Loaded for a Desert Eagle

[aquarist]

I'm looking to make up some reloads for my range buddies Desert Eagle chambered in 357 mag. Currently I have Titegroup and Bullseye powder, cci small magnum pistol primers, if possible would like to develop a load for the components I have already they are usually in stock in stores near me, I am open to other powder suggestions tho. I will be using the Lee TL358-158SWC mold for my projectiles. I am getting into powder coating so will probably coat them as well, but I also have a bottle of Ben's Liquid Lube. Any recommendations are welcome.

[scarry scarney]

No answers, but I'll be watching so I can learn something as well.

[ShooterAZ]

I had one some years ago, and it would only function 100% reliably with full power loads, and I mean FULL power as in using 296 or H110 powders. Your mileage may vary of course, but that was my experience. I never shot cast in it for fear of clogging the gas port, as it's not the easiest to clean.

[rockrat]

They warn about using cast, because of fouling of the gas port. You might be able to shoot a couple of mags, then a few shots of jacketed, to "clean" out the gas port. I have heard that if you foul it to where the gun won't work, you are just SOL, new barrel time. I have a 44DE

[aquarist]

No worries, let's skip the cast bullets and assume I will use a FMJ 357 in the 158-170 grain weight. What are some of the better powders to use and how many grains? Also recommendations on affordable jacketed projectiles would be great. Really just looking for what others are loading up for their DEs and what has performed well. If I have to get a different propellant or projectile I can.

[rockrat]

I think your two powders are way too fast for the DE. Look into H110/296 or possibly Lil'gun. Might check into Berrys bullets or possibly Midway for Blemished bullets. Also, try Pat s reloading

[ShooterAZ]

I made some recommendations above for the correct powders to use, it's pretty much up to you to consult some reloading manuals and come up with some loads. I won't post my loads here. Once again, 100% reliable function of the DE for me was at the upper end of the velocity spectrum. H110/296 are the "go to" powders for the .357 Desert Eagle, at least in mine anyway. Start somewhere in the middle, and work up to 100% function, then you can fine tune for accuracy if you need to. Every gun is different...so cautiously work your loads up. Skipping cast in this one is the right idea, unless you really know what your'e doing. You aren't going to find instant gratification on this one, it will take a bit of judicious load development. My $.02, having had a .357 DE for more than a few years. It's an accurate, powerful, and reliable firearm, once you get it dialed in.

[Outer Rondacker]

Im watching and learning also. I would love to help but I only load 50AE for the desert eagle. Might get the other barrel some day who knows.

[aquarist]

I'll keep an eye out for the H110 and H296. 296 isn't listed in my Lyman book, but H110 is and for a jacketed 158 grain HP it says the starting load is 16.3 grains, does this sound right? Seems like a lot.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160213/fd95219980e42412b4cc5c1a340c8dd3.jpg

[ShooterAZ]

H110 and 296 are often considered to be the same powder, but always use the data as shown, and it is NOT WISE to reduce from the starting loads with these two powders. These are stout loads, and will most likely be your best choice for reliable function/accuracy in the DE. If you can find 2400 or AA9, those would be worth investigating too, but I never tried them in my DE.

[Duckiller]

It takes a full power load to make a DE work. H110 and WW296 are the same powder and it works real good in DE. Heavy loads of 2400 also work.

[aquarist]

Cool, I'll check the local stores and see if I can score some H110, I'm new to reloading and wanted to make sure the 16.3 grains sounded correct, just seemed like it was a lot more than the other powders listed. Hopefully I can find some so I can load some up! Love shooting that pistol.

[Minerat]

I have a 50AE also, and I use IMR 4227 in it with a load pushing near max from the Hornady book.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I've never owned a DE, and never loaded for one...maybe someday??? Anyway, when I read this post yesterday, I was interested, because I have heard warnings to never shooting lead boolits in them. So I did some searching. The 357 doesn't like light bullets...I read many cases where DE 357 owners claiming Factory Ammo with 125gr J-words wouldn't cycle. Maybe this is some info, you already know...but the reason I am posting is, Accurate Arms has some published load data specifically for the DE 357 using AA #9


DESERT EAGLE

>>>>>>>>>>START LOADS >>>>>>MAXIMUM LOADS
Bullet >>>>>>>Powder Grains Vel. >>Powder Grains Vel. C.U.P. Length Comment
NOS 150 JSP >>No.9 13.7 1466 >>>>>No.9 15.2 1666 43,000 1.590"
HDY 158 XTP >>No.9 13.5 1437 >>>>>No.9 15.0 1633 44,900 1.580"
SRA 170 FMJ >>No.9 12.2 1304 >>>>>No.9 13.5 1482 45,000 1.565"
HDY 180 XTP >>No.9 11.7 1265 >>>>>No.9 13.0 1437 43,000 1.575"

http://www.rumcajszle.hu/reload/accurate.pdf
this is a big PDF, 406 pages...see page 115

[aquarist]

@Jon _in_Glencod Thanks for the awesome link! You are also correct that the DE doesn't like some factory 125 grain rounds, it can be a bit of a money hog and only likes the good premium stuff. I want to reload for it for the simple fact I want to develop something reliable for that pistol, it's fun to shoot and guests get a kick out of shooting something so huge. I am going to take a look at that PDF you linked me. Also going to hit up the local stores today while I'm out and about and see what powders are around.

[Ehaver]

http://www.xtremebullets.com/38-s/48044.htm