The 327 Federal Magnum is a centerfire handgun cartridge standardised by SAAMI in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3. SAAMI sets its maximum average pressure at 45,000 psi. This guide sets out SAAMI’s published reference velocity for each bullet weight, computes the muzzle energy each one carries, and compares the 327 Federal Magnum with the 357 Magnum on the same basis.
327 Federal 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 | 1,465 fps | 381 ft-lb |
| 85 gr | 1,460 fps | 402 ft-lb |
| 100 gr | 1,600 fps | 568 ft-lb |
| 115 gr | 1,535 fps | 602 ft-lb |
What the numbers mean for a shot
SAAMI lists 4 reference bullet weights for the 327 Federal Magnum, from 80 to 115 grains. The lightest, 80 grains, is listed at 1,465 fps, which computes to 381 ft-lb. The heaviest, 115 grains, is listed at 1,535 fps, which computes to 602 ft-lb. The fastest is the 100-grain at 1,600 fps.
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 327 Federal Magnum ammo range lists whatever its maker publishes for that item.
Barrel, chamber and pressure
The maximum average pressure is 45,000 psi. Fire 327 Federal 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.
327 Federal Magnum vs 357 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 | 327 Federal Magnum | 357 Magnum |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum average pressure | 45,000 psi | 35,000 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 18.75 in |
| Test barrel groove diameter | .312 in | .355 in |
| Lightest reference load | 80 gr — 1,465 fps / 381 ft-lb | 101 gr — 1,650 fps / 610 ft-lb |
| Heaviest reference load | 115 gr — 1,535 fps / 602 ft-lb | 180 gr — 1,350–1,400 fps / 728–783 ft-lb |
SAAMI standardises the 327 Federal Magnum at 45,000 psi and the 357 Magnum at 35,000 psi, so the 327 Federal Magnum runs 10,000 psi higher. SAAMI lists no bullet weight in common for the two, so there is no like-for-like velocity row to compare.
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: 357 Magnum ammo.
327 Federal Magnum ballistics questions
What is the maximum pressure of the 327 Federal Magnum?
ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3 sets the maximum average pressure for the 327 Federal Magnum at 45,000 psi.
What bullet weights does SAAMI list for the 327 Federal Magnum?
SAAMI lists 4 reference weights, from 80 to 115 grains: 80, 85, 100 and 115.
Is the 327 Federal Magnum more powerful than the 357 Magnum?
SAAMI lists no bullet weight in common for the two, so there is no like-for-like row. Its highest computed reference energy is 602 ft-lb for the 327 Federal Magnum (115 grains) and 976 ft-lb for the 357 Magnum.
What is the effective range of the 327 Federal 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 327 Federal 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 327 Federal Magnum ammunition from Federal, Buffalo Bore, Speer and Jamison Brass and Ammunition. Browse the full 327 Federal Magnum ammo range.
