327 Federal Magnum Ammunition

The .327 Federal Magnum is a relative newcomer to the firearms world, being introduced in 2008 as a collaboration between Sturm, Ruger & Company and Federal Premium Ammunition. The cartridge uses a .32 H&R Magnum case that has been lengthened by 1/8”. It is most commonly loaded with 85 or 100 grain bullets that can be fired at velocities reaching up to 1500 feet per second. This translates into muzzle energies that can reach as high as 500 foot pounds. This level of energy exceeds any commercially available .38 Special, and most 9mm ammunition. In fact the .327 Federal Magnum is able to meet the same energy level as many .357 Magnum loads.

The most noted advantage of the .327 is the reduced recoil, especially when compared to the .357 Magnum. The .327 Federal Magnum is reported to have a free recoil energy of about 5.6 pounds in its heaviest recoiling load, compared to 7.2 pounds for the .357 Magnum in a rather light 125 grain load. Another advantage of the .327 is that it can fire the less powerful .32 H&R Magnum and other .32 rimmed cartridges. This allows for a lighter recoiling practice round for even the most recoil sensitive shooter.

The motivation behind creating this round was to have a light recoiling, low blast, self defense cartridge that would break the conventional thoughts about what a concealed carry revolver should be. One of the biggest benefits of the cartridge is its’ power, but almost as equally as beneficial is that a small framed revolver that will hold five .357 Magnum cartridges, will hold six .327 Federal Magnum rounds. An extra shot along with its’ power make this a cartridge that deserves serious consideration when choosing a self defense cartridge.

The .327 Federal Magnum is currently found in revolvers, but some in the gun culture have noted that it would serve well for small to some medium sized game, especially if used in a lever action rifle. Ruger, Charter Arms and Smith & Wesson are a few of the manufacturers producing six to eight shot revolvers for the .327 Mag. Shooters concerned with ammo availability need not worry, Federal, Corbon, Speer and American Eagle, as well as other manufacturers make ammo for the .327 Magnum, with a focus on self defense loads.

The .327 Federal Magnum was awareded the 2009 Golden Bullseye Award for: Ammo of the Year (2009). The firearms community has greeted this cartridge with great enthusiasm, with its higher capacity and reduced recoil, the .327 Federal Magnum seems to be earning its’ place among the respected modern self defense cartridges.