Paper patched bullets for .50 AE Desert Eagle

[cbates44]

If anyone has info about using paper patched bullets in the .50 Action Express Desert Eagle, I would appreciate your input.  As you may know, cast bullets are verboten in the Desert Eagle because they would plug the gas port in the barrel.  Thanks.

[Castaway]

A couple things to consider.  You'll either need a sizing die to bring the bullet down to about 0.007" from nominal diameter or a source of cast bullets already sized or a custom mould.  I've successfully patched for lever actions so feeding a patched bullet from a magazine should not present much of a problem nor should going up the feed ramp.

[Lone Star]

I'd question the advisability of patched bullets in the violently-feeding Desert Eagle.  This action is much different than what is seen with a lever action.  Then there is still the question of paper particles left blocking the gas ports/system....  

That said, it is a novel way to sidestep the prohibition on CBs if it works.  If the OP is willing to take the monetary risk that it won't work, I'd say go for it.  

[Castaway]

I don't anticipate that the patch would clog the gas system.  The patch should stay together until it hits the end of the barrel where it would break up at the muzzle when it hits the air at the end of the barrel.  If  it doesn't, a minor lapping of the barrel around the gas port should smooth out any rough machining marks that could snag the patch.  In my opinion, the biggest problem would be stripping the round from the magazine and subsequent feeding.  A properly designed bullet with a slightly stepped down ogive that starts beyond the bearing surface,  ala a SWC variant, in a custom designed mould should get away from that too.