32 Mag vs 327 Federal

[altejaeger]

Have been toying with the idea of acquiring an MGM rifle barrel, 21-22" length, in .312 dia. Would be used for small game, i.e.,
r.chucks, g.hogs, coyotes, p. dogs, etc. Any comments as to accuracy for those who might have such a set up? Many thanks. Duane.

[waterboy]

Go .327. I have a custom Encore 8" in .327. I can actually shoot .32 ACP (yes it has a tiny little rim and extracts perfectly), .32 S&W long or short if you had some, the .32 H&R Mag. and of course the .327 if you can find blooming brass!!! Accuracy is great with everything except the .32 ACP jacketed 71 gr., the 90 gr. lead RN in that are fine. Sounds like a .22 and zero recoil. I mean nothing.

The Hornady XTP and a case full of Lil'gun, H110 or W296 will scream out of my 8" at 1500+ fps. It expands wonderfully without blowing apart. I do think you should get a 16.5" tube rather than a 20 something unless it's just for balance. You are wasting the tube as it's all burned up in 14" or less. I even shot some 160 gr. cast GC Spire points out at 1000 fps! Wonderfully accurate.

I have a .22K Hornet set up with a 16" and a Choate side folding stock on a G2. It is so handy. It's the bottom gun. The top is a custom .338 cal. on a necked .405 Win. brass and 16" with a Encore chassis and Choate M4 type stock. Don't laugh the 6 position stock is great for my kids to use and me with thick clothes. I use Weaver Grand Slam lever rings to swap EER for normal rifle scope use. Some EER scope do work with stocks if left at 2X or so.

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[altejaeger]

Many thanks for the reply. That is quite an assortment of toys you have! What was the twist in your barrel? Would want to use the 85 grainer XTP in mine for varmints primarily. Duane

[waterboy]

I hate to say this but I don't really know if it is a .308 or .311. I have a DW .32 H&R I rechambered to .327 and it has a .308 bore that shoots .312 fine. Also I have a custom .300 GNR revolver that has a 1:10" rifle stock tube that shoots about everything from 60 gr. at 2400 fps to a 170 at 1100 fps. I use .312 cast in it with no problems. Most of the high intensity loads I re-size to .308 in a LEE push through sizer for that one. Cast it does not seem to make all that much difference. With jacketed I'd be mindful to watch pressures but it wouldn't surprise me if it didn't make much difference. That might shock some. Shooting a .308 jacketed bullet in a .311 bore will give less than great accuracy.

The Ruger BH in .30 Carbine has a 1:16" twist that won't shoot bullets over 115 gr. as well. IMO

[Hobie]

I thought about just such a project when the .327 Federal was announced. I think I'd get a 16-18" barrel.

[waterboy]

I just ran across some chrono data in my notes. My re-chambered Dan Wesson 6" clocked 1350 fps and the 8" Encore 1880 fps with factory Federal American Eagle 100 gr. .327 JHP's. I guess I need to try and tighten that cylinder gap on the DW! LOL. That's pretty hot in that 8" Encore! It would kill a smaller deer hit right.