I have a couple of Martini Cadet actions that I hope will finally make it to the workbench soon. One of them feels like it needs to be a .327 Federal Magnum - one of my caliber addictions lately.

Green Mountain has a 27" tapered octagon barrel for .32-20 that would look sweet on this little action, but the twist is 1:22. One reason I like .327 FM is the ability to shoot .32 S&W Longs occasionally, and (probably more frequently) .32 H&R magnums. Bullet weights will range from 85 gr. to 115 gr., maybe up to 120 gr. if I find a good one.

I'd appreciate any opinions on using this barrel for my project.

With 1:22 twist you will just have a 32-20 that uses straight-walled cases, just like original Win LWs and others. Should work just as well.

At least some 32 H&R Mags have 1:16 twist (Marlin, Ruger). Never checked 327 Mag. factory twists. Green Mtn. used to list some 0,312" barrels with 1:16 twist, also what some friend's modern Stevens 44 1/2 32-20s have. Good if want to use 130-150 grain bullets.

Thanks, gents. I dug around last night and found several references to the fact that Marlin's .32-20 had a 1:20 twist (lever guns at black powder velocities, originally) and that slow twists are fine until you try to shoot heavy bullets (over 115 gr.) at lower velocities. Lighter bullets at higher velocities (like a 95 gr. in .327 FM) should do just fine, I think.

Well, I think I'll give that GM barrel a try for this project. For $188, I can always move up to a Douglas or other faster twist option if I'm not happy with it and not be too far in the hole.