Help with Desert Eagle .44 Reloads

S

scubadown

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I recently acquired a Desert Eagle in .44. I have reloaded 240 g XTP with 24 g of H110 and WLPs loaded to 1.60". I have about a 20% failure to feed ratio. I know part of it is me getting use to shoot the gun and how I hold it. But I fired some factory loads and it shot 100%. I have ordered some CCI Mag. pistol primers to see if this may be the problem.


Also, on Saturday I shot about 50 rounds and was somewhat disappointed in the number of FTFs. I took it home and dissembled it and cleaned it pretty well, didn't take out the trigger assembly or safety parts, just the bolt and firing pin and cleaned and lubed it. Sunday it shot much better but still have FTFs.


Suggestions?

Obligatory pic.

mNNDYRW.jpg
 
24 grains of H110 is the max load(you work up to that?) and 1.600" is good too.
Magnum primers have nothing whatever to do with the cartridge name. They're about the powder and nothing else. H110 doesn't need magnum primers. Hodgdon's site doesn't call for 'em with a 240 and H110. Which is odd for them. They usually say magnum primers for magnum named, but not for non-magnum named.
What kind of feeding issue? Feeding issues are usually mag related though. Look at the lips.
 
I ordered a new mag from Magnum Research and should get it Wednesday. I will then have two and I can compare.

I will look at the mag lips but I really don't know what to look for.

The feeding issue is usually the bullet is about half out of the magazine and about half way up the feed ramp with the slide about 1-2" open. Usually when I press the mag release button the mag drops a bit and the round chambers.
 
How does the profile of your XTP compare with the commercial rounds that work? Might have to adjust COL to feed the Hornady. I do hope you worked up to that load. It should be OK, but starting at max is bad ju ju. FWIW, I always use CCI mag primers with H110, with one exception. Per Speer's recommendation, I go with CCI 500 in .22 Hornet. That said, I doubt the primer is your problem.
 
I believe that the standard logic is that W-296 and H-110 need magnum primers. They are not easy powders to light. Don't know that that is the problem though. Your load sounds appropriate for the gun with that possible exception.

I'd like to know more about the failure to feed. Details? Ahh, I see your description now. I've shot plenty of XTPs thru mine. A virtually identical load in fact. I think you are on the right track looking at the magazine.

The gun appears to be an early model (looks great too). I assume it has been fired a bit by previous owners?
 
I assume it has been fired a bit by previous owners?
Click to expand...

I don't really think so. He said less that 100 rounds and I believe it as I have fired about 100 and I notice more wear on surfaces than when I first took it apart.
 
That is good. My concern (before seeing your description of the FTF) was that the gas system could be clogged resulting in short stroking. Doesn't sound that way though.

Hope the magazine is all it takes. I think I'd go to magnum primers either way though.
 
But I fired some factory loads and it shot 100%.
Click to expand...
Now there's a clue.
Messing with the gun probably isn't the answer.
It's more than likely to be something with your reloads.
What exactly will be hard to say long distance.
Maybe some pictures of your reloaded ammo might help.
What did the Failure to Feeds act like?
What is the brass that was used for the reloads like?
Any obvious differences as compared to the factory rounds, either the brass or finished rounds?
 
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Thanks for the reply guys. I've cleaned to gun again including under the extractor. It is whistle clean.

Maybe some pictures of your reloaded ammo might help.
What did the Failure to Feeds act like?
What is the brass that was used for the reloads like?
Any obvious differences as compared to the factory rounds, either the brass or finished rounds?
Click to expand...

Here is a reload.
4CvsO41h.jpg

Got some mag. primers coming. The magazine looks fine, I took it apart, cleaned it and lubed it up. It is the original mag.

The brass was new Winchester, never fired. Rounds loaded between 1.58 and 1.60". I.d say medium crimp.
 
"The feeding issue is usually the bullet is about half out of the magazine and about half way up the feed ramp with the slide about 1-2" open. Usually when I press the mag release button the mag drops a bit and the round chambers."

I think this says a lot, are you cupping the mag when you shoot with your support hand? If so its a big no no with the DE, I also would look at the bullet profile and see if the bullet itself is catching on the ramp area when its being fed out of the mag and into the gun, could be the hollow point catching. I have an older DE 44 like yours and it has a learning curve when shooting, good luck.

The factory rounds your shooting 100%, are they hollow point or ball rounds?
 
Maybe the crimp is not stout enough?

BLRc8P2l.jpg


I am definitely not touching the mag when firing, I know that is an issue. The factory rounds that shot well were JHP also.
 
If I were loading these (note that I load for a revolver) I would seat the bullet until just the top of the cannelure is visible, then crimp firmly. Should feel smooth, no noticeable groove, when you run your fingers across. Certainly not the only "correct" way, but worth a try.
 
ligonierbill, I think you are on to something. Look at this pic:

PC6OFTtl.jpg


That sharp edge (see arrow) is probably snagging at the transistion between the mag and feed ramp.
 
Just to be clear, you used the abbreviation "FTF" which often causes confusion much like "FTE" because the last letter (in each) can be two totally different things, minimum.

FTF could be failure to feed or failure to fire... continuing discussion seems to say we are talking about feed issues. I bring it up because I once fixed (merely did a quick disassemble and wipe down/clear and reassemble) of the firing pin and channel for one guy's DE on the range because it was FTFiring. Older guns, especially ones that sat far more than shot OFTEN get nasty schmaltz in this area because of those guys who insist on cleaning guns (that don't it) and these guys often squirt and drip their favorite snake oils in every crack and crevice.

(and for FTE, it's either extract or eject)
 
Just got a new Magnum Research magazine and look at the difference! Old one is stamped 3-91 and new one is stamped 7-08. This may be the main problem. Even the angle of the bullet is different.
1uHKod5l.jpg
 
If that tests out and ends up being the answer, I would whole heartedly suggest you call or e-mail Magnum Research and see if they will do a free trade-in/magazine swap. No guarantee they will, but trying (with a good attitude! ;)) seems like it would be a great idea.
 
I run the same load in my DE, but with CCI#350 Magnum primers. And yes, Win296 / H110 absolutely need a magnum primer. I've had issues when using a standard primer. Rem doesn't list a large pistol mag primer. Win lists theirs as suitable for either mag or standard loads. Any more, I stick with primers listed as magnum (CCI, Federal) for that powder.

Your crimp looks fine. Don't change anything there.

The old vs. new mags are also a non-issue. I agree the older ones look funny, but mine feed as well as the newer ones. Even though it appears ammo should hang up on the front lip.

CCF99CDA-874A-42C1-8264-3C517023E7D2_zps3judwt9o.jpg


The failure you report is not uncommon. You need to support the frame better during recoil. If you think about it, the slide has to push back against a relatively stationary frame. If you allow the whole gun to roll back during recoil, some of that energy is absorbed in the frame and your arm.

For some people, going to a lighter load helps, as it is easier to control the recoil. For others, gripping the frame tighter helps, as they unconsciously keep the frame more stationary when the gun fires.

Think about that next time you go shooting. See if it makes a difference.
 
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