Colt Delta Elite experience

[Echo40]

Unfortunately, most factory loaded ammo is 10mm Lite/FBI, and hence has become the norm. Nowadays the real Norma-spec, full-power loads are only offered by Boutique ammo manufacturers such as Buffalo Bore, Underwood, etc.
That's probably why Colt hasn't bothered to upgrade the Delta Elite's barrel, because the vast majority of factory loaded 10mm ammo isn't high pressure enough that the risk of bulged/ruptured cases is a concern, and there are more folks who just shoot factory loaded 10mm Lite/FBI than those who load their own or buy full power ammo.

But yeah, by all means, don't take my word for it, as I don't own a Delta Elite and am just repeating what I've read online while conducting my own research, and admittedly I'm a more cautious fellow so I'm predisposed towards accepting reports of danger rather than chancing it by trusting those who say it's alright because they've done so successfully before.
Also, I'm not in love with the Delta Elite in particular, so choosing another with full chamber support just in case, especially when it's substantially cheaper like the Ruger SR1911, isn't hard for me.

 

[VikingDude]

Unfortunately, most factory loaded ammo is 10mm Lite/FBI, and hence has become the norm. Nowadays the real Norma-spec, full-power loads are only offered by Boutique ammo manufacturers such as Buffalo Bore, Underwood, etc.

That's probably why Colt hasn't bothered to upgrade the Delta Elite's barrel, because the vast majority of factory loaded 10mm ammo isn't high pressure enough that the risk of bulged/ruptured cases is a concern, and there are more folks who just shoot factory loaded 10mm Lite/FBI than those who load their own or buy full power ammo.

That's a good point. I will be going to a trade show in little over a month and I will be sure to ask that question if Colt have any of their engineers there.

But yeah, by all means, don't take my word for it, as I don't own a Delta Elite and am just repeating what I've read online while conducting my own research, and admittedly I'm a more cautious fellow so I'm predisposed towards accepting reports of danger rather than chancing it by trusting those who say it's alright because they've done so successfully before.

Also, I'm not in love with the Delta Elite in particular, so choosing another with full chamber support just in case, especially when it's substantially cheaper like the Ruger SR1911, isn't hard for me.

I will be doing some more research on it, but the main factor that I believe it's safe is that Underwood says all their 10mm ammo is safe to use in the Delta Elite, and the owner of Buffalo Bore personally have a Delta Elite that he use with his own ammunition for publishing the velocity.

I fully understand where you are coming from, but when two reputable manufacturers of full power ammunition says it's safe, I usually take their word on it.

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[Sevens]

I hear what you are saying but those two manufacturers use new brass. If you reload brass that has been weakened near the case head with loads that replicate what Underwood and Beefalo Bore make... let's see what you come up with after the Delta has it's say.

 

[jdlii]

This Delta Elite began its life in blue but, developed some finish issues with its first owner. I acquired it from one of may favorite haunts for $400.00 with an original and an extra magazine, made by Chris McCormick.

It had some bluing issues and was only the second firearm that I have had refinished. The mainspring housing was changed out to a WWII version with a lanyard loop. The sights are Novak nite sights and the grips are VZ operators.

It shoots like a dream and there have never been any any "buldging" issues. This one sees a significant amount of field time and is a pleasure to shoot with the Wilson trigger. It is also my bed time companion.

Like most forum members, with 10mm handguns, I acquired another one. The second one is a 610-2. It can handle any load.

A GREAT round!

 

[oysterer]

I'd stay away. There are way way better 1911s out there as well as other 10mms. Colt will be the bottom feeder in that group. A unfitted parts bin gun with limited accuracy potential for 2x the price for what its worth is my assessment. It does go bang though if thats what you are after.

 

[7tenz]

Got three, well 2 Colt deltas and one SS Enh Delta and a sort of 1911 Double Eagle 10mm.The other is a Kimber Target II 10mm. Being CA I can't have the new edition unless someone ppt's it to me. Got a total of nine 10mms accumulated over 30 years or so. FYI the Kimber has a ramped barrel.

/the Custom Combat 10 has a yellowish electroless nickel finish that didn't come out well in the crappy photos.