What make of derailleur is this? Is there a shallow groove on the end of the upper arm (cable attach) If there is a groove there ala Sora 8 speed, then the cable goes through that groove before being attached under the screw. This will provide more travel to the front derailleur. If there is no groover, is your cable going undet the part of the screw father from the pivot?

Are you tensioning the cable with the low adjustment screw in the correct position? The cage should just be missing the chain when in the inner chainring/inner rear cog)