Well built reloading dies are a must have for any handloader.
I got a chance to test out great RCBS reloading dies that are at the head of the pack.
When most handloaders talk about reloading dies, the green boxes usually come to mind. RCBS is known around the world for their top notch products and the reloading dies are major players in this equation. Case in point, the RCBS X-Die Small Base Die Set. Here is a look at what this groundbreaking die technology is all about:
Trim a bottleneck case once, and never trim again with the X Die Small Base Die Set, which includes an X Die Sizer and Standard Seater Die. The sizer features a specially designed mandrel with an expander ball and decapping pin attached. The patented design eliminates the need for repeated trimming after an initial trim of .020 inch off the maximum length to standardize the case. The X Die doesn’t shorten the length of the case: The mandrel reduces the growth caused by the case mouth contacting the mandrel during sizing. Because of an extremely close tolerance between the mandrel and die neck wall, the neck wall of the case does not thicken as the case length is pushed back. Cases repeatedly sized in the X-Die will initially grow a few thousandths of an inch, and then stabilize below the maximum case length with no discernable loss of accuracy or case life.
Note: Reloaders who already own a regular set of dies for the chosen caliber need only order the X-Die Small Base Sizer.
- Specially designed mandrel with an expander ball and decapping pin attached
- Doesn’t shorten the length of the case
- Case neck wall does not thicken as the case length is pushed back
- Made in USA
Right away I can tell you that incredible tech goes into making the X-Die sets. The mandrel reducing the growth of the cartridge is literally mind bending to me. No case trimming after an initial .020 trim off the maximum length to standardize the case? That is quite an impressive time saving investment for your future reloads of those casings.
I chose to review the RCBS X-Die Small Base Die Set in the popular .223 Remington caliber due to that ever present caliber literally being everywhere. It’s a military and law enforcement cartridge, along with a great varmint getter and truly a remarkable target and plinking cartridge. Range brass is usually easy to find, and the wise shooter always fills up the pockets with such range bounty.
The RCBS X-Die Small Base Die Set proved to be a great asset at the loading bench while testing as easily predicted from all of my years of reloading with RCBS dies. You just can’t beat the best so why why get anything else?
What about a big boomer? Well maybe you are after big game with the newer caliber, the .450 Bushmaster? Well RCBS has the proper dies for that big bore caliber too!
The RCBS 3-Die Taper Crimp Set is the perfect choice for loading those big “straight walled” cartridges.
The 3-Die Taper Crimp Set is for loading straight-wall cartridges. Its steel Sizer Die sizes the case and de-primes. Note: Cases must be lubricated. The Expander Die expands the case to the proper diameter to accept the bullet, and it imparts case mouth flare/bell for bullet feeding. The Seater Die seats the bullet and taper crimps.
- Features a hardened steel Sizer Die (case lubrication required)
- Expander Die to properly expand case to accept bullets
- Taper Crimp Seat Die for Proper cartridge headspacing
- Comes in a green storage box
- All RCBS dies are machined to exacting tolerances, hardened and finished to the highest standards in the industry
- Made in USA
Reloading the .450 Bushmaster cartridge with the RCBS 3-Die Taper Crimp Set allows for cheaper practice with your big bore rifle and ultimately better loads for your big game needs. Pick your preferred projectile and powder charge. No need to be stuck with commercial rounds. Tailor your loads to your needs.
Whatever caliber you load, RCBS has a die set for you. Be sure to check out their full line of reloading dies, and all of the other great equipment on their website. Settle for nothing but the best!