Introductions

Rolf · February 16 2016 01:04:38 PM MST

Very nice! I feel much better about it now and in the future when it does need refinishing.
I am getting ready to test the 18# spring as the 20# is just too much to rack the slide (I'm 6'5" and 250lbs and can hardly do it). None of my buddies can even budge it. Maybe need a few more rounds through it.
BTW love the sql handle. I'm a software engineer and definitely can relate.

The_Shadow · February 16 2016 01:09:25 PM MST

Rolf, Welcome to the forum! Congrats with you EAA, even though I don't have one, there are several here who utilize them.
Best regards! ${$default_cheesy_smiley}$

Rolf · February 16 2016 01:27:30 PM MST

Thank you sir!
Love the site - a wealth of information. I'll most likely do more learning than contributing - but you have to start somewhere. ${$default_cheesy_smiley}$

WestKentucky · February 21 2016 10:58:05 PM MST

New guy here, sad to say but I'm not happy to find this site, but I'm hoping some folks can help straighten out my first Gen blued delta elite. I posted some pics on TheHighroad.com and was sent to you guys for better info and help. Unsupported chamber which I feel like you guys probably know all too well.

As a side note though, I love odd guns and odd cartridges, which is partly what brought me to the 10mmauto. I found the delta and fell in love which now seems to be heading towards divorce if I can't get comfortable with the gun being safe to use. I will go find the right place to dump the photos and description of my issues now.

Pablo · February 22 2016 05:16:56 AM MST

Quote from: WestKentucky on February 21 2016 10:58:05 PM MST
New guy here, sad to say but I'm not happy to find this site, but I'm hoping some folks can help straighten out my first Gen blued delta elite. I posted some pics on TheHighroad.com and was sent to you guys for better info and help. Unsupported chamber which I feel like you guys probably know all too well.

As a side note though, I love odd guns and odd cartridges, which is partly what brought me to the 10mmauto. I found the delta and fell in love which now seems to be heading towards divorce if I can't get comfortable with the gun being safe to use. I will go find the right place to dump the photos and description of my issues now.

10mm is not an "odd cartridge". Welcome! What's up with your Delta??

The_Shadow · February 22 2016 06:50:53 AM MST

WestKentucky, welcome to the forum! If you like the older guns and cartridges, Do you handload ammo? That would allow you some flexibility tailoring loads to the firearm.

Yes the areas that lack support on the Delta is almost 180 degrees around and that is problematic at the upper spectrum and with softer brass...There are a few things that may help with early unlocking like the recoil spring and mainspring and even the swing link for timing and delay of the unlock to help. Then there is the flat bottom firing pin stop, that help recoiling slide speeds. Some have changed to a ramped barrel, but that in my opinion devalues the firearm.

However the ballooning of the brass will more than likely need good quality brass and loading with powder that provide the best yield for lower pressures o maintain brass integrity. $:-\$ The older NORMA brass was stronger than most back in the early days as well. Starline is good brass but it is softer and more malleable for reloading purposes, but it too can balloon outward with too much pressure. After shooting if a few times it tends to get a little more work hardened and that may allow less stretching...

In the reloads section, I posted an early Speer 10mm loading supplement that had the Delta as the test gun back in the day before Speer #12 went to print. Read here for more info; http://10mm-firearms.com/reloading-10mm-ammo/loading-for-delta-elite/msg49977/#msg49977

Good luck with your finding a workable solution or happy medium with your Delta.

Best Regards! ${$default_cheesy_smiley}$

sqlbullet · February 22 2016 08:05:05 AM MST

Don't buy Underwood or Buffalo Bore. Reduce 10% and work up with handloads.

That is all there is to maintaining safety with a Delta Elite.

WestKentucky · February 22 2016 09:46:29 AM MST

I do handload, for every gun I own with the exception of rimfire. Shooting lighter loads is fine, and the brass doesn't swell nearly as bad.

sqlbullet · February 22 2016 10:24:48 AM MST

See my response to your other post. I suspect your gun has been FUBAR'd by previous owners.

14 GT-500 · February 25 2016 02:30:18 PM MST

Hi.
New guy here been watching this forum for 3 months or so been a fan of the 10mm when Colt had there Delta Elite Gold Cup 10mm didn't know which of the Colts to buy @ the time so I bought the .45 Gold Cup instead of the 10mm. Now fast forward to 2015 I had the itch again for A Colt Delta Elite so this past Dec I found a new one and got my early Xmas present, and I have shot it a lot as I have a pistol range in my backyard with all kinds of steel targets and gong's etc etc. Then about a month ago I got the itch to buy another 10mm not that I'm unhappy with the Colt but my son also likes the Delta so much that we just had to have another 1911 10mm so I picked up a new Kimber Ellipse 10mm in Jan.
Now I shoot at least 4 times a week so both guns are getting the rounds put through them plus I reload and have been trying different powders and found out that I like 800x the most and Blue Dot a close 2nd I have a chrono so I also check the casings for pressure like smiley faces.
I have found out that almost all factory ammo is really watered down the Sig seems to be the hottest 10mm to buy off the shelf and that's why I reload or go to Underwood!!
Later. 14 GT-500

Not_A_SEAL · February 25 2016 02:42:49 PM MST

Greetings from Virginia

sqlbullet · February 25 2016 02:54:59 PM MST

Welcome to the forum

The_Shadow · February 25 2016 04:22:54 PM MST

14 GT-500, Welcome to the forum! Yes the Delta's with the lack of chamber support do require careful monitoring for the case expansion! Handloading will help tailor your ammo so that's a big plus!

Not_A_SEAL, also a welcome to the forum as well!

Best regards and hope you all enjoy the forum! ${$default_cheesy_smiley}$

DrDave · February 28 2016 02:15:53 AM MST

I am Dr. David S DeMasi I work as a college educator teaching Astrophysics for the last 12 years. I love to develop rounds and have been employed to develop some rifle loads for the .223 WSSM and the 7MM BR. I have been shooting the 10mm since its introduction by Colt on the BrenTen. My guns I own now are a Glock 20 with a Pyramid trigger assembly and steel guide rod which really makes this gun very nice to shoot. I also have a Kimber Stainless Target II 10MM which is very enjoyable to shoot. I have handguns in all different calibers and styles such as 44 magnum, 357 magnum, .50 S&W, 9mm, 40S&W, 45 acp, 32 acp, .380, 357 sig, 7mmBR, 7MM IHMSA, .223 all of them in handguns (the last three are in Remington XP-100.) and numerous .22 Long rifle pistols. I use to shoot Silhouette Metallics up in Montana using the Smith and Wesson Model 29 Silhouette w/ 10 inch barrel free standing and used my Wichita Arms 7mm IHMSA and the XP 100 7MM BR for creedmore . I use to shoot long range target with my Steyr Mannlicher tactical rifle .300 Win Mag and also my Savage Longranger 22-250. I am in California now and shooting is limited to what range will provide as I am not in Montana anymore. The 10mm I find gives me a challenge to control a high caliber handgun without being as brutal as the Smith and Wesson Model 500 in 50 S&W 10" barrel. I find the 10mm also is pretty good to use on hogs in Northern California. I really enjoy working up loads that provide accuracy as well as enough power to do the job. I find that Accurate Arms powder such as AA #7 , VV 3N37, and HS-6 can work out some very accurate rounds using 180 grain bullets and hunting loads as well. None of the loads are anywhere near maximum pressures as more pressures cause extreme wear on the gun and do nto make for the most accurate loads. Well take care and hope you enjoy your 10mm as it is a very nice gun to shoot. DrDave

hikfromstik · March 07 2016 09:52:52 PM MST

Hey there, newbie 10mm guy here . I'm a huge bolt action guy. I have a couple Remington 700 mid 70's and early 80's year models, New Howa 223, CZ 527 carbine 223, Savage 22 mag and a few other semi-autos , lever marlin and even a Mosin Nagant . I'm also into the AR-15 platform with a recent Anderson rifle Christmas gift I just got a few months ago, but really miss the heavy metal feel of real craftsmanship firearms . This brought me to the colt delta elite. I've always wanted a colt or Springfield 1911 and have been a fan of high power auto's like 10mm, 38 super, or 9x23 win . I've lurched a bit on a few forums before I decided on 10mm firearms. I just bought the Colt delta elite last week and before I ordered the "full loads" I field stripped it to look a the barrel support . Maybe Colt finally fixed them because mine has no case sticking out exept the primer base and rim. I have a pic to put up , but will put it up in another thread that may get more views. I'm really confused because I have seen 0 pics or information online about new supporting barrels on Delta elite's . The barrel is throated just like the others ,but just not near as much. There is a very small "smile" at the bottom , but again much smaller than previous model delta elites . Also I'm having some feeding issues which I believe is from lack of throat in depth. I've done much research online and my conclusion is 1. Colt is improving the barrel ,but are having feeding issues or 2. My barrel is a factory lemon and may need to be throated to correct feeding . I've only shot fmj so far ,so I may be jumping the gun and need to sample more ammo .Either way I've been shooting the Underwood 155gr (1500fps) ammo with zero case bulging because my barrel is very supportive. Please if anyone knows if Colt is redesigning the barrel let me know .Thanks , Hikfromstik