Magnum Research has announced a new cartridge

Magnum Research 429 DE Pistol Cartridge

(Pillager, MN) - "Magnum Research, Inc, maker of the world renowned Desert Eagle pistol and leader in innovative firearms design and manufacturing, is proud to announce the launch of the new 429 DE pistol cartridge.

Magnum Research has developed a new, fast, powerful .44 caliber pistol cartridge. The 429 DE (Desert Eagle) was designed to enhance the famous and powerful Desert Eagle platform. This cartridge has a 25% velocity increase and 45% energy increase over a 44 Mag (240 -- 6" barrel). It has a velocity of 1600 FPS with 240 grain bullets and 1750 FPS with 210 grain bullets.

The 429 DE features 30 degree shoulder headspaces and a neck long enough to properly hold and crimp a 240 grain bullet without set back under recoil. Based on the famous 50 AE cartridge, the 429 DE is made with Starline brass, and loaded by HSM in Montana with Sierra bullets.

"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," says Jim Tertin, Design and R&D for Magnum Research.

The 429 DE rounds are available in boxes of twenty and distributed by Magnum Research, Inc. Available options include: 240 grain soft point (DEP429DE240JSP) MSRP of $42, and 210 grain hollow point (DEP429DE210JHP) MSRP of $42.

To accompany the 429 DE cartridge, Magnum Research will soon be releasing a lineup of 429 DE 6-inch barrels in a variety of finishes. The 429 DE barrels will be compatible with any MK19 USA or Israel Desert Eagle Pistol with a wide .830” rail on top of the barrel and uses a 50AE magazine and bolt. More information on these barrels will be announced soon.

Note: The 429 DE is similar to, but NOT INTERCHANGABLE with, the obsolete 440 COR BON, but properly engineered with a sharp 30-degree shoulder, consistent headspace and reliable function and velocity."

Now they even mention it is similar to the old 440 Cor Bon that flopped in the Desert Eagle and in the Auto Mag 5 back in '98 or so. We also just happened to have our version of the cartridge we developed in '95 as the 440 GNR. It also flopped as it backed out in a revolver.

For someone that does not reload this should be nice for them because they are not up on ballistics but I just think it is sort of funny how they have a "brand new cartridge" coming out that for all practical purposes is the same as the 440 Cor Bon and our earlier 440 GNR. And the specs they mention are not anything to brag about. A 240 grain bullet at 1600 is mediocre at best. Our 429 GNR will put a 240 grain bullet out at 1800 fps and will put a 300 grain bullet out at almost 1700 fps. So I am not sure what they have to offer other than a 4 lb pistol that jams when it gets dirty unless it is in the movies where a scantily clad little blonde carries 2 of them and they never jam and never run out of ammo.