Desert Eagle gas system question.

[evert]

The makers of the DE say we only are supposed to fire jsp or jhp bullets, to avoid bullets with lead exposed in the base, which supposedly will foul/block the gas system over time..

What makes me wonder is this: Why is this not a problem in other gas-operated mechanisms? AKs? Mini14? UScarbine? Garand? piston-AR15s? they are all piston-driven gas operated mechanisms, Just like the DE, and their bullets often has lead exposed at the base, without causing any problems...

If anyone can give me a logical and reasonable answer to this question, not just "cause MRI says so"- I will be VERY happy

 

[NG VI]

Probably mean jacketed shanks, the base of many bullets isn't fully jacketed unless it's described as a TMJ or an FMJ-Encapsulated.

I've got nothing helpful to add past that though.

Oh and it isn't an issue in all of those gas-operated semiautos because you aren't going to see an all-lead bullet load offered in .223, 7.62X39mm, .30 Carbine (most likely out of these) or .30-06, like you see all the time for .357 and .44 Magnum.

 

[Rembrandt]

From Magnum Research web site....

What ammunition is recommended for use in my Desert Eagle pistol?

Remember that ammunition is very important with the Desert Eagle pistol. Defective ammunition will keep you from chambering. Check the type of ammunition you are using. If ammunition is underpowered it will not reliably cycle the action of your Desert Eagle. Shooting lead or full-metal jacket with an open lead base will not only foul the recoil spring assembly crosspiece and the rods, but it will also carbon and lead-foul the piston and solder it to the barrel. You should stay with good, semi-jacketed ammunition. We do suggest trying as many commercial, manufactured, semi-jacketed Magnum cartridges as possible and see which one works the best for you and your pistol.

 

[PO2Hammer]

You cannot clean the gas system of the DE like you can with the other guns you mentioned.

 

[Nacho Libre]

I don't think I've shot pure lead bullets through my AK or AR before. I think those rifle ammo are mostly jacket bullet with no lead exposure at the base of the bullet to clog up the gas port.

 

[MikaojA]

Interesting question, evert. Looks like noone has anything useful to say, though. Which is a little

 

[evert]

trust the factory then

 

[Zerodefect]

Rifle gas systems see higher pressure and longer dwell times. What ever lead dust builds in them it's going to get blown out quickly.