32 H&R Magnum

.32 Harrington & Richardson, .32 Magnum, 8x27mm R

The .32 H&R Magnum (AKA: .32 Harrington & Richardson, .32 Magnum, 8x27mm R) is a Center Fire cartridge with a Bullet Diameter of 0.312 in” (7.92mm) that is primarily used in Pistols. The .32 H&R Magnum originated in The United States in 1984. The .32 H&R Magnum also has a case length of 1.075 in” (27.31mm) and an overall length of 1.35 in” (34.29mm).

The .32 H&R Magnum Revolver Cartridge was designed in 1982 by Harrington & Richardson and intended for use in the H&R Model 504, 532, and 586 Revolvers, in a joint effort between H&R and Federal. The cartridge was originally conceived by simply lengthening its parent cartridge, the .32 S&W Long by approximately ~0.155″. While still powerful for its caliber, the .32 H&R Magnum is now outclassed by the .327 Federal Magnum, which was created in 2007 to offer higher velocities and muzzle energy in a compact design.

The .32 H&R Magnum is known as a powerful and compact revolver cartridge, although it did not gain much popularity after its inception. When it was originally conceived in the 1980’s, it had a healthy and loyal following who saw interest in promoting it as a self defense cartridge for those carrying compact revolvers. Unfortunately, the idea never really took off and H&R would soon go out of business around 1986. Since then, H&R has been acquired by The Freedom Group and is once again making .32 H&R Revolvers although the cartridge has been largely over shadowed by the .327 Federal Magnum.

The .32 H&R Magnum, offering velocities upward of 1250fps with around 300 ft-lbs of muzzle energy from a 85-90 grain projectile, is still being manufactured today and chambered in many 5 and 6 shot revolvers. Premium self defense ammo can be had for the .32 H&R Magnum through reputable manufacturers such as Buffalo Bore and Double-Tap Ammunition. Double-Tap lists their .32 H&R 60-grain TAC-XP cartridge as pushing 1410fps in velocity, while Buffalo Bore states their 100-grain Heavy .32 H&R +P loading will reach velocities of approximately 1300fps. Both of these loads push the .32 H&R Magnum into .327 Federal Magnum territory, and can also be safely shot from any revolver that is chambered for the .327 Federal Magnum cartridge, much in the same way a .38 Special can be shot from a .357 Magnum revolver.