About 327 Federal Magnum Ammo
The .327 Federal Magnum is a modern revolver cartridge that blends compact size with magnum-level performance.
It was introduced in 2008 by Federal Premium Ammunition in collaboration with Sturm, Ruger & Co., designed to deliver higher velocity and greater energy than the classic .32 H&R Magnum while still being manageable in smaller-frame revolvers.
One of the most appealing aspects of the .327 Federal Magnum is its versatility.
Revolvers chambered for this round can also safely fire .32 S&W, .32 S&W Long, and .32 H&R Magnum cartridges, giving shooters a wide range of options for both training and defense.
Its flat-shooting trajectory and high muzzle velocity have made it a favorite among concealed carriers, law enforcement backup options, and even hunters targeting small to medium game.
The cartridge’s impact on the shooting sports community has been significant.
Hunters appreciate its power-to-size ratio, concealed carriers value its penetration and stopping power, and target shooters enjoy its accuracy and low recoil compared to larger magnum cartridges.
Brands such as Federal, Speer, and Buffalo Bore produce popular .327 Federal Magnum loads in bullet weights ranging from 85 grains to 115 grains, ensuring options for personal defense, hunting, and sport shooting.
Common Uses
327 Federal Magnum is known for its balance of power, versatility, and manageable recoil, making it a cartridge that serves multiple purposes in the shooting community.
Below are the most popular applications for this modern revolver round:
- Personal Defense & Concealed Carry: One of the primary uses of .327 Federal Magnum ammunition is self-defense. Its higher velocity and deeper penetration compared to .38 Special give it excellent stopping power, while still allowing shooters to carry compact revolvers with increased capacity. Many defensive loads feature jacketed hollow points (JHP) to maximize expansion and terminal effectiveness.
- Law Enforcement Backup Weapons: The cartridge was originally designed with law enforcement in mind. The .327 Federal Magnum offers agencies a lightweight revolver option with more power and capacity than traditional snub-nose .38s. This makes it a reliable choice for backup duty weapons or off-duty concealed carry.
- Target Shooting & Training: With its ability to chamber lighter .32 caliber rounds (such as .32 H&R Magnum and .32 S&W Long), revolvers chambered in .327 Federal Magnum are also great for target practice and training. Shooters can enjoy reduced recoil with the lighter cartridges, then switch to full-powered .327 loads for realistic defensive training.
- Hunting Small to Medium Game: While not a traditional big-game cartridge, the .327 Federal Magnum is effective for hunting varmints and small to medium-sized game such as coyotes, foxes, and even hogs in certain conditions. Its flat trajectory, when paired with the right bullet design, provides accuracy and humane takedown power.
- Sport Shooting & Competition: Because of its versatility and accuracy, this cartridge has also found a niche in revolver competitions and recreational shooting sports. Its controllable recoil and speed make it enjoyable for extended shooting sessions.
Best-Selling 327 Federal Magnum Brands
When it comes to performance, reliability, and versatility, several manufacturers stand out in producing .327 Federal Magnum ammunition.
These brands have built strong reputations in the shooting sports community, offering everything from premium self-defense loads to hunting and training cartridges.
- Federal Premium: As the creator of the .327 Federal Magnum, Federal Premium continues to be the leading brand for this cartridge. Known for its Hydra-Shok and American Eagle lines, Federal offers both defensive hollow points and affordable full metal jacket loads. Their innovation and consistent quality make them the go-to choice for many revolver enthusiasts.
- Speer Ammunition: Speer is well-regarded for its Gold Dot line, one of the most trusted options in law enforcement and self-defense circles. Their bonded-core hollow points in .327 Federal Magnum provide deep penetration and controlled expansion, making them a favorite for concealed carry and home defense.
- Hornady: Hornady has built a reputation for precision and innovation, and their Critical Defense line in .327 Federal Magnum is no exception. Featuring the FTX (Flex Tip) bullet, these rounds are designed to prevent clogging and deliver reliable expansion, even through heavy clothing.
- Buffalo Bore: For shooters who demand maximum power, Buffalo Bore produces some of the hardest-hitting .327 Federal Magnum loads available. These high-pressure rounds are tailored for hunters and outdoorsmen who require enhanced penetration and terminal performance against tougher game.
- Prvi Partizan (PPU): Known for offering affordable yet reliable ammunition, PPU manufactures .327 Federal Magnum cartridges that are excellent for training, plinking, and target shooting. Their consistent ballistics and reloadable brass casings make them a practical choice for high-volume shooters.
Loads and Bullet Types
Below are the most common loads and bullet styles available:
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
- Purpose: Target shooting, range practice, and training.
- Details: FMJ loads in .327 Federal Magnum are cost-effective and reliable, designed to minimize barrel fouling and provide consistent accuracy. These rounds are favored by high-volume shooters who want affordable practice ammo.
Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)
- Purpose: Self-defense and personal protection.
- Details: JHP bullets expand upon impact, creating larger wound channels and maximizing stopping power. In .327 Federal Magnum, they offer excellent penetration and reliable expansion, making them a top choice for concealed carry or home defense.
Soft Point (SP)
- Purpose: Hunting medium game.
- Details: Soft Point bullets feature an exposed lead tip, allowing controlled expansion for deeper penetration. This makes them effective for small- to medium-sized game, such as coyotes, raccoons, or hogs.
Lead Round Nose (LRN)
- Purpose: Recreational shooting and plinking.
- Details: Traditional and economical, LRN bullets are simple cast-lead rounds ideal for casual shooting sessions. While not commonly used for defense, they remain popular for affordable practice loads.
Critical Defense / Specialty Loads
- Purpose: Defensive use in real-world scenarios.
- Details: Premium lines like Hornady Critical Defense and Speer Gold Dot offer advanced bullet designs (such as FTX and bonded JHP) that resist clogging, expand reliably through barriers, and deliver optimal terminal performance.
High-Velocity Loads
- Purpose: Maximizing energy and performance.
- Details: Some manufacturers, such as Buffalo Bore, produce heavy-hitting loads designed for hunters or outdoorsmen who need extra penetration. These loads push the limits of the .327 Federal Magnum’s ballistic capabilities.
327 Federal Magnum Ammo FAQs
QUESTION: What is .327 Federal Magnum ammo?
ANSWER: .327 Federal Magnum ammo is a high-pressure revolver cartridge developed by Federal Premium and Ruger in 2008. It was designed to offer greater velocity and energy than the .32 H&R Magnum while maintaining manageable recoil compared to larger revolver rounds.
QUESTION: What firearms are chambered in .327 Federal Magnum ammunition?
ANSWER: Popular revolvers chambered in .327 Federal Magnum ammo include Ruger SP101, Ruger LCR, Ruger GP100, and the Henry Big Boy lever-action rifle. Some single-action revolvers from Freedom Arms and other manufacturers are also available in this caliber.
QUESTION: What is .327 Federal Mag ammo commonly used for?
ANSWER: .327 Federal Mag ammo is versatile—suitable for self-defense, target shooting, and small to medium game hunting. Its high velocity and excellent penetration make it especially effective for concealed carry and varmint control.
QUESTION: How powerful is .327 Federal Magnum ammunition compared to other calibers?
ANSWER: .327 Federal Magnum ammo offers ballistics close to the .357 Magnum but with less recoil. Many loads can reach velocities of over 1,400 feet per second with lighter bullets, making it more powerful than .38 Special and .32 H&R Magnum rounds.
QUESTION: What bullet types are available in .327 Federal Magnum ammo?
ANSWER: Common bullet types for .327 Federal Magnum ammunition include:
- Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) for self-defense.
- Soft Point (SP) for hunting small game.
- Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) for target shooting.
- Specialty loads like Hornady Critical Defense and Speer Gold Dot are also available.
QUESTION: Is .327 Federal Magnum ammo good for self-defense?
ANSWER: Yes. Many shooters choose .327 Federal Magnum ammunition for personal protection due to its combination of high velocity, deep penetration, and expansion with JHP loads. It offers more stopping power than .38 Special while allowing for higher capacity in revolvers.
QUESTION: What are the most popular brands of .327 Federal Magnum ammo?
ANSWER: Top brands producing .327 Federal Magnum ammo include Federal Premium, Speer, Hornady, and Buffalo Bore. These manufacturers offer defensive, hunting, and practice loads to suit a variety of needs.
QUESTION: Where can I buy .327 Federal Magnum ammo for sale online?
ANSWER: You can find .327 Federal Magnum ammo for sale from trusted retailers like Ammunition Depot, where bulk options and premium loads from Federal, Speer, and Hornady are regularly available at competitive prices.