The new 429 Desert Eagle cartridge
Move over, .50 AE! Here comes the 429 Desert Eagle, a new bottleneck cartridge developed by Magnum Research and manufactured by HSM Ammunition specifically for the iconic Desert Eagle pistol!
The 429 DE caliber has been developed specifically for the iconic Desert Eagle pistol
The Desert Eagle pistol, manufactured in the United States by Magnum Research, Inc. – a Kahr Firearms Group company – is an iconic design, known and appreciated all around the world for its high power and (mostly) cinematic presence.
The Desert Eagle is also one of the most powerful handguns in the world, due to its peculiar gas-operated system that makes it capable to handle some of the hottest loads ever conceived for a semi-automatic pistol: a list that includes .44 Magnum, .357 Magnum .50 Action Express... and now, 429 Desert Eagle.
The 429 DE cartridge was anticipated in late October by US-based press sources
Photo by Dr. Martin D. Topper for Ballistic - Athlon Outdoors
Anticipated by American specialized press sources at the end of October, the 429 Desert Eagle is a new chambering specifically developed for the iconic Desert Eagle cartridge to provide top performance for sport shooting specialties such as metallic silhouette shooting, as well as for big game pistol hunting in those U.S. States that do not allow .50-caliber handguns for use in taking big game.
The 429 Desert Eagle ammunition is manufactured by HSM Ammunition of Stevensville (MT), using Sierra bullets, Starline Brass cases Western 11FS flash-suppressed powder. The most distinctive feature of the 429 DE round is the 30-degree shoulder and elongated neck, providing a solid crimp that the bullets won't jump while in the magazine under recoil.
Jim Tertin, Design and R&D for Magnum Research, said:
« This new cartridge was engineered and designed specifically for the Desert Eagle Pistol, keeping in mind that the DEP is known world wide for its awesome firepower and performance. The 429 DE propels that history into the future.»
The Desert Eagle is a well-known alternative for handgun hunting, and the 429 DE caliber was conceived for just that purpose
The 429 Desert Eagle caliber is available in two variants: a 210 gr. JHP load offering a 533 meters-per-second (1750 fps) muzzle velocity and 1934,7 Joule (1427 ft.lbs) of muzzle energy; and a 240 gr. JSP load providing 495 meters-per-second (1625 fps) of muzzle velocity and 1907,6 Joule (1407 ft.lbs) of muzzle energy.
From a 6-inch barrel, the 429 Desert Eagle caliber offers a 25% velocity increase and 45% energy increase over a .44 Magnum. According to U.S. press sources, the 429 Desert Eagle is basically just as effective as a .30-30 Winchester on game out to 100 yards.
Two different loads for the 429 Desert Eagle ammunition and 6-inch caliber conversion barrels for the DE pistol will soon be available from Magnum Research
The 429 DE caliber uses .50 Action Express Desert Eagle magazines and bolts, and is similar to the .440 Cor-Bon round although not interchangeable with it due to the sharp 30-degree shoulder, consistent headspace and reliable function and velocity.
Magnum Research will soon start distributing the 429 Desert Eagle caliber in 20-rounds boxes, at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $42 per box for both available loads.
Magnum Research will also soon be releasing a lineup of 429 Desert Eagle 6-inch barrels in a variety of finishes. The 429 DE barrels will be compatible with any MK19 US-made or Israel-made Desert Eagle pistol with a wide .830” rail on top of the barrel.
