any experience with .327 Federal?

bross

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I am thinking of building a modern "rook" style rifle - probably a custom Encore.

The 327 Federal seems to be a possibility for a combined target / small game application. The first trial will be a 20ga chamber insert made from an extra .303 barrel.

Does anyone have experience with the calibre, and does anyone in Canada sell the brass? I have imported orphan calibres before, but would rather buy Canadian.
 
In my travels and the tens of thousands of pounds of brass, I have had pass through the shop I have seen exactly 0 pieces of .327 Federal. I think that it is a neat calibre. If I could source components for it easily myself I would purchase a double action revolver in it.
 
If I could source components for it easily myself I would purchase a double action revolver in it.

Obviously not in this country, you wouldn't, since revolvers in the .327 Federal cartridge were prohibited before they were invented. Bross's proposal of a chamber adapter to make a rook rifle is the first legal application I have heard contemplated for this cartridge in Canada. As such, I doubt anyone here has much helpful experience to offer. Some of the guys down south probably would have more to contribute.
 
Apparently Henry is now making a couple of models in 327. I've yet to see any here. I have been shooting a Husqvarna bolt action in 32-20, like it, and thought I'd modernize the concept. I don't have a double action for it, but I've a virgin Ruger Blackhawk in .32 Magnum that could be gently reamed.

BattleRifle has it in one: designed as a concealed carry cartridge; prohibited class here = no ammo. I was hoping that one of the Starline importers might have gotten a couple hundred by mistake...maybe? However, having made 50-95, 11.5x35R, and working on .50 Irish Constabulary and 41 Swiss, I'll take the absence as a challenge. I always liked having the only one around.

That said: if any of you are interested, PM by end of February. I'll be placing an order and doing the song and dance...
 
It's not like the brass itself is illegal in any way. I'm sure many of the suppliers could bring in what you need.

Thought it would make a great little target round in a single action too but we dare not risk midcaliber handguns in this country. Who knows what they might get up to! !!
Would be fun in a little lever gun too. But is it really much different than a 32-20?
 
While I have no experience with the .327 federal, I have played extensively with its forerunner the .32 H&R magnum. My only revolver in this caliber is a 6 1/2 inch Ruger Bisley single six. It is pleasant to shoot and ridiculously accurate. It would be an interesting caliber in a rook rifle. Like 357 magnum and 38 special, the difference lies only in the length of the brass. In the case of 327 federal you have quite a range of brass options starting with 32 s&w, 32 s&w long, 32 h&r and 327 federal. Actually the semi rimless 32 acp cartridge has just enough rim to work in my Ruger as well.

I don't think you will see any handguns in 327 any time soon as they were prohibited before they were invented, however having a rifle chambered for it should be possible (and pretty cool).

I see that Prophet River seems to have Starline 327 brass available so it looks like there are other like minded people out there. Don't expect to find factory ammo, but this is the reloading forum after all......
 
While I have no experience with the .327 federal, I have played extensively with its forerunner the .32 H&R magnum. My only revolver in this caliber is a 6 1/2 inch Ruger Bisley single six. It is pleasant to shoot and ridiculously accurate. It would be an interesting caliber in a rook rifle. Like 357 magnum and 38 special, the difference lies only in the length of the brass. In the case of 327 federal you have quite a range of brass options starting with 32 s&w, 32 s&w long, 32 h&r and 327 federal. Actually the semi rimless 32 acp cartridge has just enough rim to work in my Ruger as well.

I don't think you will see any handguns in 327 any time soon as they were prohibited before they were invented, however having a rifle chambered for it should be possible (and pretty cool).

I see that Prophet River seems to have Starline 327 brass available so it looks like there are other like minded people out there. Don't expect to find factory ammo, but this is the reloading forum after all......

Thanks for the tip about Prophet River!. I hadn't checked them for brass. Now that I have a source, I'll proceed with the insert build. I'll report back.
 
I happened to spot the brass listed on Prophet River's website and remembered thinking it was odd to sell brass for a revolver never sold here. Would love to hear more about the build! What about something in a martini action with a 303 British barrel?
 
I happened to spot the brass listed on Prophet River's website and remembered thinking it was odd to sell brass for a revolver never sold here. Would love to hear more about the build! What about something in a martini action with a 303 British barrel?

For that reason, we don't carry much but carry a few hundred for a build just like this. i think we have a bit of ammo too.
 
Thanks for the tip about Prophet River!. I hadn't checked them for brass. Now that I have a source, I'll proceed with the insert build. I'll report back.

Your comment about the lack of pistols in the calibre sparked a thought.

We can't bring new prohibs into Canada, but could we trade sideways? Take a solid 38 with a 4" (or less), sleeve it and replace the barrel? It would still be 12.6; just on calibre instead of length.
 
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