'm typing this while waiting on my wife in the grocery store. All I'm carrying is an SP101 in 357, seeing if I can get over the fear of not having enough ammo because I really do think I like spinners better. Of course, my CZ P10c is in the car with an extra mag just in case I go into withdrawal lol
 
I will have an LCR in 327 as soon as I run across one that I consider affordable.

In the summer I carry my LCR 38 a lot, but I have to have larger grips on it. I think I could do just fine with the 327 and the smaller grip, especially if I carried 32 H&R.
 
tallball said:
I will have an LCR in 327 as soon as I run across one that I consider affordable.

In the summer I carry my LCR 38 a lot, but I have to have larger grips on it. I think I could do just fine with the 327 and the smaller grip, especially if I carried 32 H&R.
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we're in the same boat.
 
Black Wolf said:
Not trying to switch the topic from the gun to the caliber, but.....

I am very interested in 327FM. I have been strongly considering an SP101 3" in this caliber. I have a 2" SP101 in 357 but (1) like the balance of a little more pipe an (2) am intrigued by this new comer

The part I am having trouble getting past is - while I do not mind reloading, Dillon does not sell EITHER caliber conversions (for the Square Deal B) OR even standard dies (I also have a RL550) for 327 Fed. So my options are to either buy dies elsewhere and load on the 550 (or a single stage) or load 32 H&R on my SDB and just carry factory. Both are less than ideal but not quite deal breakers yet.

The other reason for my hesitation is - It really just seems like a "wonder 9". Not doggin on the round, I actually want one, but ain't it just doing the same thing a 9mm +P could? I mean if went down to 90gr on 9mm, couldn't I squeak the same FPS and ME out of it? And if that IS the case, why do I stop carrying my 9mm. I comfortably (in a Vedder) conceal a P10c w/an RMR. I have 15 in it and a spare 15 on deck. I guess where I'm going is - giving up capacity for 357 is an arguably fair trade. Giving up capacity for (pretty much) the same caliber makes me wonder if I'm thinking straight.

To see how bad my capacity addiction is, I walked the dog carrying my SP101 instead of my CZ. Felt kinda weird, not sure I'm going to be able to adjust. I'd be totally sold on 327 if I could just sling a rifle in the same caliber all day :D
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On the .327 being a wonder 9, it kind of is when it comes to a conceal carry revolver, especially in a snub nose. 85 grains of bullet in a diameter that's 1mm smaller means low recoil, yet good sectional density for penetration. A 125 grain .38+P is no slouch and can be controllable, but .327 just blows it away in terms of defensive use.

9mm +P in a pistol is not going anywhere near as fast as .327 is.

In larger revolvers, the .327 is punching above its weight class and with 100 grain loads, it feels like the same recoil as 125 grain .357 Mag and when the GP100 is available in 7 shot models, why get the .327 in the GP100 at all?

IMO, .327 is great for a rifle as the same versatility others are citing also applies in a rifle. So, if you're interested in the .327 and shorter members of the .32 family, get the Henry in .327 and enjoy. For a revolver, the LCR is the best match for the caliber, but the single seven is looking better and better all the time to me.
 
Maybe that really is your solution - carry the .327 with some kind of backup gun.
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Setting aside any statistics or math regarding the real-world effectiveness of that sixth round, there is a psychological value to it. Younger shooters might not get this, but I grew up in a world of six-shooters. Heck, the police carried six-shooters back in the day. So when I carry a six-shooter, I feel like it's enough.

I carried a J-frame in .38 special for years and then spent a few more with the LCR 38. I felt fairly confident in my abilities with the small guns but I was never very happy with the caliber or capacity. It put me in the frame of mind to think about things like back-up guns or whether to carry a speed loader. I never did. I only kept carrying it because I trusted .38 special over .380 and I never managed to get my hands on one of the older J-frames in .32 H&R magnum. When the LCR 327 came out, it was a perfect fit for me.
 
TruthTellers said:
On the .327 being a wonder 9, it kind of is when it comes to a conceal carry revolver, especially in a snub nose. 85 grains of bullet in a diameter that's 1mm smaller means low recoil, yet good sectional density for penetration. A 125 grain .38+P is no slouch and can be controllable, but .327 just blows it away in terms of defensive use.

9mm +P in a pistol is not going anywhere near as fast as .327 is.

In larger revolvers, the .327 is punching above its weight class and with 100 grain loads, it feels like the same recoil as 125 grain .357 Mag and when the GP100 is available in 7 shot models, why get the .327 in the GP100 at all?

IMO, .327 is great for a rifle as the same versatility others are citing also applies in a rifle. So, if you're interested in the .327 and shorter members of the .32 family, get the Henry in .327 and enjoy. For a revolver, the LCR is the best match for the caliber, but the single seven is looking better and better all the time to me.
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At that weight it is, according to this chart

http://www.ballistics101.com/9mm.php

As for why a GP100, I agree and don't want one. I was looking at the SP101. A buddy has the LCR (not in 327 tho). I've shot it, it's alright, but I prefer the "solid" feel of the SP101.
 
I've been wavering on the .327 for some time. I like what it offers BUT do not see the sixth shot in a revolver being enough for me to jump towards it. As I noted earlier if we were talking a double action revolver the rough size of a bearcat in .327 even with 4 or 5 rounds I would be all over that.

I would also be well into .327 if Henry rifles had a loading gate.

The single seven is looking more and more like my first foray into it though.

So, despite the love the LCR gets for the sixth shot, and the LCR in general, its not that I don't like the .327 its that at this point any gun I buy is a luxury purchase (I don't need it) and when I do luxury purchases I tend not to compromise on what I want.

LCR is a fine gun. .327 is a fine round. Don't love them together.
 
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On the .327 being a wonder 9, it kind of is when it comes to a conceal carry revolver, especially in a snub nose. 85 grains of bullet in a diameter that's 1mm smaller means low recoil, yet good sectional density for penetration. A 125 grain .38+P is no slouch and can be controllable, but .327 just blows it away in terms of defensive use.

9mm +P in a pistol is not going anywhere near as fast as .327 is.
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I chronographed the 65 grain ARX at 1622 out of my M&P Shield with it's 3" barrel, and 1730 average out of my Glock 19.
 
We have plenty of chronograph numbers for the .32's. Has anyone seen a controlled gel test for .32 H&R and/or .327 FM? The math tells us that both of those should be effective, but I'd like to have a visual to go along with the math.
 
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