I think you simply miss the point.
stove6 said:
It sounds like the 327 does a good job..
But look at this. The .40 SW is the next size up from the 9mm.
From Hodgdon's reloading data center:
Here is the 327 Magnum
100 GR. HDY XTP Hodgdon H110 .312" 1.450" 12.2 1419 31,400 PSI 13.2 1525 FPS
Here is the .40 SW:
135 GR. NOS JHP Hodgdon Longshot .400" 1.125" 8.5 1241 25,100 PSI 11.5 1434 FPS
Pretty close numbers for a Magnum compared with a Non-Magnum.
And we are talking more sectional density with a 10mm projectile compared to a .32 bullet, too.
Your comparison is about as valid as my comparing to:
135 GR. NOS JHP Hodgdon Longshot .400" 1.125" 8.5 1241 25,100 PSI 11.5 1434 FPS
210 GR SPR GDHP Alliant Blue Dot .410" 1.575" 6.0 1425 fps 33,800 psi (947 ft-lbs)
If mere velocity or ballistics were to win here, we'd all have .41 Magnums.
You also miss the point when you said.
Stove6 said:
My, My! I do know that there are lots of bullet configs and loads avail. in .38 and .357 to equal or out-perform the .327 Mag. Is there not??
Energy Comparison: .327 Federal Magnum vs. Other calibers
The chart says it all. Not only does the .327 outclass the .38 Special, it out-classes the 9mm too. The chart seems to indicate the .327 is on a par with the .40 S&W and the "lower end" of the .357 spectrum. In reality it exceeds the .40 S&W and is equivilant to a mid-range .357 load because its ballistics are measured with a 3-inch barrel as opposed to a 4, 5 or 6-inch barrel.
Comparing the .327 to the .40 S&W, 10mm or .45 ACP crosses the boundary between wheelgun and self-loader. If a buyer wanted an autoloader s/he wouldn't be considering a wheelgun. Many shooters don't care for bottom feeders and are more comfortable with the double action revolver platform.
In additon, the .327 recoils less than the .357 Magnum while producing useful velocity and energy for self-defense. That's a good selling point for those who want a revolver without the kick and horrific muzzle blast of a snubby .357 Magnum.
Stove6 said:
I don't understand this obsession with trying to get these odd, rare calibers that you cannot find ammo for or are difficult, if not impossible, to get!
You are not required to understand it, nor even care about it. You
should, however respect that some of us do like those "odd ball" calibers for what they can provide. From my perspective, why would anyone really care what some MLB player's RBI average is or who is the only pitcher to hit better than .400 for two seasons. But if
you care, have fun with it.
For what it's worth, .32 Long isn't too hard to find and the guns that shoot it are beautiful little jewels. Low recoiling, accurate as sin and moderately quiet. Perfect for potting small game for a camp or simply killing paper terrorists.
Makers include Winchester, Fiocchi, Federal, Aguila and Remington. Fiocchi makes the best target ammo IMO.
S&W Model 31 revolvers, .32 S&W Long
My S&W 432PD has never gone wanting for ammo. If my local shop doesn't have it, I ask him to get me two or three boxes and it shows up in his next order. And while I think the .32 H&R Magnum isn't exactly a barn burner, I don't think many thugs will still want to play after a double tap from it.
Some of us find enjoyment in odd calibers too. Some of us even shoot them, despite the cost or difficulty in finding ammo for them.
S&W .32-20 Model of 1905
S&W Model 57 .41 Magnum and S&W Model 31 .32 S&W Long