327 Federal

I'm getting close to the time that I'll be building a 327 Federal for small game hunting. I'm going to have it done on the SBH frame. Probably do a 10 shot cylinder, maybe more if it will fit. I like the SBH frame because of the wider trigger, and wider hammer. Probably going to do at least a 6" bull barrel or octagon barrel, and target sights of some sort. Haven't figured that part out yet. I might even get a TC Encore and have a 327 Federal barrel made for it till the revolver gets here, then sell the encore... or get different barrels. In case you're wondering, this is why I decided to go with the 327 Federal: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.327_Federal_Magnum Well, that and I'm tired of looking for 22 caliber stuff. Figured I'd just roll my own this way, and have an outstanding caliber to boot!!

I ask these questions simply in terms of curiosity. They have nothing to do with my decision to get the 327 Federal. My mind is already made up to go with it. I'm just asking this to those that have, or have had, the 327 Federal.

What is the longest distance you feel comfortable shooting the 327 Federal in hunting situations on small game up to the size of coyotes?

Did you like the performance of hardcast bullets in such a small chambering?

If you reloaded for this chambering, what was your best load?
I will be using Titegroup and / or H110 with hardcast. But if there is something that you found that is crazy accurate, I'd be willing to try it.

The .327 is starting to peak my interest, probably in a Contender G2. I've spent the past several years fighting to get enough .22lr to plink and hunt with and it's always a mixed lot. Now if I can just find enough range brass to start reloading the .327.

Yeah the reloading components are available online. I'm not to worried about that part. The shortage of 22 stuff is what got me on this idea a year or so ago. Just finally able to financially make it happen, or at least getting close.

I like the ability to run it up there around the same numbers as a .357 magnum. If I run it a bit hot, and heavy for caliber, who knows what it will do?? I aim to find out though!!

When you do get either a revolver or Encore barrel, I'll be really interested in the range reports, especially if you go with the Encore option.

Yeah I'm thinking I will begin with the encore simply because its easier / cheaper to acquire. Once I get the revolver done, encore always sell pretty easily. Might keep it and put a different barrel on it, but I've gotten to the point that I prefer the revolvers over the single shot platform, most of the time. Not always, but usually. Just a personal preference thing I guess.

I have custom Smith and Wesson model 16 chambered in this fine cartridge. I shoot a 120 grain cast GC HP loaded over a max dose of WW296 it hits hard and shoots really well. I would not hesitate to use it on deer within 50 yards and if shot opportunity would allow a broadside or angling away. I might add in water soaked news print I got great upset and 16.75" of penetration.

Great info Ram. This is the kind of stuff I was hoping to find. Thanks for that load info also. I'll back it off a bit, and work my way up and see what I find out.

But... gotta get the gun first.

Ramjet, have you chronographed that load?

I can and will report back.

My gun is converted and customized 6" K frame from 32 H&R mag.

My hand loads with the 120 grain HP from the Mihec mould is running 1270 FPS from this gun.

Speer personal protection 115 grain GDHP commercial ammo is running 1470 FPS.

Both are very accurate.

NICE!!! That info makes me even more excited about getting one!! That will be capable of a lot more than I thought it would! I'm probably going to have to make two of these, cause I'm pretty sure my wife is going to want one of these.

This is outstanding!! Thanks for the effort in getting those numbers.

lot's of good info in this thread on the 327FM.

http://singleactions.proboards.com/thread/10428/notes-mag-327-fed-sp101


I haven't had a chance to try it on game yet but i'm really liking the 120gr bullet from my Todd Corder custom mold.









six shot group measuring 2 1/4" center to center at 50 yards.

I shoot Ruger's 8-shot NMB. I load a custom 130gr hollow point over a stiff load of 110/296. I'm comfortable on coyotes out to 100yds. LSCG's post will give you some great .327 info.

Thanks for the link LSCG. Good info there. I really like the idea of 140gr. solid in the 327 Federal. For what I'm wanting to do, that would cover it all, and then some. Not sure I want to get into casting my own though. Going to see if these are available for purchase somewhere. Otherwise, I'll probably stay with the 120's.