.32 H&R Magnum / .327 Federal for Pistol Cartridge?

[Jetmugg]

Hello everyone.

As the winter sets in, my brain continues to think about lever action silhouette shooting.

The latest direction my brain has taken me is to consider the possibility of a lever action rifle in .32 H&R Mag / .327 Federal for use in PC lever action matches. The Henry Big Boy is available in this caliber and gets decent reviews for the solidness and slickness of the action.

What's the scoop on this caliber for our sport? Are there active shooters using this caliber? I haven't seen any on the firing line, but that doesn't mean they aren't being used.

Anyway - semms like a fair topic for discussion.

Steve.

[chicknsnipr60]

i have bought one in that caliber. As of now it is in the load development stage. It is supposed to be a low recoil but fast speed. I am using berry bullets now but am casting lead bullets. There is a company I think is called Bear Creek or something in that neighborhood that makes bullets for it.Videos on youtube talk about that caliber bumping 2000 fps in a rifle. The 32nr brass is the cheapest. You can shoot 32 hr, 327 mag and 32long colt.

[Jetmugg]

ChickenSniper:

Thank you. I'd be interested to hear your impressions of the rifle and the overall experience. Did you buy one of the 327 Mag Henry Big Boy rifles, or the Marlin 1894 in H&R Magnum? In either case, those are attractive rifles for this game.

I'd also enjoy hearing about the load development as it's available. A fast shooting, flat trajectory, low recoil and relatively hard hitting .32 magnum seems like a good sweet spot for PC lever action matches.

Steve.

[Jetmugg]

Update:

Went to my local sporting goods store this afternoon and asked them to order a 20" barreled Henry Big Boy in .327 Fed Magnum. I should have it in 2 weeks or so.

Steve.

[PAndy]

I shoot mild cast loads in 32-20, so I probably wouldn't load a .327 much different. It would allow for higher pressure max loads if you like more noise and muzzle jump. Biggest question for me would be how the chamber is cut...and how cast bullets fit in the throat.
Hodgdon web site has lots of cast and jacketed handgun data for .327 mag.

[Jetmugg]

That sounds like the approach I'd like to take, to treat the .327 Magnum liike a modern day 32-20.

Plenty of power to take down Rams, flat shooting, accurate, light recoil, etc.

I have a co-worker and fellow shooter who is hepped up to spend time working up handloads with the goal of maximizing accuracy at 100 yards.

This should be a fun adventure.

Steve.