Hello and Thank you,
  I just joined here. I was going through this forum and it is very fascinating... I wished I would have seen this earlier. There is a world of information here!!!

    I have a 4 digit serial number Colt Delta Elite, I've had it for about 30 years now and I've been considering using it to hunt with. I've reloaded for it (mostly low to mid range pressure loads for target shooting) but I wanted to load up ammunition that was powerful enough to hunt deer and hogs. (ex. 180 gr Hornady XTP @ 1100 - 1200fps or 200 grain XTP at 1000-1100fps)..I've started to research this and ran into the possibility that it is not recommended to do this with the Colt DE because of the unsupported barrel.....Is this true and if so, do I just shelf the project? Are there aftermarket barrels out there that are drop in and don't require major gunsmith work?  I do know I would have to go with a heavier lbs recoil spring so not to beat up the frame/ slide....Any information would be greatly appreciated... Thanks

The Delta Elite will support any SAAMI spec load just fine.  Every single DE barrel gets a proof load fired.  That proof load by SAAMI spec is between 50,500 psi and 54,000 PSI.  And it probably has a huge smile .

SAAMI spec pressure for the 10mm is 37,500 PSI using the piezo transducer method.  Velocity specs are a 200 grain bullet at 1,150 fps or a 175 grain bullet at 1,275 fps, using 1983 powder technology.  Those velocities are easily attained with modern powder below the SAAMI pressure spec.

The loads you suggest with 180 grain XTP at up to 1200 fps and 200 grain XTP at up to 1100 fps are therefore easily and safely achieved in your Delta Elite.  Powders that immediately come to my mind for these would be Longshot, 800X, BlueDot, Power Pistol, BE-86, #7 and #9.  Of those I have worked with Longshot, BlueDot, Power Pistol, BE-86 and #9.

Were I loading today, I would use BE-86, but only because I have a big jug of it on hand.  Blue Dot or #9 would probably be the first powders I would look for at the LGS since I have worked with them more than the rest.  Longshot is probably the best overall performer based on the book data, which is supported by my somewhat limited testing.

Finally, though kinda moot at this point since the loads you are looking too are easily inside the safe envelope of your current gun: barrel options.  Not really something I would pursue, for a couple of reasons.

1.  There is really no such thing as a "drop-in" 1911 barrel.  They all will require some fitting.
2.  The less fitting the barrel needs, the less ideal it's fit.  This means less accuracy and potentially more stress on other components.
3.  The nature of the frame ramp is to support somewhat less of the case head when the barrel throat is cut for reliable feeding.  That is not to say a minimum throat can't feed reliably.  But such a barrel would need to start as a "match" barrel and have every surface fit to the gun by a qualified and skilled 1911 smith.
4.  A ramped barrel is the direction all other 10mm 1911 makers have gone, but that would require a cut to the frame of your DE, followed by fitting a ramped barrel.

The end result is, for your defined needs, that an aftermarket barrel option is really not a great option.  Ammo with the ballistics you describe is easily assembled and perfectly safe in your gun. 

That is such a relief! I? really didn't want to go the new barrel route! Thank you very much for the detailed explanation!

Loaded up some sample rounds for testing and went to the range. I used Longshot (8.5, 9.0, & 9.5gr), 2400 (12.0 & 12.5gr), and AA#7 (11.5 & 12.0gr). It seems I got the best results with the maximum loads of each. For hunting, I've given myself a range of 30 yards.... Keeping then in the black of a NRA highpower SR-1 target offhand...  I  was having issues with light primer strikes so I've broken the pistol down and ordered a new firing pin, firing pin spring and mainspring. The firing pin spring was one that came with the Wolff 24lbs recoil spring kit. It may be a little heavy. The recoil spring worked rather well, throwing brass about 6' at 3:00.....The recoil was no more than my GP100 with its heavy 180 gr loads... Thanks again for your input!!

Good to hear.  I too have always found the Wolff firing pin springs to be a bit aggressive, though great quality.