Loads for a 44 MAG Desert Eagle

As far as loads for the DE 44, there really isn't a lot to fiddle around with, unlike a lot of other calibers. This gun is pretty much bred to run on full power ammo or just slightly downloaded, so reduced loads are pretty much out of the question. (Plus reduced loads of 296 are bad ju-ju anyway.) In addition, the powder du jour for this gun is 296/H110, and in case you don't know, 296 and H110 ARE the same powder. They just come in differently labeled containers. The important point is that a 4 lb. jug of 296 is significantly cheaper ($10) than a 4 pound jug of H110, provided you could even find H110 in 4 lb. quantities.

The Lyman #49 manual lists a very narrow powder range of 23.0 min to 24.0 max with 240 grain JHP bullets, (reflective of staying away from reduced loads), and you use large magnum pistol primers with 296/H110. You should be roll crimping the case mouth into the bullet cannelure at least 5 mils, and that's about all there is to it.

Like I said, not a lot of room for experimentation with this gun, but it's a lot of fun to shoot, and after you get used to it you can shoot a 45 ACP and it will feel like a .380. The DE unfortunately has a habit of kicking those hot empties back into your face, so wear safety glasses and a hat!!

WHOA!!! What do you mean by the statement that your reloads were NOT working?? You need to clear this up before you proceed to loading for the Desert Eagle!! The reloading window for the Super Blackhawk is FAR wider than it is for the Desert Eagle, so WHY are your 44 mag loads for the revolver not working out??

24 grs of WW296/H110 with a 240 gr. bullet is just about the standard load for the 44 mag.

I load 22.5 and 23 H110 for my Eagle. Nosler 240 jhp's. I have also used AA#9 and 2400. I forget exactly the charge of the other 2 powders but they worked well. H110 was my favorite by far.

Are the Zero bullets lead? If they are you shouldn't be using them in a DE as the lead will clog the gas system. Also if you got the owner's manual with the DE they strongly recommend against the use of 2400 with reloads. Had one years ago fun gun but sold it as the size and weight was getting to be a bit much to haul around.

I didn't know Zero made 44 mag jacketed bullets.

Here's what's worked well in mine....

240 Grain Hornady XTP's
20.1 grains 2400 powder
Winchester Brass
CCI primers

This is a test target with the upper half @ 20.1 grains.....the lower half 18.5 grains. (may not look like a tight group but it's at 200 yards)

FROGO207 said:

I checked my data for the Ruger and the 240 gr JHC bullet was with 7.5 gr unique and the other was with 8.6 gr bullseye for accurate load data.

I will try the H110 and MAG primer and work up a little as there is no wiggle room.
Also bought the DE used and no papers with it.

Click to expand...

Whew!! Thanks for the answer!! I was worried there for a minute.

So just load up some 296 23 grain loads, and you can more up to 24, but it's no big deal. The Desert Eagle is ungodly strong, and apart from mistakely loading Bullseye instead of 296, I'm not sure what it would take to actually break one. I shoot a 50 AE and also have the 440 Corbon Magnum barrel for mine (very rare), and that's a 50 cailber case necked down to 44. It's the Godzilla version of the 357 SIG. With the proper load, it can put a 240 grain JHP out of a 6" barrel at 1600 even. With a 10" barrel, you could hit 2,000 FPS.

Have fun, wear shooting gloves, glasses and a hat, and work on building up your hand and arm stength.

Another powder you might want to check out is AA 4100.

Stick to the top end of the spectrum if you want proper functioning. You won't hurt the Eagle. Brass life is kinda short, though. I only get 4 or 5 loadings in .50 before the brass is junk.