Quote from: sqlbullet on June 15 2017 07:48:54 AM MDT
Nice thing about stainless...Easy to file compared to hardened carbon steel, and a bit of soda blasting with a cheap harbor freight blaster and you can restore the finish.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Um2SS13Ox3E

Looks like flaring it would be a pretty simple 30 minute job.

True, shouldn't be very difficult, just for the price of the pistol (Colt DE) it should already be done. Just my opinion.

I do notice it is missing one desirable detail, just like my Delta Elite. A flared ejection port. It is lowered but without the flare the rear port edge  scores the crap out of my ejected brass when it slams against the casings. Some casings are iffy if I want to reload or not due to severe scoring. Not hard to flare it yourself or get it done, but my Colt definitely should have it considering what I paid, and Ruger should do the same to avoid complaints.

I know the sights look great compared to my Govt fixed, and like the ramped supported barrel.

Hello, had to share this. Had pretty bad results shooting Remington 180gr MC 10mm, a dismal 3 1/4" 21rd group at 15 yds. Finally while looking at a Brownell's 1911 catalog I saw the old Dwyer Group Gripper I remember in the 80's. Full length guide rod with a flat spring in end of guide that is pressed upward by an eccentric link, essentially forcing the barrel into the lugs the same way every time. I had to remove the dual spring and one piece guide rod my Delta Elite came with. Used a 24 lb Wilson spring and a Shok-Buff between the spring and guide rod. Loaded up some PRVI Partizan 180gr JHP's. Needless to say I was ecstatic with the results, shot a 1 7/8" group at 15 yards, 45 rounds. I attached some pics here. Shot seated with my elbow on bench, Weaver style. Obviously I don't believe it was just the ammo. I highly recommend the Dwyer Group gripper mod. Cost me $7.95 for the spring and $43.99 for the Group Gripper from Brownell's. The 24lb spring was just right, no stovepipes or failures to feed. The average velocity of that latter ammo was 1042 fps, S.D. of 25 fps. Just my 2 cents. Thanks.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/owsdd4ulkclrsly/IMG_1906.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/pu42moq830d28gs/IMG_1907.JPG?dl=0

Well, I just took my new Delta Elite out on her maiden voyage. Standard model, not the Lipsey's version. I am happy but also not so happy. I had a box of Remington 180gr TC rounds as a first try. I then shot two lots of 50 rounds I reloaded with virgin Starline brass, Rainier 180 TC bullets, 50@ 8.5gr Longshot and then 50@9.0gr Longshot. Had never fired a 10mm before. Read much about the unsupported chamber. My findings:

1. All rounds fired perfectly, no signs of pressure, and no bulges in brass from the unsupported chamber in the Remington or 8.5gr loads with Longshot. 9.0gr Longshot cases did show a slight bulge at the web but not so much that it is questionable to reload. Felt recoil did increase as I shot the reloads after factory Remington. Wish I had a chronograph.

2. Trigger was great, I was smiling the whole time, loved it, and now the 10mm is a cartridge I will fall in love with.

3. Beavertail sucked. Cut my thumb web up in first 15 shots. Need to get a full beavertail fitted. Accuracy was great first 100 rounds, then I think the added recoil and maceration of my right web ruined my grouping.

4. Ejection port not flared. The edge of the ejection port creased every single casing that ejected, 1/2 down the side of the casing, and flung it very far forward and 20' to the right. Why is an $1100 Colt pistol not flared? I didn't notice or think of it when I bought her. Just food for thought to those contemplating one. BUT the brass is so badly creased I doubt I will attempt to reload any until I get the port flared properly.

5. The magazines all functioned flawlessly as did the Colt. The sights are OK, but would like Novak or Heinie style. And a skeletonized trigger. Had I know about the Lipsey's version I would have gotten that.

In the end I need a port flaring job, and a full sized beavertail. Might as well get sights added while in the shop. Maybe even a bead blasted finish. Another $800. Oh well, I still like the Colt and will keep her, but just wish Colt would throw in a couple extras if they are charging that price. Like a Harley, always going to cost you something when you need to improve it or maintain it! Just my 2 cents.

sqlbullet, much thanks for the honest down and dirty feedback. That is what Marines like, the truth.

I will be shooting new Starline brass, 8.7Gr Longshot, 180 gr Rainier round nose, CCI 300 primers, virgin brass tomorrow. I will know afterwords what kind of beast my Colt DE is, or isn't. I looked at a loaded round in barrel chamber earlier (barrel out of gun) , and the unsupported area was not near as bad as what I saw in pics on this and other forums. I will pray for the best but plan for the worst.

Even though it has been nearly 20 years since my last reloads I remember the process well and was always a stalwart for safety. Any signs of excessive BS anywhere I know where to turn. Much thanks everybody!

Tony Z

Thanks Shadow and GT-500 for the feedback.

After reading here and at 1911 Forum it seems like every handgun out there in 10mm is "unsupported" at the chamber. I thought it was the Colt that was better than others, but seems like it is inherent in Glocks too, some even say not to get a Rock Island Armory due it's cast frame.

Reminds me of back in the 80's and 90's when you had to get any 1911 pistolsmithed just to get it to be reliable and feed properly. Sounds like my Delta Elite is going to turn into a money pit too. I think I am just going to load up some ammo and check her out myself!

Just bought a new Colt Delta Elite and am going to load some 180gr @ starting load of 8.5gr Longshot. I imagine these will be more powerful than standard factory ammo.

My question is if I need to get a heavier recoil spring if I start experimenting with this load and developing up a bit? I know they come stock with a 23lb double spring kit. I don't plan on going really hot, just max 1250fps or so.

The Wolff website made my head spin around a bit, but looks like if I get a heavier single spring from them I must also get a regular sized guide rod than the "standard" one mounted in the Delta Elite. Any input highly appreciated!

Howdy from Kansas City, MO! I am a Marine Corps veteran and Gulf War veteran. I haven't reloaded in 17 years since all my reloading equipment was stolen by Hawaiian locals packing my gear for shipment back to the USA. Just bought a new set-up and am ready to reload again.

Just bought a new Colt Delta Elite and am excited for a 10mm! I already have a few questions on reloading and springs, about to post soon. Thanks for the add!

Tony Z