Quick Tip: .327 Federal Magnum vs .357 Magnum

Published on September 30, 2020
Duration: 4:13

This expert comparison from Brownells details the .327 Federal Magnum and .357 Magnum revolver cartridges. It highlights the .327's reduced recoil and increased capacity, making it suitable for lightweight firearms, while the .357 offers higher velocity and energy. The .327's versatility in firing other .32 caliber rounds is also a key advantage.

Quick Summary

The .327 Federal Magnum offers a significant advantage in recoil reduction (approximately 40% less than .357 Magnum) and typically allows for an extra round in revolver cylinders. While the .357 Magnum provides higher raw power, the .327 Federal Magnum delivers comparable muzzle energy with a 115-grain projectile and boasts impressive caliber versatility.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: .327 vs .357 Magnum
  2. 00:23Historical Context & Physical Differences
  3. 00:47Performance & Capacity Trade-offs
  4. 01:17Recoil Comparison
  5. 02:17Ballistics Data: Velocity & Energy
  6. 03:12Caliber Versatility of .327 Federal Magnum

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between the .327 Federal Magnum and .357 Magnum cartridges?

The .327 Federal Magnum offers significantly less recoil (around 40% less) and typically holds one more round in a revolver cylinder than the .357 Magnum. While the .357 Magnum generally has higher velocity and energy, the .327 Federal Magnum provides very similar muzzle energy with a 115-grain projectile from a 4-inch barrel.

Is the .327 Federal Magnum a versatile caliber?

Yes, a major benefit of the .327 Federal Magnum is its ability to safely fire other .32 caliber cartridges, including .32 ACP, .32 S&W, .32 S&W Long, and .32 H&R Magnum. This versatility provides numerous options for practice and defense scenarios.

Which caliber is better for lightweight revolvers: .327 Federal Magnum or .357 Magnum?

The .327 Federal Magnum is an excellent choice for lightweight or snub-nose revolvers due to its approximately 40% reduction in recoil compared to the .357 Magnum. This makes it much more comfortable to shoot and manage in smaller, lighter firearms.

How do the ballistics of .327 Federal Magnum and .357 Magnum compare from a 4-inch barrel?

From a 4-inch barrel, a .357 Magnum can reach just under 1300 fps. A .327 Federal Magnum with a 115-grain projectile from the same barrel length is only about 100 fps slower, resulting in very comparable muzzle energy between the two calibers.

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