.327 Federal Magnum snubs?

Unless maybe one of the big frames, a 357 snub is another bad idea.

I don't own any but that's because .38 snubbies are still widely available. I really want an LCR in .32 H&R Magnum but I might as well wait for new stuff on Betamax. :rolleyes:

Yeah, I know you can shoot .38s in a .357 snub. Yeah, that little space might not do anything worse than catch crud. I still prefer the exact match. Here, I don't have that option. Sure, I'll try out some .327s in it when I finally get one. It'll probably be a passing novelty but who knows? Either way, it's close enough to satisfy the dream.

Next up, someone finally makes that sweet .327 carbine we've all been dreaming about...
 
I've been kinda interested in getting a 327 LCR, but I have to admit, I like my 357s, even though I carry it loaded with 38s due to noise. Even my 2" J frame is a 640, so that the extra weight makes it that much more shootable.
 
I ran across the news that Ruger was making an LCR in .327, and half expected this thread to have been revived.

I'm in the minority camp about excessive noise being a factor in defensive handguns, and so I avoid .357 for that. .327 Federal, I would imagine, is louder being that it starts at higher pressures but between this thread and other information claiming that it is less noisy, I'm very interested.

I carry a S&W 642 while on the lookout for the very rare 632 clone in .32 Magnum. Or at least I was, until I saw the new LCR. Frankly, I'd MUCH rather have a 6th round and lose a little power in .32 Mag compared to my .38.... And now there seems to be no reason not to trade up to .327 Federal, which has more power than either in identical barrel lengths. AND IT HOLDS 6.

I'm gonna pick one up as soon as I can and give the cartridge a chance. If it's not satisfactory, I'll just put .32's in it.
 
other information claiming that it is less noisy

No, 327 Federal Magnum is seriously loud, although a distinctive report. As a result, I carry 32 H&R, from which I know I can recover from shooting without hearing protection, even indoors. When legal, I open carry a Ruger Single Seven with the real deal ammo. Outdoors is not as bad as indoors, but I know from the outdoor range that hearing protection is well advised with 327 Federal Magnum..
 
It is certainly true that .327 Federal runs a higher pressure than .357 Magnum, but as I have shot many many --MANY-- of both, I would give the edge in irrational, numbing and eardrum-bursting noise to the .357 Magnum.

I have no desire EVER to shoot a .327 Federal anywhere without ear protection, but I do believe the .357 is even worse.
 
I have no desire EVER to shoot a .327 Federal anywhere without ear protection, but I do believe the .357 is even worse.
I firmly, wholeheartedly, and completely agree with that statement.

.327 Federal can be obnoxious in some situations. (But not always.)
.327 Federal is not something that I ever want to shoot without hearing protection.
...But I think .357 Mag is worse. I hate .357 Mag concussion. I know it's subjective and everyone has their own opinion. Mine is that .357 Mag is horrendously obnoxious and offensive. .327 Federal is only obnoxious when there are surfaces nearby to reflect the pressure wave and sound.


Even so...
I picked up my .327 LCR yesterday. It will be my new standard carry piece. If my life depends on it, I'll fire it without hearing protection. But, under any other circumstances, only with protection.
 
In fairness to 357 Magnum, I would say that it is only a brute as higher powered ammo in small guns. The 327 Federal Magnum is a better all around shooting experience. It throws less lead and makes smaller holes though and with about as much drama. The main draw for me is allowing an additional round in a cylinder similar in size to 38/357...and yes, the recoil is reduced but probably significant in a the small guns like the LCR. My closest comparison is my vintage SP101 3" in 327, which easily handles 327 Federal Magnum. Stepping down to the sub 2" LCR might be something I wouldn't prefer. Actually I get off easy, because most of the time I carry a 3" SP101 in 32 H&R because of the reduced noise, while still effective as a close range defensive weapon.
 
I am glad you got your 327 LCR, it is certainly on my to get list.
Unfortunately I had already went on my normal Fall gun buying binge.:eek:
Every fall even though I say I wont. I cant seem to help my self when the deals start flying.
I ended up with 4 buys the day before the Ruger email.
Oh well maybe I will quit hurting by spring.. maybe...:D
 
A snub and a high speed round is useless.

It clearly isn't useless. It's just less efficient. The magnums still get considerably more energy in the short barrel. You also get more wasted energy, which manifests as flash and bang. Look at these muzzle energy numbers for a 2" barrel, which I shared previously:

110-170 ft-lbs - .38 special (includes +p)
135 ft-lbs - .32 H&R Magnum (only one ammo type tested)

180-280 ft-lbs - .327 Federal Magnum
200-320 ft-lbs - .357 magnum

- Numbers from Ballistics by the Inch

As you can see, either .357 magnum or .327 Federal Magnum gets you approximately 50% more muzzle energy than their shorter relatives. That's significant! Asking whether or not it's useful depends on the individual using it and how they weigh that power against the increased flash, bang, and recoil.
 
A snub and a high speed round is useless. Be better off with a .38 SWC. 4" bbl for the .327 is much better.

For the fail.

Would you mind expanding on your comment a bit? I'm not sure why a snub/high speed round is useless.
 
Why is it news to anyone that energy is wasted with a short barrel? If you are itching for a fight, then quarrel about how you are offended by the word "useless". Who doesn't understand that "useless" could not be literally true?
 
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