About .429 DE
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to talk about .429 DE. This cartridge is a recent addition to the market that is continuing to grow in popularity and support from the industry. Our goal is to provide a brief overview of the cartridge while delving into traits, features, use cases, and more. Now, let’s talk about .429 DE.
What is .429 DE?
The .429 DE is a potent cartridge that was introduced by Magnum Research in 2018. Designed for use in semi-automatic handguns, the cartridge was initially designed to be used in the Desert Eagle pistol. The cartridge was derived from the .50 AE, another potent semi-automatic pistol cartridge. While initial support for the cartridge may be low, the cartridge has gradually grown in popularity since its introduction. Notably, the cartridge achieved SAAMI standardization in 2021. This means that the cartridge’s specifications are codified and more support is likely to come from ammunition producers.
When compared to its parent cartridge, the .429 DE is capable of achieving higher velocities and degrees of accuracy. This is thanks to the aerodynamics provided by slim and light projectiles. When compared to the .44 Magnum, an iconic magnum cartridge, the .429 DE generally boasts increased velocities and energy values. Specifically, when compared to a 240 grain .44 Magnum loading, the .429 DE boasts a 25% increase in velocity and 45% more energy. The result is a potent semi-automatic pistol cartridge with desirable ballistic qualities and effect on target.
Is .429 DE Interchangeable with Other Calibers?
Though the cartridge utilizes the same diameter projectile as .44 Magnum, the .429 DE is not compatible with the well-established magnum handgun cartridge. The .429 DE and .44 Magnum are quite different and have zero chance of interchangeability as their only similarity lies in their .429” diameter projectiles. Additionally, the .429 DE will not directly interchange with the .50 AE, despite being derived from the cartridge. Simply put, .429 DE ammunition should only be used in firearms specifically chambered and rated for .429 DE.
Conversion Potential
While the cartridge is not interchangeable with any calibers, the possibility for conversion does exist in some small cases. Owners of Desert Eagle pistols chambered in .50 AE are uniquely capable of converting their existing pistols to be able to accept .429 DE ammo with just a simple barrel swap. Other Desert Eagle caliber swaps often require the shooter to utilize new magazines and bolts to accommodate different calibers. A converted .429 DE Desert Eagle can utilize a shooter’s existing supply of magazines and the factory bolt, simplifying the conversion process.
How Available is .429 DE Ammunition?
At this point in time, .429 DE ammo is harder to get ahold of than more contemporary calibers. This is to say that it is more difficult to acquire .429 DE ammunition than it is to acquire ammunition for calibers such as 9mm Luger, .357 Magnum, and .40 Smith & Wesson. Of course, this is often the case for cartridges that are recent entries to the market. At this point, the cartridge sees support from ammunition manufacturers such as Underwood and Magnum Research. These loadings are commonly found in jacketed hollow point (JHP) or jacketed soft point (JSP) form.
While loadings for .429 DE may not be consistently available on local shelves, there are things shooters can do to stay stocked up. Like many calibers, .429 DE is available in individual and bulk ammo quantities. If one elects to buy bulk .429 DE ammo, they can effectively build up a larger stock of ammunition. Of course, shooters can also choose to shop for ammo online, effectively expanding their potential ammo offerings. If one chooses to buy .429 DE ammo online, they are no longer limited by what they can find locally. All in all, one will be able to find .429 DE ammunition if they are looking for it, despite current limited support for the cartridge.
How Available are Firearms Chambered in .429 DE?
Like .429 DE ammo, firearms in the caliber are also less common than other offerings. This is to say that firearms chambered in .429 DE are less common than offerings in calibers such as 9mm Luger, .45 ACP, 10mm Auto, and even .50 AE. Firearms in mainstream calibers tend to be available at most places where ammo is sold, something which is not always the case with .429 DE chambered firearms. At this point in time, the sole firearm offering in .429 DE is going to be the Desert Eagle from Magnum Research. This pistol can be had in a variety of finishes and with or without an integral muzzle brake.
What is .429 DE Used For?
The .429 DE is well-suited for a variety of use cases. As with any round, the .429 DE is well-suited to target shooting and plinking. Shooting things such as steel targets and other types of reactive targets is quite entertaining with a potent cartridge like the .429 DE. Of course, the powerful cartridge is also well-suited to defensive use and hunting use cases.
Like the .50 AE and .454 Casull, the .429 DE’s staggering muzzle energy and potential effect on target makes the cartridge suitable for stopping threats and being used for handgun hunting applications. Of course, one will want to utilize proper ammunition and practices to ensure an ethical and optimal hunt. All in all, the cartridge is versatile and well-suited to a variety of roles.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the .429 DE represents a potent cartridge well-suited to the needs of many shooters. The magnum performance of the cartridge makes it well suited for recreational shooting, handgun hunting, and even defensive use. We here at True Shot Ammo offer .429 DE ammo for sale in addition to our other offerings. Whether you are looking to buy .429 DE ammunition or are after another type of ammo, we here at True Shot Ammo have you covered. As always, happy shooting.
Need bulk ammo? At True Shot Ammo, we have a wide variety of handgun ammo and rifle ammo available to purchase. Please visit our website trueshotammo.com, call us at (888) 736-6587, or you can email us at [email protected] for more ammo options.
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4 Responses
So, specially what make and model of hand gun does this cartridge fit?
Hello Mark,
This cartridge was designed specifically to work with Desert Eagle pistols from Magnum Research. Both complete firearms and conversion kits for existing models exist.
Hope this helps,
Tyler
Test drove a DE 429. I have only fired 1 handgun that was worse, that one being an RG10.
It was not just me. I had 3 NRA certified law enforcement firearms instructors on the range as well. I had a Georgia state handgun marksman with a stack of awards higher than I am tall. He shot it 3 times, it jammed twice. He put it down and said he’d never shoot it again.
My test crew never got more than 2 shots in a row before it malfed. Jam. FTF. Also, the brass kicked all over the place. To the front, right side and rear. One actually hit my forehead and fell down to lodge against my skin, held in place by my glass.
The mag was loose vertically, intentionally so according to the info MR sent with the gun. What the actual…
Every other reliable test drive review says the same things.
Not sure what the problem is. My DE .50 AE is a boat anchor where weight is concerned, but it cycles. If you need the firepower of the .429, get you a .44 mag or another mag revolver. If you need that much firepower in an autoloader, buy a good 10mm. The 10 is less powerful, sure, but you can get off an entire mag while someone with the DE .429 is trying to clear the first shot.
-429 DE??? While the idea is OK, appears the execution is questionable. Any cartridge can be a winner, or a loser, dependent upon what firearm is chambered for it. A bottle necked cartridge should be close to ideal for an autoloader. Now the Desert Eagle/Magnum Research should have put more effort int ensuring the pistol would cycle properly. Otherwise, think a manual operation (Pump?) carbine/rifle in 50 AE/429 DE chamberings would be a more functional option. Should still use the Desert Fagle magazines. Modern Brush/Hog gun??? Me – I will stick to the current 44 mag, in my revolver or rifle.