Ed,
We certainly restricted our initial shooting with the 327 Federal due to the lack of brass. As you point out, shooting factory ammunition is an expensive way to acquire brass. My wife and I are certain the 327 Federal will make the grade as a defense handgun. We hope it will find favor with the Kitgun and varminter in time. It has taken the 32 Magnum a long time to develop the “almost mainstream following” but it is getting there - and doing it with very few new revolvers on the market.
We have the 32 Magnum for 100-grain and lighter bullets. We see the 327 Federal as at its best with 115-grain and heavier bullets.
We live in pecan country and the raccoons are a menace. This is sheep and goat country and we have feral dog and coyote problems. The 22 Hornet, 218 Bee and 25-20 WCF will do the deed under ideal conditions but when the shooting is “catch as catch can,' running off the back porch with a coat in one hand and a rifle in the other they come up short.
The 327 Federal has the bullet weight and velocity for the quick shots when the critter has a good coat of hair in winter.
We are shooting the NEI #82 gas check bullet with a nominal weight of 122-grains. This is the gas check version of the bullet you use and it exhibits good accuracy and deep penetration. When I miss the bunny's body at 50-yards from a squatting position, it is my fault.
We also shoot the NEI #76 125-grain bullet. We are not certain if we get best accuracy with this SWC bullet from deep or shallow seating, whether we are seating in the lower or top crimp groove does affect maximum loads.
Other than showing off, we do not load for highest velocity. Depending on what we are intending to shoot we load these bullets between 1,170 fps and 1,400 fps. While this seems like a wide spread it depends on whether we are using Hodgdon 110, Lil Gun or Alliant 2400, all three powders will deliver good accuracy with the heavy bullets from the Ruger Blackhawk or GP100.
You can load the 327 Federal to higher velocity but the noise levels climb dramatically. We have a sound meter and I will take some Db readings for you. We have not lost a 327 case to date.
We have not tried any “reduced” loads in the 327 brass but I have several powders on hand which should the bill.
While Marlin does need to consider producing a round barrel Model 1894, I am concerned about MSRP as they are climbing. I don't know what the street price is but $800- or $900 dollars for a small game rifle is the kiss of death. I would hope Savage would look at an investment cast 44 or 44 ½ action with a low cost stock and no serious frills - good sights could be added later. A half octagon barrel might make scope mounting a little easier.
