Magnum SHOWDOWN: 327 Federal Magnum vs 357 Magnum - Ballistic Gel Test

In our first video, we compare .327 Federal Magnum and .357 Magnum.
Seth tests both target and defense ammo for both calibers, utilizing a chronograph, water jugs, and ballistic gel. Let us know what you think of this comparison and what calibers you would like to see compared in the future down in the comments! Like and subscribe for more!

[@327Federal]

Thank you for shining light on 327 Federal Magnum!

[@jmichna1]

As I've gotten older, and arthritis in my hands has started to become painful, I have been moving away from .44 magnum and even .41 magnum revolvers, and lately have been favoring the medium and larger frame .357 magnums, where their weight mitigates recoil and reduces pain. Just this year, I began exploring .327 Federal magnum as a natural progression, and I really like getting "near 357 mag" performance out of a cartridge I find more manageable, plus I can still get 6 rounds in a small frame revolver. I now own both the SP101 in 327 and the Taurus 327... both 6-shot small frame revolvers... and I have options to run 32 H&R magnum, and even lesser rounds should I so choose. IMO, the 327 Federal magnum is a great cartridge, and much under-appreciated.

[@usa-rb5fi]

Used to have an lcrx in 327, trying to find ammo sucked big time and expensive. The load I like carrying in it the best was Buffalo Bore 32 H&R 100 gr. Power rivaled .327 without the added recoil.

[@jmichna1]

@@usa-rb5fi Indeed! I sometimes carry using Buffalo Bore's "heavy" H&R magnum +P, 130gr hard cast Keith... you are spot on... great ballistics and not too much recoil! To be honest, though, I have found it to be just as expensive -- maybe even a bit more expensive -- as traditional 327 Fed mag... I usually buy from vendors like SGAmmo or KIR, especially when I come across a decent sale.

[@jmichna1]

@@holmbergaudio I have plenty of those... sometimes I just prefer a revolver, especially one that delivers better ballistics than most 9mm cartridges are capable of.

[@michigunsanta8680]

If you want to shoot full power 357 magnums the Chiappa Rhino is a great revolver that really tames the recoil with the barrel set on the bottom chamber instead of top of the cylinder.

[@g26s239]

I'm a 357 enthusiast and one of my 357s is also an SP101 w/3" barrel. I'm sticking with it but that 327 is an impressive round. Good test.

[@JackGordone]

I carry SIX rounds of .357 in a 3" barrel Kimber. It's easily concealed, even with summer clothing and, as the video demonstrates, packs significantly higher foot pounds of energy than the .327. That sixth round cancels every advantage for the smaller bullet except possibly reduced recoil. That's why the .357 has long been known as a single shot man stopper. (I believe both rounds lose a lot of effectiveness in anything less than a 3" barrel and shine brightest in a 4" barrel.)

[@54yeshua46]

Great information. Thanks!

[@johnelder4273]

I have arthritis pretty bad in both hands. I carry a steel framed J-frame .357 but I load it with .38 special +p ammo due to noise and recoil. If I need to lower recoil further, I can load .38 Special wadcutters. I have no desire to trade my .357s. If you think 5 rounds isn't enough, carry two snubbies.

[@peytonlong8155]

very informative with a lot of comedic commentary. i think i found my new favorite channel!

[@Swampytheroot]

327 Federal is specifically designed to replicate 38Spcl +P. Never intended to match even the lightest 357 Magnum loads.

[@Ruger44Redhawk]

The 3" SP101 .357 is what i normally have on my belt.

[@224valk4]

Exactly what I carry! Never felt outgunned by any plastic pistol. But like the old saying goes, you use your pistol to fight your way to your rifle!

[@arthurross9437]

Well presented without a lot of bias. Just plain fun to watch.

[@tmutant]

I'd love to see a rematch with the Speer Gold Dot version of both (or another premium cartridge that's available with both).

[@danfleeman7047]

Awesome shedding light on defense rounds love to sèe content with cost and damage for different rounds

[@bigwu100]

I just sold my 357. Man I miss it.

[@thomasdean5651]

Why not both a 357 and a 327...i own both in the Ruger SP101, and the Ruger LCR. Just my opinion, but i prefer the 327 for personal self defense. It is plenty adequate in power, less recoil, and get that extra round. Cant argue with the 357 if raw power is what you want, though.

[@jimedick9496]

I have both as well. The other benefit to the 327 is that you can get back on target a lot faster, especially when using a lightweight revolver like the LCR’s

[@jpb1231000]

I have a GP 100 3 inch 357 so nice to see an approximation of what velocities to expect !!!Thanks fellers! Been eyeballing the 327 from Taurus, the LCR and the SP101... That SP 101 is sweet!

[@oldmangreywolf6892]

I always go to comfort of shooting. I own SP101 327 and love shooting it. I even reload 32 longs up to the equivalent of 32 H&R. 327 is yes lower recoil and on average +1 in cylinder. 357 is average 5 per cylinder and harder recoil. Yes you can go to 38 special, and the same can be said for 32 H&R. Both too have been proven rounds in self defence. Now I never add in stopping power. People of different types can resist or not resist the damage.

[@usa-rb5fi]

There are small frame 38’s that hold 6 now.

[@mattmonasmith6054]

Enjoyed your tests and comparisons. How about some 380 and 9mm, I’m sure there’s a ton of other videos about that but you guys did a great job. Keep it up.

[@richardwendt4612]

S&W makes a model 327 that holds 8 rounds of 357.

[@larskunoandersen5750]

You may think the TRR8

[@richardwendt4612]

@@larskunoandersen5750 What is the TRR8?

[@richardwendt4612]

@@larskunoandersen5750 What is the TRR8?

[@larskunoandersen5750]

a tactical revolver.

[@jameslistul9457]

Find what's comfortable for you to hold, handle, and operate. Then practice, practice, practice!

[@123pap]

My 357's all hold 6, I'll stick with 357

[@marcuschauvin7039]

A full size 327fed holds 7 rounds

[@123pap]

@@marcuschauvin7039 my 357 holds 6 and I'll guarantee you that's 5 more than I need

[@michaelbezoski3096]

Great subjective review. Thank you.

[@gasolinetv3821]

I feel as if the 327 is the 357 for short people😂

[@jimedick9496]

I’m not a small man, and I love my 327 just as much as I love my 357 or 44 magnum. Compensating much?

[@paulmartin6895]

Since you have the 357 , just add the 327 . That way if one you have a hard time find the ammo , you can use the other that is more common in use. Or if you have the 327 , you can add the 357 .

[@savageater57]

I own several several .357's only one .327 but it's a seven shot and a few years ago Academy was selling Speer gold dot .327 20rd box for $8 and I bought their shelf stock so I have a good supply . The .327 is a very good round and often overlooked.

[@knokname6466]

IF you can even find .327 in the average store in America as easily as .357.

[@marcuschauvin7039]

Go online, tons of places have plenty of 327 fed

[@gogart3]

Good, Thx

[@marcuschauvin7039]

327 fed shines in a 4" to 5" barrel. Lower recoil in a snubie or full size is a big plus for a lot of folks

[@cjt1982]

I'd like to see .32 H&R vs .38 Special (+P)

[@michaelcapote2185]

Grew up with the .357. It will always be the first choice. That dosent mean the .327 is not a viable self defense round. It beats a sharp stick.

[@foreignmilk5589]

my 4.2in sp101 327 is my dress revolver. great gun

[@robertaustin1344]

My 686+ holds 7 junior.Leave the 327 for the ladies

[@bigwu100]

Ammunition cost is a mitigating factor.

[@gonzob9609]

Snubby, 327 hands down. My EDC is a LCR in 327 mag. No brainer if you reload.

[@curtshelp6170]

you should have run the soft points in the gel, they look like gold dots water jugs.

[@megastick9324]

With today’s modern bullet tech, the 327 is a great option for carry. Is it = to 357? Of course not, but , it’s a very viable option for a CCW. Yes it’s smaller in caliber than the 35s ( 38sp, 9mm etc). But with today’s bullets and the lower recoil, it may be a great alternative for some. Although it didn’t, and probably will never, catch on, it’s similar in its usefulness as a .41mag to .44mag, the .44 only really being .429, and yet some BIG names in the shooting world thought it was a useful venture. It’s the same with the .327. The .32 H&R already existed, and more than a few found it useful and viable , so pump it up and make it more useful, why not? Nobody is saying it’s a replacement for our beloved .357s, it’s an ALTERNATIVE. And who here thinks there are just too many cartridge options available? Certainly not me, I say we need MORE cartridges for every caliber, rifle or handgun. It’s not a ford or Chevy situation, it’s a buffet situation. If you don’t like chicken, there are myriad other options!! Long live the .327 mag, and .41mag and 10mm and any other not quite mainstream cartridges! As long as there are guns to shoot them and components to load them, keep them coming!

[@kbkesq]

I can shoot 8 rounds of 357/38+p in my smith and Wesson 327pc model. And it’s smaller than those and lighter. 2” barrel. Still not small as a 5 shot snubby. Modern ballistics make 38+p plenty strong. Plus very low kick. And now we have full copper extreme defender penetrating you are that concerned. My main carry piece is super light 22lr 8 shot and 22mag 7 shot.

[@barrydevane7969]

I use the 125 grain double tap magnum for the 327

[@JELWwL6unE8V7iGB3]

If you're comparing cartridges that try to replicate 357 Magnum results with less weight and more velocity, it might be interesting to compare 327 Magnum with 357 Sig.

[@kevinrichardson8859]

No comparison!

[@efm2169]

My smith and Wesson 686 plus holds 7 rounds of 357

[@intj7447]

Interesting. But, i still think the .357 magnum is the better option. Imo

[@BStott]

What is this deal about wheel gun round count? I, forgive my ancient ignorance, never heard of a five (5) round .357. The Colts and S&W I've seen are all six(6).

[@dereklangseth9485]

Smaller framed 357 revolvers hold 5. Ruger SP 101 for example.

[@oldschooldude8370]

Unless you reload, the 327 just isnt worth owning. It was a commercial failure. You wont find any other 32 load as well without being bent over a barrel.

[@327Federal]

32 S&W Long is affordable and plentiful

[@jimedick9496]

I own one and I don’t have a problem finding and ordering ammo online.

[@327Federal]

@@jimedick9496 agreed it’s easily available

[@carminegraves]

no one ever mentions the 38 short or 38 long. the 357 has the same options as the 32

[@Arsenal23.]

As far as I'm aware, the 38S&W, .38 Short Colt, and .38 Long Colt are all about .002-.004" larger diameter than the much more common .38spl and .357 magnum. I would not recommend firing these in your revolvers. The 32S&W, .32 Long, .32ACP, .32 H&R, and .327 Federal are all .312" diameter. Thus, all can be safely fired (although, depending on the revolver, extraction of the semi-rimmed .32ACP may be a headache). Thanks for watching the video!

[@carminegraves]

@@Arsenal23. thanks i had no idea. id seen it done before with no issues but i guess they just got lucky

[@tracythorleifson4108]

I have both, and I’ve dispatched hogs with both. Long story short, the .327 Federal is no .357. The .357 is significantly more powerful. That said, I don’t think anybody is going to volunteer to get shot with a .327 Federal. It is a nasty little round, and will do its part if you do yours.

[@327Federal]

327 Magnum is the Best Magnum!

[@robertaustin1344]

I got 9mm also ....Way more better rounds and availabilty to shoot than a 327!Like I said ...ladies?

[@poppy2394]

Taurus 357 Hold 7

[@user-fv2hk7tb3e]

Isn't a 327 also a MODEL of a 357 Magnum ?

[@richardwendt4612]

Yes, I have two S&W model 327. Each hold 8 rounds of 357 magnum.. Also a 686 that holds 7 rounds of 357.

[@notnowchief.3089]

327FM is never on shelves

[@knokname6466]

All my .357s are six shooters... so far as this test-- nothing unexpected. .327 is made for people recoil and noise sensitive. Happy to again have someone reinforce my decision to buy .357 rather than .45, even after fifty-plus years of packing them.

[@jamesoncross7494]

You didn't talk about the MOST IMPORTANT thing . . . . . . . Accruacy!!!!

[@kevinrichardson8859]

327 has less recoil because it has LESS power!!! Duh! Next!

[@demonrathunter]

comparing bananas and pineapples. need to compare the same ammo out of both or you testing means nothing. Oh yeah, my 357 mag holds 7 rounds so now I win ! lol

[@charlesdunitz2572]

That’s funny the Kimber k6s is a 357, 6 shot in 21/2-3-4”” this is a biased take on 327

[@RIPPER334]

Being able to shoot other, just as expensive and hard to find ammo, isn't a plus... Just let the 327 go away.

[@usa-rb5fi]

Taurus and Smith just got back in the market on it, maybe a resurgence?

[@IDontEvenOwnA9mm]

327 is a dead 💀 roumd

[@DanTheWolfman]

Very well done video! Check out my "Modern Meat Target" vids especially 1st one explaining tons. Is that homemade Organic Knox or what and can you try to keep it cold just before shots and calibrate? Please plz don't fight with me always put 4 layer of t-shirt or 4 layer Heavy Clothing or toughest 4 layer denim in front...without that any data is almost useless as changes expansion Neck which changes everything and which weeds out bad jhps vs useful ones that will actually expand real world.

[@kevinrichardson8859]

This is no showdown!!! The 327 is inferior to the 357 in all categories...and those were watered down 357s...try some underwood 125 grains..or 158 grains..Buffalo Bore. ..or even green and white box 357 magnum 125 grain sjhp....an extra 327 round matters none...you will likely need more than that....its a 31 caliber bullet thats 100 grains or less...expensive and hard to find...357 is a much more capable round...for 2 or 4 legged threats..with good shot placement it will work...much much less margin for error with any run of the mill 357! You can keep that 327! Ymmv

[@marcuschauvin7039]

Thanks for simping thr 357mag. Its more about less recoil with an extra round in a compact snubbie. The 327 is more comparible to 9mm luger.

[@kevinrichardson8859]

@marcuschauvin7039 it's not even comparable to 9mm...9mm is .355 ...327 is .312 ..not even 8 mm...and HEAVIEST bullet weight is 115 grain...

[@jorgesolis9468]

​@@kevinrichardson8859size doesnt matter in the comparison for example 40 vs 45 or 10mm vs 357 mag energy, and speed are what matter you're thinking is too shallow on something that has alot of variables and alot of possible options

[@jimedick9496]

I have both and I can speak for both. The 327 is a terrific cartridge. The 357 is still the more powerful cartridge, but that doesn’t mean the 327 is not a viable woods carry or SD cartridge. I have both in the Ruger LCR. I don’t enjoy packing my LCR with 357’s. It feels like someone just slammed a 2X4 in the palm of my hand. The 327 is much easier to control and it isn’t as punishing. I can get back on target twice as fast as well. Speaking of Buffalo Bore, they sell the 327 hard cast 130 grain ammo that delivers 500 ft lbs of energy out of a 3” barrel. That jumps to 540 ft lbs out of a 5” barrel. Honestly, that’s not bad at all. Point is, I like my light weight LCR’s while I’m trekking through the woods. I don’t even know they’re on my hip. I prefer my 327 over my 357 when I’m packing light weight revolvers. The 357 is considerably more powerful, but the 327 is nothing to sneeze at. It has more power than the .38 +P.

[@5jjt]

Darn Kevin. You speak like someone hurt your feelings.

[@oldguy1458]

My s&w 617 22 holds 10 rounds and my s&w 627 357 holds 8. Shouldn't your 327 Mag hold 9 instead of 6?

[@rossrogers7058]

. 357 is just a 9mm magnum cartridge #