Description
The .327 Federal Magnum has earned a solid reputation as a practical, manageable alternative to the .357 Magnum for defense, and these 85-grain Hydra-Shok loads from Federal Premium represent the best of what the caliber can deliver. You get a meaningful step up in power compared to .38 Special, but with considerably less recoil and muzzle blast than a full-house .357 Magnum.
The Hydra-Shok Design
At the heart of these rounds is Federal's Hydra-Shok jacketed hollow point, which uses a distinctive center-post design to deliver controlled expansion on impact. That post works with the notched jacket to initiate consistent petal formation while maintaining bullet integrity, translating to good penetration along with wound channel creation. Real-world testing and field use over the past several decades have validated the design's ability to work reliably when fired through the barriers you'd actually encounter.
Built for Accessible Performance
Loaded to 1400 fps with 370 foot-pounds of energy from the factory specifications, this 85-grain load strikes a practical balance between power and shootability. The low-recoil designation is no gimmick either. You get a round that produces noticeably less muzzle rise and recoil compared to standard .327 magnum loads, which matters when you're training regularly or when recoil management is a real concern. This load pairs particularly well with compact revolvers where you'd be carrying the gun, since it cycles smoothly through platforms like the Ruger SP101 and similar concealable defensive revolvers.
What You're Getting
Each box contains 20 rounds in new production form with nickel-plated brass cases and boxer primers. The nickel plating offers corrosion resistance and smoother extraction, plus these cases are fully reloadable if you're into handloading. Federal's manufacturing standards ensure consistent ignition and performance round after round.
Key Specifications
- Caliber: .327 Federal Magnum
- Bullet Weight: 85 grains
- Bullet Type: Hydra-Shok Jacketed Hollow Point
- Muzzle Velocity: 1400 feet per second
- Muzzle Energy: 370 foot-pounds
- Rounds Per Box: 20
- Case Material: Nickel-Plated Brass
- Primer Type: Boxer, non-corrosive
- Reloadable: Yes
- Manufacturer: Federal Premium Ammunition
- Manufacturer Part Number: PD327HS1H
- UPC: 029465099404
What’s Included
- 20 rounds of .327 Federal Magnum ammunition
- Cardboard box packaging
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the .327 Federal Magnum compare to the .357 Magnum for personal defense?
The .327 Federal Magnum offers similar power and terminal performance to the .357 Magnum but with considerably less recoil. You also get an extra round in the cylinder on compact revolvers, which typically hold six .327 rounds versus five .357 rounds. The trade-off is slightly smaller bullet diameter and different ammunition availability, though .327 options have expanded significantly in recent years.
Will these rounds work in my revolver?
This ammunition is designed for revolvers chambered in .327 Federal Magnum. Most .327 Federal revolvers also chamber .32 H&R Magnum, .32 Long, .32 Short, and .32 ACP, but always confirm your specific gun's specifications. If you have a .327 Federal Magnum revolver, these rounds will function properly.
What makes the Hydra-Shok bullet design effective for defense?
The Hydra-Shok features a center post that controls expansion when the bullet impacts soft tissue, creating a wider wound channel while maintaining enough mass for good penetration. This design was developed at the FBI's request and continues to be used by law enforcement agencies. The notched jacket assists with energy transfer through barriers like heavy clothing.
Can I reload these cases after firing?
Yes, the nickel-plated brass cases are fully reloadable. They're also non-corrosive, so you won't damage your reloading dies. The boxer primers can be easily removed and replaced with fresh ones for your reloading setup.




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