Single Seven testing 32 S&W, 32 S&W Long and 327 Federal Magnum

Another Single Seven Deer

Well I have been carrying my Single Seven ( 4 5/8") with me just about every time out & about in the woods. I think its a great little handgun for bumming around in the woods. I usually carry it with two or three of my home cast/loaded 32 H&R's up first, and the rest of the cylinder loaded with American Eagle 100gr 327's. I figure if I see a knot, squirrel, stump or whatever that needs shot the 32's will work fine, plus they are loaded fairly light and easier on the ears if I don't have my plugs in (I always try to though     ) and if something Big N Nasty     comes around just thumb the hammer & couple clicks of the cylinder and the hotrods are up.  

I've thought a lot about trying it on a whitetail if conditions were right.
Well today I got my chance. I happened along this little wood road with the Super Redhawk 44 slung across my chest in an Uncle Mikes chest holster (Until I get something better) and the 327 on my hip. I just caught out the corner of my eye movement to my right. It was 2 deer, both bucks. One was a 4 ptr or spiker, the other a bigger deer but not sue what yet. I grabbed the little single 7 and thumbed it to a 327 and waited for a shot. The deer was facing me but had no clue I was there. He finally turned and gave me a nice quartering away shot and I Let'er Rip. He Jumped-n- Bucked and away he went.   He ran about 35 yds and stopped, standingin one spot waving his tail like the flies were driving him mad. He fell over in about 1 -2 minutes. The shot took out 3 ribs on his L-side along with his left lung and clipped the heart, continuing out the R- shoulder. The shot was approx. 50-60yds.
Not too bad for the little Pipsqueak  
Sorry no pics. I didn't have a camera or phone and it was dark when I got home. He's hangin in the shed now. I'll grab some pics tomorrow in the daylight.
Thought Y'all might want to read a huntin story. Sorry about no pics.

It turned out to be a 7 ptr....  Not big by manys standards but I was plenty happy! I love handgunnin deer or anything for that matter...

BigBore44

32 H&R penetration testing

Impressive results from the 32 H&R Magnum.

327 Magnum Single Seven vs. Milk Jugs

Single Seven, 50 yards offhand

Single Seven videos

More time in the field with the Single Seven

 

Like the Single Six the Single Seven is a pleasure to carry into the woods.  The 327 Federal Magnum chambering expands its capabilities and versatility.  

It isn't lightweight or compact which can have a negative affect on accuracy, and thus usefulness in the field.  It isn't a heavyweight or bulky either.  The Single Seven and Single Six bridge the gap, big enough to be useful, small enough to be easy to take along.  Hefty enough to shoot well without being a burden.  

Perhaps its greatest virtue is its time tested (Single Six) reliability.  I suspect the Single Seven will earn that reputation as well.

In my area encounters with aggressive Coyotes is common.  Pets are regularly killed by them and my own dogs have been attacked as recently as last spring.  Over the years I've learned the carrying and not needing is a lot better than needing and not having.  

Coyotes are impressively vicious for their size - about half the weight of my Labradors - and my dogs have been no match for them.  Had it not been for my intervention serious injury or worse would have certainly been the outcome.  Shooting a Coyote off of my dog is NOT really an option as the risk of a miss is to high.  I have found that the report and/or a shot at another coyote separated from the tussle was enough to end the skirmish immediately.  I've not yet, nor do I hope to use the Single Seven in this role but I am confident it will serve well if called to action.

We also have other wild critters that have NOT been a problem with our pets but have killed cattle and horses on our property, namely cougars and bears.  The cats are rarely seen but they leave plenty of dead Deer and Turkeys around to know they are there.  Bears are regular visitors, especially when the Deer are fawning, but typically aren't much of a threat to our pets.  They do more damage to trail cameras and if you aren't careful with your garbage your cabin and/or vehicle can suffer some expensive repairs.  The Single Seven wouldn't be my first choice for either of those critters but I do find it comforting to have with me when wandering in their territory.

Trail Camera Pictures from last year added 26 June 2018 

For small game accurate 32 caliber revolvers shine.  The performance is impressive without being destructive.

A more common use and great way to become adroit with your Single Seven is to plink with it.  These days 22lr ammo is scarce and increasingly expensive.  The 32 caliber reloader can produce better performing ammo at nearly the same cost or even less by casting his own.

Knots make excellent targets

 Taking enough ammo along is easy due diminutive size of the various 32 caliber cartridges that will function in the Single Seven.

 

The stainless finish is an advantage in frigid temperatures when going in and out of warm cabins is part of the daily routine.

32 H&R + Single Seven = Venison

http://ramworks.net/blog/the-327-federal-is-not-a-deer-cartridge/

Black Laminate Grips on Ruger Single Seven

 

 I like the Black Laminate Grips a little better than the issued "Gunfighter grips."   They look nice on the Single Seven too.

Single Seven - Over the Chronograph

Data for the 327 Federal Magnum is not as extensive as I'd like it to be so I've had to use what I've had.  Double checking data and working up loads incrementally are basic safety practices that I've used for decades.  I would recommend you do the same.


32 H&R Magnum Loads
A load that shoots very well in my Single Six has also proven to shoot well in the Single Seven.  That is a starting level load of W231 under a 100 grain RCBS 32-98 SWC.  The Single Seven averages 860 fps with this load, the S6 with the same barrel length averages 854 fps.

The Lil'Gun Max load under the RCBS 32-98 SWC averaged 1287 in the S6 and the S7 spit them out at 1315 fps. Another very accurate load in both guns.

Unique at a smidgen under the Oregon Trail data MAX for a 115gr bullet, using lighter the RCBS 32-98 SWC instead averages 1061 (about the same as the Single Six) and is impressively accurate.  For general purpose work this is a great choice for the 32 H&R magnum and might be even better with the 115 grain Lyman bullet.

-A Georgia Arms factory load using the Hornady XTP bullet averages just under 1200 fps in both guns. It has a loud(er) bark and the primers are well flattened. Accurate in both guns.

327 Federal Magnum loads
I don't have a lot of 327 data for 115 grain bullets.  What I did have listed W231 (and SR4756).  Using the Lyman 311008 I worked up to the published max W231 load.  The average velocity was 1230 fps which is within 1% of what is predicted by Hodgdon data. Very good accuracy and consistent velocities.  There are NO obvious pressure signs.  Easy extraction, primers nicely rounded.

At the Hodgdon Max loading for SR 4756 for 115 grain cast bullets the average velocity was 1118 fps.  Disappointing speed wise but an accurate load.

AA#5 at a bit under the posted max gets 1264 fps average with the Lyman 311008 and shows some serious promise accuracy wise.

Using Lil'Gun with the RCBS 32-98 SWC at the starting load averaged 1309 fps. I also tried the 115 grain Lyman 311008 with that load and it averaged 1361 fps.  Going a little further off the reservation (+ half grain) with the Lyman bullet the velocity averages 1420 fps.  I suspect that load is 100% of case capacity using that bullet or very nearly so.  Accuracy was good. I'm starting to see the primers getting a little flattened, nothing like the factory loads but not soft rounded edges of the other loads. At this level the Single Seven is bucking a little bit and the muzzle flash and blast is more noticeable,  comparable to hot 357 loads in bark though tamer recoil wise.

The two factory 327 loads I've tried are both from Federal (American Eagle).  The 85 grain JFP averages 1389 fps while the 100 grain JFP averages 1483 fps.  Accuracy wise I would give the nod to the heavier 100 grain load.  At 7 yards the 100 grain load prints 1" lower than the 115" cast loads traveling 200+ fps slower.

The Single Seven will accept and function with an OAL of 1.500". The two cast bullets I'm using are loaded to 1.475 for the RCBS and 1.485" for the Lyman bullet.  This requires crimping onto the driving band as the OAL would be too long if crimped below it.  At 1.450" the bullet can be crimped ahead of the driving band. 

The velocities some are getting in their Blackhawks may be out of reach in this little gun.  I am already into the velocity realm of my general purpose 32-20 rifle loads with the same Lyman bullet which has proven to be a very capable round both in punch and range (600 yards). It will be fun to find out how far the Single Seven will reach...

Single Seven Production numbers

Jason at Lipsey's	Post subject: Re: Single seven production #'s? Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 9:33 am
Single-Sixer Joined: Thu Jun 02, 2011 8:34 am Posts: 186 Location: Baton Rouge, LA	Initially, 1000 4-5/8", 1000 5-1/2" and 500 7-1/2" guns. Once those are all delivered we can re-order if the demand is there and it looks like it is right now. _________________ LipseysGuns.com - Online Community Dedicated to Lipsey's Exclusive Firearms http://www.lipseysguns.com/

The Single Seven - First Impressions

Spoiler Alert: I like it.
 


 

The Ruger's Single Seven has exceeded my (high)expectations and was well worth the (difficult) wait.

I had a pretty good idea of what to expect.  I have a 32 H&R Single Six and a 327 SP101, both of which I really like.  Like every other Ruger I've ever owned the Single Seven arrived ready to go to work.  Not so refined that I would be afraid to use it, but very handsome in my opinion.  Rugged and solid feeling.  Tolerances all checked out.

A quick stop by the range demonstrated some real accuracy potential.

Single Seven!!

Just when I thought the Ruger Single Six couldn't get any better... Lipseys announces it will produce a run of Stainless Single SEVEN revolvers chambered in 327 Federal Magnum!





They will be available in 4-5/8", 5.5" and 7.5".  I have my heart set on a 5.5" 

I've heard (forum rumors) they may start hitting the market by the end of this month.  Other estimates put delivery out as far as November.  I just hope they made enough of them!

The versatility of a revolver in this caliber for the handloader make it VERY appealing.  Capable of using 32 S&W, 32 S&W Long, 32 H&R and 327 Federal broadly covers a lot of velocities with standard over the counter ammunition.  The handloader could cover that same ground with just the 32 H&R and 327 loadings.  The economy of reloading for the 32 caliber Ruger rivals all, especially if you cast your own.  From paper targets to Coyotes this revolver has it covered.

I've been extremely impressed by the 32 H&R Magnums ability at longer ranges.  I expect the 327 Federal Magnum will be even better.

I find the seven round capacity appealing though I've read that some may not.  In a single action revolver especially it would seem advantageous.  While it is unlikely (but not impossible) that all seven would be needed in a hunting situation it would be comforting to know there more ready.  In past hunts I've not always reloaded after taking game and small game bag limits can get through most of the cylinder.  While hunting, carrying the ammo in the gun my preferred method.  Some extra in the pack typically comes along too though I try to carry as little as possible while out hunting in hopes that I will be returning more weight in the form of meat.

If it sounds as if I am excited about this revolver it is because I am.  Should I be fortunate enough to find one to buy it will be accompanying me while I'm checking game cameras, used to take small game and varmints, punch holes in paper targets, ring steel and take advantage plinking opportunities. 

Getting a (new) Grip

The Rosewood Grips on the Ruger Single Six are OK but I decided to spice it up a little.

Lil'Gun Powder and the 32 H&R Magnum

On the Hodgdon Powder Company's website they list Load Data for their products.  A powder I've heard good things about is Lil'Gun.  The data shows it producing impressive velocities and relatively lower pressures.

For the 100 grain SPR JHP bullet the MAX load comes in at 19,900 CUP and produces 1208 fps in a 5" Barrel.

I used the excellent RCBS 32-98 SWC with this powder and worked up to this load.  At the MAX charge my 5.5" Ruger Single Six chronographed

1287
1266
1299
1297
1288
1285

The accuracy was impressive.  It was pleasant to shoot though there was a noticeable fireball and the recoil felt similar to a 38 special in a small revolver.

The 1894 Marlin Cowboy this same load produces 1750 fps.  The bore shows no signs of leading despite being a plain based bullet though the bore is left speckled with powder zombies.  The accuracy was also promising though the range was too short to be conclusive.

More testing is required.

CCI Quiet-22

I've been impressed with this ammo in my rifles and decided to give it a try in the Single Six.  The velocity averaged 582 fps and accuracy was nearly as good as HV ammo at 25'.  It will pass through two milk jugs of water and be caught in the third.  The report is greatly reduced.  I'm thinking this may be ideal for Grouse.

A Companion for the 32 Single Six

Marlin didn't make many of these but I happened into one I couldn't walk away from.

32 caliber Marlin 1894 - 32-20 Cowboy Carbine (top) and 32 H&R Magnum Cowboy (bottom)

The Marlin 1894 Cowboy in 32 H&R Magnum has a good reputation for accuracy.  So far that is proving to be true with my copy as well.

 

Likes:
- Aesthetics
-Accurate
-32 H&R mag in a rifle.
-Handy size

Less Thrilled about.
-No loading gate

Using the loads I like in the 32 H&R Mag Ruger Single Six The 32 H&R Mag Marlin 1894 gets a good bump in velocity.

Lyman 311008 (115 gr) over W231 averages 1101 fps (920)

RCBS 32-98 SWC (100gr) over W231 averages 1161 fps (compared to 854 fps in the Single Six) and over Unique it averages 1360 fps (compared 1050 fps in the Single Six).

Early testing gives the accuracy edge to the W231 loads but even the Unique loads were impressively accurate.

Long Range Shooting with a Ruger Single Six

Last weekend I had the opportunity to jet over to a friend's Ranch and do some shooting.  The little 32 Ruger shot so well at the closer targets (out to 200 yards) we decided to see what it would do on the 400 yard dinger.

At this range with these sight settings (50 yard zero) there was a good bit of holdover required.  I was impressed how well those little bullets did at that distance. 

Next time I'll try it Elmer Keith style.

Buckshot in the 32

0' Buckshot is ~.314" and I've used it in 30 caliber rifles for vermin/plinking/gallery loads.  I was curious how it would work in the 32 H&R Magnum. 

The two powders I tried were W231 and Bullseye. 

Point of Impact was about 1.25" lower than Point of Aim at 7 yards using the RCBS loads Zero.  Accuracy was fair.

Velocity average for the Bullseye load.

I'm not certain there is much value in further experimentation.  Casting my own bullets is very inexpensive so there is little economic incentive.  I'm fairly certain the RCBS 32-98-SWC over W231 loads I reported on in earlier postings would cover anything these loads might do better.  The report was reduced but not significantly so.  Both loads left the cases very sooted.

The 32 Afield

Taking a gun afield is a great way to learn its capabilities.  Last week I had three full days and parts of two others with the new to me 32 H&R Magnum Single Six.  The activities included hiking (both trail and cross country), mountain biking and general woods loafing. I enjoyed carrying and shooting (plinking mostly) the 32 H&R Single Six and it continues to exceed my expectations.

A good holster is important for field carry.  I've found the Ruger Holsters available on their website to be a good value and works well with my attire, the environmental conditions, security/retention and accessibility needs. 

Taking the 32 Single Six along is a real pleasure due to its diminutive size and lightweight.

There was plenty of evidence of the presence of Bears on the property.  The 32 H&R would NOT my first choice for an encounter but the local Bear population shows very little interest in me and generally retreat without any prompting.  Few have been indifferent and gone about their business paying no mind to me.  I'm good with that deal.  I do find some comfort having the 32 along just in case I need to discourage any belligerent behavior, unlikely as that is.

I wasn't hunting so a general purpose firearm was well suited for my planned activities and the perfect excuse to take the 32 Single Six along.  When I arrived at a safe and target rich area I did indulge myself.

On paper at longer ranges the RCBS 32-98-SWC does appear to produce better accuracy than the Lyman 311008 in this gun.  Both were quite adequate for slaying pine cones, busting knots, exploding cow-pies, picking off berries and knocking over various reactive targets.  Targets out to 60 yards (the longest shots) were easily hit.  This little revolver has a voracious appetite and I was glad I brought over 200 rounds feed it with.

The W231 loads (854 fps) are noticeably quieter than the faster (1050 fps) Unique loads.  I would say the report of the slower loads are on par with a 22lr round out of a handgun.  Loud but not ear splitting. 

The penetration of the 32 H&R mag was quite impressive too.  Logs that easily stopped the 22lr and 38 special bullets within 2-4" took as much as 6" to stop the little 32.  The 32 bullets seemed to distort less and some of the recovered bullets looked almost as if they could be reloaded and fired again.

I continue to be impressed by this little gun and I'm eager to test it further.