Loading for Desert Eagle 44mag

[Toprudder]

Does anyone here reload for the Desert Eagle 44?

I recently acquired a Mk I DE in 44, and so far have tried only the Zero 240 JSP bullet, and three powders: H-110, N-100, and BE86.

The BE86 was just to see if it work, as I like that for slightly reduced recoil plinking loads in my revolver. Apparently it burns a little too fast to operate the gas system, it will eject the spent round but not pick up the next round from the mag.

I found really good loads in both N-110 and H-110. Although I get roughly the same velocity from both (~1275fps) there is a big difference in the sound and flash, with H-110 putting on a pretty good show. The N-110 loads seem to be cleaner burning, though.

I like the Zero bullet as it has been very accurate in my revolver and rifle. In the DE I got a 0.7" 5 shot group @10yards, rested.

[gb6491]

Toprudder,
I'm of no help with reloading for the DE (hopefully, MrBlackCat will stop by).
I do want to say your post brought a smile to my face. Years ago, I liked to put together some hot loads for my 4" Highway Patrolman using H-110. These were for range trips "with H-110 putting on a pretty good show."...even in broad daylight
Regards,
Greg

[Toprudder]

Toprudder,
I'm of no help with reloading for the DE (hopefully, MrBlackCat will stop by).
I do want to say your post brought a smile to my face. Years ago, I liked to put together some hot loads for my 4" Highway Patrolman using H-110. These were for range trips "with H-110 putting on a pretty good show."...even in broad daylight
Regards,
Greg

LOL. It does put on a show.

[gb6491]

LOL. It does put on a show.

Love that photo, thanks for sharing it!
Regards,
Greg

[Kdf22]

I've loaded some stout rounds for my Ruger Vaquero using 240 grain hollow points with H110 at 23.4 grains. Accurate too

[Toprudder]

I've loaded some stout rounds for my Ruger Vaquero using 240 grain hollow points with H110 at 23.4 grains. Accurate too

H-110 at 23.5 was the load I settled with for the DE, with a Zero 240 JSP. Shoots well in my 10" Super Blackhawk, too!

[yqtszhj]

That picture is awesome. I don’t know how I missed that the first time.

[AIRret]

Ditto on the pictures……..WOW

[Bawanna]

I got a 10'' (actually I think they are 10 1/2"). Haven't shot it in years. I probably should blow the dust off from it and remedy that neglect on my part.

I have a 7 1/2" that I carried hunting a lot and shot quite a bit but still like new. Great guns.

No so much into the big boom these days like I used to be but be cool to make some fire rings I guess.

[Toprudder]

I actually captured that with my iPhone, in slow-motion video mode.

https://youtu.be/WZfzyVdmZ4g

[bryanksmith]

Hi Toprudder, I hope to be joining you in reloading for the DE soon, having recently acquired a Mk XIX. I've picked up H-110 and 4227 to try first. Do you have a preferred primer, and have you tried plated bullets? Best wishes!

[Toprudder]

Hi Toprudder, I hope to be joining you in reloading for the DE soon, having recently acquired a Mk XIX. I've picked up H-110 and 4227 to try first. Do you have a preferred primer, and have you tried plated bullets? Best wishes!

Bryan,

I have not done much with 4227, but from everything I have heard you have to fill the case with it, even compress it some, before it starts to burn clean.

H-110 and N-110 both work well for me in the DE. If you don't want a lot of flash and noise, go with N-110, and I think it burns a little cleaner than H-110. H-110 will be noticeably louder and has a very big flash.

With my 44mag revolver, I saw signs of plating failure (copper AND lead in the barrel) so I decided not to even try plated bullets in the DE. If I had a plating failure there, it could potentially get into the gas system, which would be bad. I have had such great luck with Zero JSP bullets in 44mag (for revolver, rifle, and DE) that I won't use much else, and they are only about $0.14 each so they are not much more than plated bullets. If I do use plated or coated bullets, it will be for lighter target loads in the revolver, which won't cycle the DE anyway.

I like the Winchester large pistol primers. They are rated for both regular and magnum applications. The general wisdom with H-110 is that a magnum primer is necessary, but I think that is mainly for reliable ignition in low temps.

Good luck.