The 32 H&R Magnum is a centerfire handgun cartridge standardised by SAAMI in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3. SAAMI sets its maximum average pressure at 23,000 psi. This guide sets out SAAMI’s published reference velocity for each bullet weight, computes the muzzle energy each one carries, and compares the 32 H&R Magnum with the 327 Federal Magnum on the same basis.
32 H&R Magnum ballistics chart: SAAMI reference data
SAAMI publishes one nominal mean instrumental velocity for each reference bullet weight, measured at 15 feet from the standard test barrel. It does not publish energy, so the ft-lb column is computed. Where SAAMI lists more than one velocity for a weight, both ends of the span are shown.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Bullet weight | Reference velocity | Computed muzzle energy |
|---|---|---|
| 80 gr | 1,140 fps | 231 ft-lb |
| 85 gr | 1,120 fps | 237 ft-lb |
| 95 gr | 1,020 fps | 219 ft-lb |
What the numbers mean for a shot
SAAMI lists 3 reference bullet weights for the 32 H&R Magnum, from 80 to 95 grains. The lightest, 80 grains, is listed at 1,140 fps, which computes to 231 ft-lb. The heaviest, 95 grains, is listed at 1,020 fps, which computes to 219 ft-lb. The most energetic reference load is the 85-grain at 1,120 fps: 237 ft-lb computed.
None of this is a downrange figure. SAAMI measures at 15 feet, so retained velocity, energy and drop depend on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, which SAAMI does not publish. Each product in our 32 H&R Magnum ammo range lists whatever its maker publishes for that item.
Barrel, chamber and pressure
The maximum average pressure is 23,000 psi. Fire 32 H&R Magnum ammunition only in a firearm chambered for it. Several unrelated cartridges share a number, so match the full designation on the box to the marking on your barrel.
32 H&R Magnum vs 327 Federal Magnum: the SAAMI comparison
A figure from one maker’s catalogue cannot be laid beside a figure from another’s: each picks its own test barrel, zero and bullet, and many publish no test barrel at all. SAAMI is the shared basis, because it fixes one standard test barrel and one way of measuring velocity for every cartridge it lists.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| SAAMI specification | 32 H&R Magnum | 327 Federal Magnum |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum average pressure | 23,000 psi | 45,000 psi |
| Standard test barrel length | Revolver test barrel (see SAAMI drawing) | Revolver test barrel (see SAAMI drawing) |
| Test barrel twist rate | 1 turn in 16.00 in, left hand | 1 turn in 16.00 in, left hand |
| Test barrel groove diameter | .312 in | .312 in |
| Lightest reference load | 80 gr — 1,140 fps / 231 ft-lb | 80 gr — 1,465 fps / 381 ft-lb |
| A weight both list | 85 gr — 1,120 fps / 237 ft-lb | 85 gr — 1,460 fps / 402 ft-lb |
| Heaviest reference load | 95 gr — 1,020 fps / 219 ft-lb | 115 gr — 1,535 fps / 602 ft-lb |
SAAMI standardises the 32 H&R Magnum at 23,000 psi and the 327 Federal Magnum at 45,000 psi, so the 32 H&R Magnum runs 22,000 psi lower. At 85 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 32 H&R Magnum reference velocity is 1,120 fps (237 ft-lb computed), against 1,460 fps (402 ft-lb) for the 327 Federal Magnum. On that row the 327 Federal Magnum carries the more energy.
What SAAMI cannot settle is anything past the muzzle. It publishes no ballistic coefficients and no downrange data, so it cannot say which cartridge shoots flatter at distance; that depends on the bullet. We stock the other side of this comparison too: 327 Federal Magnum ammo.
32 H&R Magnum ballistics questions
What is the maximum pressure of the 32 H&R Magnum?
ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3 sets the maximum average pressure for the 32 H&R Magnum at 23,000 psi.
What bullet weights does SAAMI list for the 32 H&R Magnum?
SAAMI lists 3 reference weights, from 80 to 95 grains: 80, 85 and 95.
Is the 32 H&R Magnum more powerful than the 327 Federal Magnum?
Power is not a SAAMI measure, but reference muzzle energy is a fair proxy. At 85 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 32 H&R Magnum reference velocity is 1,120 fps (237 ft-lb computed), against 1,460 fps (402 ft-lb) for the 327 Federal Magnum.
What is the effective range of the 32 H&R Magnum?
Effective range is not a SAAMI specification and it is not a measured figure. SAAMI measures velocity at 15 feet, so it says nothing about performance at distance; that depends on the bullet and the shooter.
How much does the 32 H&R Magnum drop at 100 yards?
SAAMI publishes muzzle velocity only, so it cannot give a drop figure. Drop depends on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient and on the zero range. A drop figure is unusable without its zero, so use the figure a maker prints for the specific load.
Where to buy these loads
Hilltop Armory carries 32 H&R Magnum ammunition from Black Hills Ammunition, DoubleTap Ammunition, Federal, Hornady, Jamison Brass and Ammunition and Ten-X Ammunition. Browse the full 32 H&R Magnum ammo range.
