Gold Dots are hot hot hot. My personal favorite round is the 85 gr Hydrashok as it's recoil is half that of the Gold Dot but still better performing than most .38 Special ammo, plus they eject better than the Gold Dot cases. I think face value on my numbers for you is probably fairly safe as MI and MN are probably similar for elevation, temps and humidity. Thanks for the mention. I have noticed with ammo like the low end .32 Long as well as low end .38 Special, that it's low up close but back up to 25 yards and they will impact higher than the .327.
Fudmottin lol, I had the exact same problem but then I got a bonus from my employer for hazard pay during COVID-19, That plus some miscellaneous savings put me over the top but barely. Now I don’t have money for anything else.
Maybe the comprromise can be found in the .32 H&R mag cartridge. Although, burning all the powder of magnum cartridge is asking a lot of any sub-2" barrel
Double Tap .327 Federal, 75gr solid copper hollow points. Very manageable. Seems purpose built for a snubbie. Any 100 grain .327 gives me that half burnt/unburnt spray out of my LCR and I save those for my 18" 12 gauge > .327 adapter. The 85gr American Eagle JSP in .327 is a good economical range round without the spray and a decent EDC choice. The Double Tap has some oomph: I chronographed the DT at an average 1440 fps ( for 345 ft/lbs) at about 5 feet from the muzzle out of my 1.87" LCR. Very comfortable round to shoot and none of the wasted powder spray... Edit: to correct chamber adapter gauge.
I crush my grip and use my shoulder to push/pull to lock my frame in to get good accuracy with this revolver. Still, I have noticed that different types of ammo will print differently on paper, but I always get a good grouping. I cheat when using double action as I am able to stage the trigger, and get a very nice shot placement. I get to walk away with a shredded hole on the POI. I love this revolver. It's small and light but it can deliver a punch.
Having seen Gun Sam's videos over the last couple of months, i am very interested in the 327 LCR. I wish/hope Ruger makes a 3" LCRx version soon (been wanting the 3" 38 Spl version, as well as a 3" Kimber K6). The 32 H&R as a sub load is more effective than it gets credit for. Maybe that's why Charter dreamed up the Professional (3" 7 shot 32 H&R). Certainly a novel concept, and Charter has long believed in the 32 H&R. Anyway, the 327 will be very versatile. Just like a 357 mag is. And 6 shots in a small frame is great of course. Easy to carry and you will always have it with you. Hard to beat
For now, the SP101 runs a 3-inch option. Single Seven (7-shot SA) runs much longer barrels. GP100 has a 7-shot model. Charter Arms has a 7-shot .32 H&R. I do wish the LCR got at least a 2.5 to 3 inch version.
@@exothermal.sprocket The Single Seven is available in a 3.75" with birdshead grips. Might make a good trail gun. Ballistics should be pretty good with that barrel length. The 4-5/8" is probably well balanced and a good general purpose barrel length.
I'm a huge proponent of .327 federal, it's an really interesting load. I'll be trying to duplicate buffalo bores load soon on my bench. I have the lcr, yours is a LCRX. I haven't noticed any splash back like you describe but I'll pay closer attention to it when I shoot it next.
Try 32 S&W Long Wadcutter load. They shoot soft but the bullet shape is very affective. Flat bullet transfers shock and energy into the targer and also penetrates deeply.
The 327 is very snappy in the light Ruger LCRx. The H&R MAGNUM is a great round and very low recoil for the small Ruger. The SP101 is awesome for the 327.
If you reload ammo, Ruger is the place to go for .327 options. Their Single Seven runs much longer barrels (7.5-inch in one model) for significantly increasing the versatility of this cartridge. Also GP100 option. On the used market you might find a 8-shot Blackhawk. Also 3-inch and 4.2-inch SP101.
I wondered about that after I sent it back to Ruger for repairs of an unrelated issue (or perhaps related) and when I got it back there was way less backsplash after it was put back in "specs" by Ruger. I think I'll go test it for this specifically soon. Thanks for reminding me!
@@GeographyCzar Ruger's QC as regards timing issues for some of their revolvers hasn't been stellar. I also experienced a timing problem with one of my SingleSevens which resulted in loading difficulties (something I've also seen on some TH-cam reviews of that model). Ruger fixes those problems under warranty, but my impression is that they depend on consumers not bothering to complain or simply being unaware of how these things are supposed t operate. Good luck.
Hornady .32 H&R Mag is an exceptionally accurate round, even fired out of something chambered for .327 Mag. I had an early nineties H&R 5 shot revolver chambered in .32 H&R Magnum, and it was probably the most accurate revolver I owned, even among my .22LRs.
Yesterday I shot 327 federal magnums from a new 3 inch sp101. I also felt back spray of powder for the first time with any gun. I've shot tens of thousands of rounds from at least 25 guns of all types. It was a odd experience. I was questioning what just happened.
I got that on my lcr 327, it really threw me off. I took it to my local gunsmith, and they said it was in spec and not out of timing. It only happens with .327 fm not .32H&R or .32S&w long. Is this normal? Is it worth sending it back to Ruger or just typical with snub nose magnum.
The difference in impact point is simply and purely related to speed of the bullets. Try some S&W short and impact will probably be even lower and the 32 H&R magnum will probably split the difference between the longs and the 327. And as an aside, eye protection on the range is considered a standard just like "keep the barrel pointed downrange".
Let’s do math on that using some round numbers (because there’s no point in being precisely inaccurate). Let’s say difference in velocity is 700fps or 213 meters per second. He said he shot at 5 yds. Let’s call that 5 m. That means the bullet hit the target in 5/213=.023 seconds. The distance an object drops in earth’s gravity...d=0.5gt^2, where g=9.8m/s/s and in this case t=023 s. That means the bullet drop due to velocity difference is d=0.5(9.8)(.023)^2=.0026 meters. Translated to inches =.1 inches. So, no, the velocity is not the difference.
@@brandonletzko2472 - Fair enough, according to the math. And I acknowledge I wasn't including everything when I said velocity was the primary factor. But I wasn't incorrect about my example either, because it does happen that velocity changes change POI - primarily because velocity affects other factors such as recoil, and barrel time. Equal weight bullets with different velocities will have different recoil impulses and different transit times in the barrel, which affects the point of exit of the bullets at specific angles of incline arc of the barrel. So, I acknowledge that I was incorrect when I stated that it was simply velocity - but most shooters aren't going to want to take a physics class just to understand why their ammo is doing something specific. Most people everywhere since the time of Galileo still have trouble with the fact that a bullet fired from a level gun will strike the ground at the same time as a bullet dropped at one's feet if both are released at the same time.
@@brandonletzko2472 correct. The proper terminology would be the change in angular trajectory induced by the amount of muzzle rise from primer strike to the moment the bullet leaves the barrel.
Any time you shoot full power magnums in a revolver, especially with a short barrel, you will get unburdened powder blown back at you. This is normal, as the large amount of slow burning powder can’t be used inside the gun.
excellent shooting and informative video! i would get a ruger lcr327 for a softer shooter using 32 except that wadcutters are easier to find for a 38 snubbie. if i want higher power i would use 38+p. what do you think?
Well, it helps that the gun will take 3 different kinds of ammo... It is just marginally easier to find it. I see about the same amount of 32 mag or 327 or 32 long ammo as I see 40 caliber. In other words it’s mostly sold out everywhere, but once in a while you find a box. It’s not as rare as 9 mm.
Pretty sure the .32 longs hit low because of the low recoil. I'm not super sure about this, but I think with the .327 mag the gun actually moves a bit from recoil before the bullet exits the muzzle, resulting in higher impacts.
You should be using eye protection with any firearms and ammunition. This is part of gun safety. Particle spitting occurs when firing all revolvers. Some will spit more than others.
Fair enough. It will be my regular practice from now on to use eye protection when filming, as it has been my practice - unless I completely forget - to use it when target shooting with or without a camera rolling. The problem I encounter from time to time is that my filming locations are relatively remote. Sometimes I have simply forgotten to bring safety glasses, and going back for them would take hours. You and several others have pointed out that this sets a bad example, and I've concluded that you're correct.
Your test would be more valuable if you fire in DA as fast as you can first with one caliber, and then with the other, like if you were in a real life or death situation. Use a timer and compare time and accuracy.
You make a very good point. I sold that particular gun, but I will say this, almost any auto I own, or have ever fired, will put more shots on target in less time than a revolver. Revolvers beat autos for single action accuracy, and, generally speaking, for raw power in otherwise similar calibers. Thus I'm sort of doing a test that's tailored to suit a revolver. But, you've given me a very good idea for a test of 38 vs. 9mm!
How can Federal introduce a round like .327 Fed Mag and, after a few years, just quit producing enough .327 Fed Mag ammo for the retail market? People who spent their hard earned money on guns chambered in .327 Federal Magnum are pretty ticked off. If I were a manufacturer like Ruger, Henry or Taurus, who are still producing firearms in that caliber, I'd definitely have a few words for Federal Premium. You can bet I won't be jumping at the chance to purchase anything chambered in Federal's new .30 Super Carry.
I've stockpiled enough 30 Super to last for years. It's gone on "clearance" sale, so I guess the new round didn't catch on as fast as Federal and S&W hoped... I really love both, but the edge goes to the more powerful 327 IMHO. Wish people could see the advantages...
Gold Dots are hot hot hot. My personal favorite round is the 85 gr Hydrashok as it's recoil is half that of the Gold Dot but still better performing than most .38 Special ammo, plus they eject better than the Gold Dot cases. I think face value on my numbers for you is probably fairly safe as MI and MN are probably similar for elevation, temps and humidity. Thanks for the mention. I have noticed with ammo like the low end .32 Long as well as low end .38 Special, that it's low up close but back up to 25 yards and they will impact higher than the .327.
The more I see people shooting the LCR in 327 the more tempted I am to buy one. I don't have the money so I have to curb my enthusiasm.
Fudmottin lol, I had the exact same problem but then I got a bonus from my employer for hazard pay during COVID-19, That plus some miscellaneous savings put me over the top but barely. Now I don’t have money for anything else.
You won't be disappointed!
I'm in the same boat money wise. As much as I'd love to get one I have higher priority firearm purchases
Maybe the comprromise can be found in the .32 H&R mag cartridge. Although, burning all the powder of magnum cartridge is asking a lot of any sub-2" barrel
I just gave in and bought the LCRx, .327 mag. is over $1.50 a rd now :(
A I mentioned to Gun Sam, I have switched to carrying the LCR X and leaving the 38//357’s at home. Getting older, less recoil,= more practice.
Double Tap .327 Federal, 75gr solid copper hollow points. Very manageable. Seems purpose built for a snubbie. Any 100 grain .327 gives me that half burnt/unburnt spray out of my LCR and I save those for my 18" 12 gauge > .327 adapter.
The 85gr American Eagle JSP in .327 is a good economical range round without the spray and a decent EDC choice. The Double Tap has some oomph: I chronographed the DT at an average 1440 fps ( for 345 ft/lbs) at about 5 feet from the muzzle out of my 1.87" LCR. Very comfortable round to shoot and none of the wasted powder spray...
Edit: to correct chamber adapter gauge.
Just got some of these for the same gun today. Way more comfortable to shoot in the LCRx than .357 in a comparable gun AND you get an extra round!
I crush my grip and use my shoulder to push/pull to lock my frame in to get good accuracy with this revolver. Still, I have noticed that different types of ammo will print differently on paper, but I always get a good grouping. I cheat when using double action as I am able to stage the trigger, and get a very nice shot placement. I get to walk away with a shredded hole on the POI. I love this revolver. It's small and light but it can deliver a punch.
Having seen Gun Sam's videos over the last couple of months, i am very interested in the 327 LCR. I wish/hope Ruger makes a 3" LCRx version soon (been wanting the 3" 38 Spl version, as well as a 3" Kimber K6). The 32 H&R as a sub load is more effective than it gets credit for. Maybe that's why Charter dreamed up the Professional (3" 7 shot 32 H&R). Certainly a novel concept, and Charter has long believed in the 32 H&R. Anyway, the 327 will be very versatile. Just like a 357 mag is. And 6 shots in a small frame is great of course. Easy to carry and you will always have it with you. Hard to beat
A 3 in 7 shot 327/ 32H&R would be awesome... Taurus announced last year at Shot Show an 85 size 327 6 shot 3 in but only came thru w/ a 2 in...
For now, the SP101 runs a 3-inch option. Single Seven (7-shot SA) runs much longer barrels. GP100 has a 7-shot model.
Charter Arms has a 7-shot .32 H&R.
I do wish the LCR got at least a 2.5 to 3 inch version.
@@exothermal.sprocket The Single Seven is available in a 3.75" with birdshead grips. Might make a good trail gun. Ballistics should be pretty good with that barrel length. The 4-5/8" is probably well balanced and a good general purpose barrel length.
@@troy9477 Yeah I've seen that one on their site. Good recommendations.
Recoils is substantial with the Gold Dots. I load up with three Double Tap 75 gr. followed by Gold Dots.
I love the name of your channel, brilliant!
I'm a huge proponent of .327 federal, it's an really interesting load. I'll be trying to duplicate buffalo bores load soon on my bench. I have the lcr, yours is a LCRX. I haven't noticed any splash back like you describe but I'll pay closer attention to it when I shoot it next.
Try 32 S&W Long Wadcutter load. They shoot soft but the bullet shape is very affective. Flat bullet transfers shock and energy into the targer and also penetrates deeply.
Thanks for sharing the interesting tips
Thanks Dave!
Man, with those gold dots, you were doing serious Robin Hood sh*t double holing your shots!
Great video. Like any 2" /1.85 barrel gun, The LCR is a 'get off me' gun. 5 yards is plenty.
The 327 is very snappy in the light Ruger LCRx. The H&R MAGNUM is a great round and very low recoil for the small Ruger. The SP101 is awesome for the 327.
Even with good timing on a revolver.A soft lead bullet can spray a little bit.
If you reload ammo, Ruger is the place to go for .327 options. Their Single Seven runs much longer barrels (7.5-inch in one model) for significantly increasing the versatility of this cartridge. Also GP100 option. On the used market you might find a 8-shot Blackhawk. Also 3-inch and 4.2-inch SP101.
Those Gold Dots really POP.
I've read that heritage revolvers can also give you back spray
Not anything you want firing any handgun
Nice job on your video 🙂👍
Nice groups man!
You might want to check for misalignment between the cylinder chambers and barrel as the source of the "splashback" you're feeling.
I wondered about that after I sent it back to Ruger for repairs of an unrelated issue (or perhaps related) and when I got it back there was way less backsplash after it was put back in "specs" by Ruger. I think I'll go test it for this specifically soon. Thanks for reminding me!
@@GeographyCzar Ruger's QC as regards timing issues for some of their revolvers hasn't been stellar. I also experienced a timing problem with one of my SingleSevens which resulted in loading difficulties (something I've also seen on some TH-cam reviews of that model). Ruger fixes those problems under warranty, but my impression is that they depend on consumers not bothering to complain or simply being unaware of how these things are supposed t operate. Good luck.
any chance of seeing some .32 H&R magnum testing? Heard it's supposed to be remarkably accurate even in a snubby.
Hornady .32 H&R Mag is an exceptionally accurate round, even fired out of something chambered for .327 Mag. I had an early nineties H&R 5 shot revolver chambered in .32 H&R Magnum, and it was probably the most accurate revolver I owned, even among my .22LRs.
It's your Gold Dot ammo. I don't have any trouble with the Federal ammo variants.
I love my .38 LCR
So do I. It's 4 oz lighter than the 327 (or the 9mm or 357 for that matter).
I got rid of my LCRX 38 for a S&W 637. Much better pistol. But I’m all in on a 327 LCRX!!!
I was looking for some a H&R Magnum results...Tried to find some Hydrashock...not available at Brownell’s....bad time to be buying ammo....
And 4 years later, it only got a little better trying to buy 32H&R magnum.
I would like to see a 3 or 4 inch barrel model.
Agree. Available in the SP101, but not the LCR. :/
Yesterday I shot 327 federal magnums from a new 3 inch sp101. I also felt back spray of powder for the first time with any gun. I've shot tens of thousands of rounds from at least 25 guns of all types. It was a odd experience. I was questioning what just happened.
I got that on my lcr 327, it really threw me off. I took it to my local gunsmith, and they said it was in spec and not out of timing. It only happens with .327 fm not .32H&R or .32S&w long. Is this normal? Is it worth sending it back to Ruger or just typical with snub nose magnum.
The difference in impact point is simply and purely related to speed of the bullets. Try some S&W short and impact will probably be even lower and the 32 H&R magnum will probably split the difference between the longs and the 327.
And as an aside, eye protection on the range is considered a standard just like "keep the barrel pointed downrange".
Let’s do math on that using some round numbers (because there’s no point in being precisely inaccurate). Let’s say difference in velocity is 700fps or 213 meters per second. He said he shot at 5 yds. Let’s call that 5 m. That means the bullet hit the target in 5/213=.023 seconds. The distance an object drops in earth’s gravity...d=0.5gt^2, where g=9.8m/s/s and in this case t=023 s. That means the bullet drop due to velocity difference is d=0.5(9.8)(.023)^2=.0026 meters. Translated to inches =.1 inches. So, no, the velocity is not the difference.
@@brandonletzko2472 - Fair enough, according to the math. And I acknowledge I wasn't including everything when I said velocity was the primary factor. But I wasn't incorrect about my example either, because it does happen that velocity changes change POI - primarily because velocity affects other factors such as recoil, and barrel time. Equal weight bullets with different velocities will have different recoil impulses and different transit times in the barrel, which affects the point of exit of the bullets at specific angles of incline arc of the barrel.
So, I acknowledge that I was incorrect when I stated that it was simply velocity - but most shooters aren't going to want to take a physics class just to understand why their ammo is doing something specific. Most people everywhere since the time of Galileo still have trouble with the fact that a bullet fired from a level gun will strike the ground at the same time as a bullet dropped at one's feet if both are released at the same time.
@@brandonletzko2472 correct. The proper terminology would be the change in angular trajectory induced by the amount of muzzle rise from primer strike to the moment the bullet leaves the barrel.
Any time you shoot full power magnums in a revolver, especially with a short barrel, you will get unburdened powder blown back at you. This is normal, as the large amount of slow burning powder can’t be used inside the gun.
I want this so bad. Nothing in my area.
Same. 😔
You ever figure out the backspray? Someone saying that lockup of cylinder is too loose - and is a timing issue
Yup. I wound up sending it in. Then trading it in.
Those gold dots going for over two dollars a round now. Ouch.
This is a lcrx is it not?
Yes. Did I call it an LCR? my bad. I try to remember the "x" but sometimes I slip up.
excellent shooting and informative video! i would get a ruger lcr327 for a softer shooter using 32 except that wadcutters are easier to find for a 38 snubbie. if i want higher power i would use 38+p. what do you think?
Nowadays wadcutters in 32 long are easier to find than 38 special, substantially cheaper as well.
Is this caliber any easier to find right now? Because this is the worst ammo shortage anyone’s ever seen.
Well, it helps that the gun will take 3 different kinds of ammo... It is just marginally easier to find it. I see about the same amount of 32 mag or 327 or 32 long ammo as I see 40 caliber. In other words it’s mostly sold out everywhere, but once in a while you find a box. It’s not as rare as 9 mm.
just saw a box of 50 for 50 at my lgd. a buck a shot! wow!!!
Pretty sure the .32 longs hit low because of the low recoil. I'm not super sure about this, but I think with the .327 mag the gun actually moves a bit from recoil before the bullet exits the muzzle, resulting in higher impacts.
You should be using eye protection with any firearms and ammunition. This is part of gun safety. Particle spitting occurs when firing all revolvers. Some will spit more than others.
Fair enough. It will be my regular practice from now on to use eye protection when filming, as it has been my practice - unless I completely forget - to use it when target shooting with or without a camera rolling. The problem I encounter from time to time is that my filming locations are relatively remote. Sometimes I have simply forgotten to bring safety glasses, and going back for them would take hours. You and several others have pointed out that this sets a bad example, and I've concluded that you're correct.
The round to compare it to would have been 32 magnum
Lol “this is scaring me a little bit” he is acting like he is touching off a 500 magnum
Your test would be more valuable if you fire in DA as fast as you can first with one caliber, and then with the other, like if you were in a real life or death situation. Use a timer and compare time and accuracy.
You make a very good point. I sold that particular gun, but I will say this, almost any auto I own, or have ever fired, will put more shots on target in less time than a revolver. Revolvers beat autos for single action accuracy, and, generally speaking, for raw power in otherwise similar calibers. Thus I'm sort of doing a test that's tailored to suit a revolver. But, you've given me a very good idea for a test of 38 vs. 9mm!
Too bad you didn't get 32 H&R mag for an intermediate round
Be cool if you filmed the gun shooting, not just two targets
Watch hickok45 that is a good video
Weird, slow rounds should hit higher in theory.
Less recoil shoots lower.
How can Federal introduce a round like .327 Fed Mag and, after a few years, just quit producing enough .327 Fed Mag ammo for the retail market? People who spent their hard earned money on guns chambered in .327 Federal Magnum are pretty ticked off. If I were a manufacturer like Ruger, Henry or Taurus, who are still producing firearms in that caliber, I'd definitely have a few words for Federal Premium. You can bet I won't be jumping at the chance to purchase anything chambered in Federal's new .30 Super Carry.
I've stockpiled enough 30 Super to last for years. It's gone on "clearance" sale, so I guess the new round didn't catch on as fast as Federal and S&W hoped... I really love both, but the edge goes to the more powerful 327 IMHO. Wish people could see the advantages...
All .32 revolvers throw a ton of crap back on you. Doesn’t matter the caliber.
Scaring you? Ok.
A good revolver but why in heaven's name did they have to use that butt ugly cylinder? :}
Great revolver. Boring presentation!