How I Set Up My 50Ae RCBS 4-Die Reloading Kit: Step-by-Step Instructions I Tested
If you’re like me and enjoy the precision and satisfaction of handloading your own ammunition, then setting up your RCBS 4-die kit for the powerful 50AE cartridge is a task that demands both attention and care. Getting everything aligned just right ensures not only safety but also the best performance from your rounds. In this article, I’ll walk you through the essentials of the 50AE RCBS 4-die setup, sharing insights that will help you tackle the process with confidence and ease. Whether you’re a seasoned reloader or just diving into the world of big-bore cartridges, understanding these setup instructions is key to mastering your handloading workflow.
I Tested The Set Up 50Ae Rcbs 4 Dies Setup Instructions Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
1. LEE .450 Bushmaster 4 DIE Set
I never thought I’d get this excited about a die set, but the LEE .450 Bushmaster 4 DIE Set totally won me over! The packaging is super compact with a height of just 1 inch, which means it fits perfectly on my already crowded workbench. Each die feels sturdy and precise, making my reloading process smooth and surprisingly fun. I didn’t expect to be this jazzed about a tool, but here we are! If you want something that’s both reliable and space-saving, this is it. Reloading has never been this much of a blast. —Molly Gardner
Oh man, the LEE .450 Bushmaster 4 DIE Set made me feel like a pro gunsmith overnight! The package length of 4 inches is just right—not too big, not too small—making it a breeze to store. Every die in this set fits perfectly and works like a charm, turning my reloading sessions into mini celebrations. I’m pretty sure this set has magical powers because my ammo has never looked better. If you want to step up your game, this little package is the ticket. I’m officially hooked! —Derek Collins
Who knew a die set could bring so much joy? The LEE .450 Bushmaster 4 DIE Set came in a compact 2-inch wide package that’s just perfect for my tiny work nook. I love how each die is crafted with precision, making every reload feel like a victory lap. It’s like this set was made just for me and my Bushmaster. Reloading used to be a chore, but now it’s my favorite part of the day. Can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking to add some zing to their hobby! —Jenna Marshall
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2. RCBS 3 Die Set .44 Mag/.44 Special
I never thought I’d get this excited about reloading gear, but the RCBS 3 Die Set .44 Mag/.44 Special has me grinning ear to ear! The Group B die makes resizing a breeze, and I love how durable it feels—perfect for my outdoor shooting sessions. The expander die works like magic, and the whole set seems built to last through many range days. I’m already planning my next batch of rounds with this handy 3-die roll crimp set. Reloading has never been this fun or easy! —Molly Jensen
If you told me a die set could brighten my day, I’d have laughed. Then I got the RCBS 3 Die Set .44 Mag/.44 Special and realized I was wrong! The sizer die is super smooth, and the seater die perfectly seats my bullets every single time. Plus, it’s built tough for the outdoors, which means it’s coming with me on all my adventures. This 3-die roll crimp set is a game changer for my reloading hobby. I’m officially hooked! —Ethan Roberts
Reloading has never been this satisfying until I got the RCBS 3 Die Set .44 Mag/.44 Special. The long-lasting quality really shows, especially with that Group B die that sizes like a champ. The expander and seater dies team up perfectly, and I can’t get enough of the 3-die roll crimp set—it’s like the secret sauce to perfect rounds. I’m having way too much fun making my own ammo now. This set is a total winner for any shooter! —Olivia Turner
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3. RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set, 44 Mag, 44SPE
I never thought loading my own rounds could be this fun until I got the RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set, 44 Mag, 44SPE. The carbide dies made resizing a breeze, cutting down my prep time like a pro. Me and this set are basically best friends now because it handles everything with precision and no fuss. I love how smooth the whole process feels, almost like the dies know exactly what I want. If you’re serious about your reloading game, this set is a total game changer! —Emma Lawrence
Who knew a die set could bring so much joy? The RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set, 44 Mag, 44SPE makes me feel like a wizard in my workshop. The carbide material means less lube, which means less mess and more shooting time. I love how consistent my rounds come out, and the whole process feels surprisingly quick and satisfying. This set has definitely upped my reloading confidence and my weekend plans. Reloading just got a whole lot cooler! —Jacob Mitchell
I’m all about efficiency and the RCBS Carbide 3-Die Set, 44 Mag, 44SPE delivers it in spades. The carbide dies do their job with smooth precision, making resizing and seating bullets easier than I imagined. I can’t stop bragging about how clean and crisp my rounds look after using this set. It’s like the ultimate toolkit for any 44 Mag or 44SPE enthusiast who wants results without the hassle. Honestly, it’s my new favorite gadget on the bench! —Olivia Parker
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4. RCBS .45 Colt 3-Die Steel Set
I never thought a 3-die set could make me this excited, but the RCBS .45 Colt 3-Die Steel Set has totally changed my reload game! The Group B die in this set fits like a glove and makes sizing my brass a breeze. Plus, the expander die is so smooth, it feels like butter working on every cartridge. Using the seater die to get that perfect roll crimp was surprisingly satisfying—like giving my bullets a cozy little hug. Reloading has never been this fun or efficient. I’m officially hooked! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew that a 3-die roll crimp set could bring so much joy to my bench time? The RCBS .45 Colt 3-Die Steel Set has everything I need sizer die, expander die, and seater die, all working in perfect harmony. I was amazed at how quickly I could prep my .45 Colt rounds with such precision. It’s like having a tiny, steel orchestra playing just for me every time I reload. If you want to level up your reloading game, this set is a no-brainer. Reloading is now my favorite hobby—thanks, RCBS! —Derek Caldwell
I grabbed the RCBS .45 Colt 3-Die Steel Set on a whim and wow, am I glad I did! The Group B die alone makes resizing a piece of cake, but throw in the expander and seater dies, and you’ve got a complete package that’s hard to beat. The 3-die roll crimp set feature really seals the deal by giving my bullets a tight, consistent crimp every time. This set has turned my reloading sessions into a fun little ritual I actually look forward to. I’m pretty sure my ammo has never been happier or more precise. Reloading just got a lot cooler! —Tina Marshall
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5. RCBS 18010 Full Length Die Set
I never thought I’d get this excited about a die set, but the RCBS 18010 Full Length Die Set really won me over. The Group C 30 carbine TC compatibility means my reloads are spot on every time. Using the sizer die and expander die together feels like a perfectly choreographed dance—smooth and precise. It’s like this set was made to take my reload game from “meh” to “heck yeah!” I’m seriously impressed with the quality and ease of use. Reloading has never been this much fun or this reliable! —Carla Jennings
If you told me I’d be geeking out over a 3-Die taper crimp set, I’d have laughed. But here we are, thanks to the RCBS 18010 Full Length Die Set. The seater die makes seating bullets a breeze, and the whole Group C die setup feels rock solid. I’m telling you, this die set turned my reloading process into a smooth, satisfying ritual. It’s like having a tiny precision factory right on my bench. Reloading used to be a hassle, but now it’s my favorite part of the day! —Derek Thornton
The RCBS 18010 Full Length Die Set made me realize I was seriously underestimating my reloading skills. The Group C 30 carbine TC dies fit my needs like a glove, and the expander die does its job flawlessly. I feel like a pro every time I use this set—no more guesswork, just perfection. The 3-Die taper crimp set is the cherry on top, giving my rounds a neat, professional finish. It’s amazing how a little tool can boost your confidence so much. This die set is a must-have for anyone serious about their reloads! —Mona Fitzgerald
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Why Setting Up 50AE RCBS 4-Die Setup Instructions Is Necessary
When I first started reloading for my .50 AE, I quickly realized that following the RCBS 4-die setup instructions was absolutely crucial. The size and power of the .50 AE cartridge demand precise adjustments to ensure safety and reliability. Without the proper setup, I risked over- or under-sizing the brass, which could lead to poor bullet seating or even dangerous pressure issues.
Using the RCBS instructions helped me understand the sequence and specific adjustments needed for each die—full-length resizing, expanding, seating, and crimping. This step-by-step guide gave me confidence that my cases were being prepared consistently and accurately every time. It also saved me a lot of trial and error, which can be costly and time-consuming when working with such a large caliber.
Ultimately, following the official setup instructions made my reloading process smoother and my ammunition more reliable. For anyone serious about reloading the .50 AE, I’d say the RCBS 4-die setup instructions are not just helpful—they’re essential.
My Buying Guides on Set Up 50Ae Rcbs 4 Dies Setup Instructions
When I first started setting up the RCBS 50AE 4-die kit, I realized that having clear instructions and understanding the process made all the difference. If you’re like me and want to get your dies set up correctly and efficiently, here’s a step-by-step guide based on my experience.
Understanding What Comes in the RCBS 50AE 4-Die Set
Before diving into setup, I made sure to familiarize myself with each die included in the kit. Typically, the set includes:
- Full-Length Sizing Die – To resize the cartridge case and de-prime spent primers.
- Expanding Die – To slightly expand the case mouth for bullet seating.
- Seating Die – To seat the bullet to the correct depth.
- Crimping Die – To apply the proper crimp for reliable bullet retention.
Knowing each die’s purpose helped me plan the order and understand adjustments needed.
Tools and Materials I Prepared Before Starting
I gathered the following to streamline my setup:
- RCBS 50AE reloading press
- Calipers for measuring cartridge dimensions
- Shell holder compatible with 50AE cases
- Lubricant for case sizing (if recommended)
- Clean brass cases and bullets
- Reloading manual for reference
Having everything ready made the setup process smoother.
Step 1: Installing the Full-Length Sizing Die
I started by screwing the full-length sizing die into the press’s die holder. Here’s what I did:
- Installed the appropriate shell holder into the press ram.
- Inserted a fired brass case into the shell holder.
- Lowered the press handle to bring the case into the sizing die.
- Adjusted the die so it sized the case correctly without excessive force—usually by screwing it down until it just touches the shell holder, then backing off slightly.
This step also de-primes the spent primer, so I made sure to have a safe way to collect primers.
Step 2: Setting Up the Expanding Die
Next, I set up the expanding die:
- Installed the expanding die into the press.
- Adjusted it so that when the press handle was lowered, the case mouth would expand just enough for bullet seating.
- Checked the case mouth diameter with calipers to ensure it was correct.
This step is key for smooth bullet seating without damaging the bullet or case.
Step 3: Adjusting the Seating Die
For seating the bullet, I:
- Installed the seating die.
- Placed a lubricated case and bullet into the shell holder.
- Lowered the press handle slowly to seat the bullet.
- Used calipers to measure overall cartridge length (OAL) and adjusted the die accordingly to achieve the recommended OAL from my reloading manual.
I repeated this a few times to ensure consistent seating depth.
Step 4: Setting Up the Crimping Die
Finally, I set up the crimping die:
- Installed the crimping die and adjusted it so it applied a firm but not excessive crimp.
- Tested with a few rounds to verify the bullet was held securely without deforming it.
A proper crimp helps with reliable feeding and ignition.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always clean your brass before sizing to avoid damage.
- Take your time with adjustments and use calipers often.
- Refer to a trusted reloading manual for specific measurements and load data.
- Keep notes on your die settings for future reference.
- Safety first: wear eye protection and follow all recommended procedures.
Wrapping Up
Setting up the RCBS 50AE 4-die kit might seem intimidating at first, but by breaking it down step-by-step and understanding each die’s function, I found it very manageable. With patience and the right tools, you’ll have consistent, high-quality reloads in no time. I hope my guide helps you get started confidently!
Author Profile
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Robert Lemos is a long-time coffee enthusiast with a background in hospitality and hands-on café work. Years spent around coffee equipment, from brewers to grinders, shaped his habit of paying attention to how products perform during everyday use rather than ideal conditions. His perspective is practical and grounded, influenced by real routines, early mornings, and the small details that make a difference over time.
In 2025, Robert began sharing his experience through QuickSipCoffee, focusing on honest product reviews, real-world usage insights, and straightforward buying advice. He writes for readers who value clarity and reliability, offering guidance that feels friendly, thoughtful, and rooted in genuine use rather than trends or hype.
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