Battle of The Unknowns! .327 Magnum vs .32 H&R Magnum!

Published on October 30, 2022
Duration: 10:31

This expert-level review from Tools&Targets pits the .327 Federal Magnum against the .32 H&R Magnum, utilizing a 2-inch barrel Taurus 327 revolver. The .327 Federal Magnum demonstrated superior performance with higher velocity (1057 fps vs. 944 fps), greater energy (248 ft-lb vs. 158 ft-lb), and more effective expansion in ballistic gel tests, penetrating 19.5 inches compared to the .32 H&R Magnum's 14.75 inches. While both rounds are considered viable for self-defense from this platform, the .327 Magnum is the clear performance winner.

Quick Summary

The .327 Federal Magnum significantly outperforms the .32 H&R Magnum from a 2-inch barrel. It achieved 1057 fps and 248 ft-lb of energy, penetrating 19.5 inches with good expansion. The .32 H&R Magnum averaged 944 fps and 158 ft-lb, penetrating 14.75 inches with minimal expansion.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Setup
  2. 00:26Ammunition Overview
  3. 01:20Taurus 327 Revolver
  4. 01:53.32 H&R Magnum Velocity Test
  5. 02:29.327 Federal Magnum Velocity Test
  6. 03:03Velocity & Energy Comparison
  7. 03:26Ballistic Gel: .32 H&R Magnum
  8. 03:57Ballistic Gel: .327 Federal Magnum
  9. 04:43Wound Channel Analysis
  10. 05:43Penetration Measurements
  11. 06:34Projectile Examination & Expansion
  12. 08:25Final Verdict & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key performance differences between .327 Federal Magnum and .32 H&R Magnum from a 2-inch barrel?

The .327 Federal Magnum averaged 1057 fps and 248 ft-lb of energy, penetrating 19.5 inches with good expansion. The .32 H&R Magnum averaged 944 fps and 158 ft-lb, penetrating 14.75 inches with minimal expansion and tumbling.

Which ammunition performed better in ballistic gel testing: .327 Magnum or .32 H&R Magnum?

The .327 Federal Magnum demonstrated superior performance in ballistic gel, showing a more effective wound channel, greater penetration (19.5 inches vs. 14.75 inches), and more reliable expansion compared to the .32 H&R Magnum.

Is the .327 Federal Magnum a viable self-defense round from a short-barreled revolver?

Yes, the .327 Federal Magnum is considered a strong self-defense round, even outperforming many .380 ACP loads. Its higher velocity, energy, and penetration make it effective from short barrels like the 2-inch Taurus 327.

What was the average velocity and energy for the .327 Federal Magnum and .32 H&R Magnum tested?

The .327 Federal Magnum averaged 1057 fps with 248 ft-lb of energy. The .32 H&R Magnum averaged 944 fps with 158 ft-lb of energy. These were measured from a 2-inch barrel Taurus 327 revolver.

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